sc400 reservoir question
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: WA
sc400 reservoir question
Ok, so i bought my Sc400 about two months ago from a local dealer. It was a real project, headlights were out, some body damage, window regulators shot, gauges not lit up, stereo grimlens, etc.. And i've searched CL and have found basically all the info to fix pretty much everything, all the common problems. And I love it!! The sc is by a far the best car I've owned(coming from a 240sx/300zx background)
But the one thing I've been having issues with is the heater. I know that the Heater Control Valve does fail, and that it can be fixed, at least temporarily, by switching the vaccum lines. Well, I did that to now avail. Before I had done that, I had topped off the coolant, which didnt work either. But now, after it warms up, tada, heat! So, i drove it around for about 30min, just wafting in the sweet ambiance of warmth, when I come to stop, and smoke is coming out from the right side of the hood. Whenever my Sc warms up, it starts steaming up. Does this mean there's a crack in the reservoir, or did I fill to much, or did switching the vacuum lines do this? I've been driving it around for 3 months now, and never had any steaming problems. Thanks.
But the one thing I've been having issues with is the heater. I know that the Heater Control Valve does fail, and that it can be fixed, at least temporarily, by switching the vaccum lines. Well, I did that to now avail. Before I had done that, I had topped off the coolant, which didnt work either. But now, after it warms up, tada, heat! So, i drove it around for about 30min, just wafting in the sweet ambiance of warmth, when I come to stop, and smoke is coming out from the right side of the hood. Whenever my Sc warms up, it starts steaming up. Does this mean there's a crack in the reservoir, or did I fill to much, or did switching the vacuum lines do this? I've been driving it around for 3 months now, and never had any steaming problems. Thanks.
Where is the steam coming from? Where is the resevoir filled 2? You may have had the same problem I did about 2 months... On the top of the resevoir there are 2 wires that are covered by a rubber cap and going done into the resevoir. Mine was leaking there. There is a small washer down below this rubber cap, and it spits out antifreeze all around the resevoir and sometimes on the engine causing steam. Check that first. You will have to pull up on it, but be careful. it will come out. The seal maybe wore out and cant take the pressure build up causing it to leak out. This may NOT be your problem.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: WA
The steam seemed to be coming from around that area. There was no coolant spitting out though. It just steamed up from either under the reservoir or from the rubber capped piece. And the reservoir is filled to the top.
I believe you have over filled it. Look on the side of the resevoir and see if you see where it says FULL... Get the level there and go for a ride or simply get the motor up to normal operating temp. See if you can see the coolant coming out there. You may have simply overfilled it. If not, and its still coming out at the proper level, then the I betcha that seal below the cap is broken or wore out and cant handle the pressure anymore. I will try and find the link to resolve the issue and forward it to you and post it...
I found it and here you go.... I hope this solves your problem...
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=53524
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=53524
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