98 Gs 300 Old Problem Leads To New Problem

[bc417win]

Brought my car in for service when I noticed the VSC and VSC OFF Warning Lights on, after my car had been displaying noticeable vibration when idling. My usual mechanic hooked my car up to the machine, and told me that I had a misfire in Cyllinder#6. I asked him why my Check Engine Light did not go on, and after some investigating, he told me that someone had pulled that bulb out (I bought this car with 36K miles on it from Lexus of Norwood in MA as a Pre Owned Certified). After doing some fishing around, they told me that the Valve covers were leaking, and oil condensation had gotten on my ignition wires and onto one of my sparkplugs, so they would need to replace the sparkplug, wires, and valve covers. After spending almost $400 (ended up replacing all six plugs), this did not do the trick. They then tried a fuel injector cleaner, which was to no avail, and now the car ran worse and vibrated when accelerating and idling.

I brought the car back the next day, and after further investigation, they told me that I had RUST in my gas tank which had contaminated the fuel line, rail, filter, and the injectors, especially Number 6. So..... after spending another $1900 to get the tank replaced, the line replaced, a new rail fabricated, and the injectors reconditioned, as well as getting a different (used) fuel pump, I got my car back.

While the car is running fine, my car now has issues starting when it sits for over two hours. My car will wind, and either start after extended winding on the first try, or I will have to try a second time in order to start. If I then start the car again in less than an hour, it has no problems starting. They tried re-installing my old fuel pump which they had cleaned, thinking the used one that they had installed was no good. Again, to no avail.

Does anyone have any suggestions??? This car has 126K miles on it, but I have always taken great care of this car and I always keep it in immaculate condition. I'm also wondering after spending almost $2700 (includes rental), should I just say "Goodbye" to my beloved Lexus? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

THanks

[TurboGS300]

Sounds like it still not geting fuel, maybe the new fuel lines too close to something hot and it's evaporatiog the fuel? Is there a pressure port near the intake to check for fuel? I'd take it back to whoever did the work, sounds like you're getting the run around <_<

[monarch]

Have you been using a name brand premium gasoline for the past 100,000 miles?

If not, there's one possible source of the problem

Has a Lexus dealer or Lexus specialty shop been working on this fuel delivery problem or an ordinary independent shop mechanic? If the latter, independent shop mechanic are notorious for lacking Toyota / Lexus specific troubleshooting experience.

[bc417win]

Have you been using a name brand premium gasoline for the past 100,000 miles?

If not, there's one possible source of the problem

Has a Lexus dealer or Lexus specialty shop been working on this fuel delivery problem or an ordinary independent shop mechanic?  If the latter, independent shop mechanic are notorious for lacking Toyota / Lexus specific troubleshooting experience.

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I take it to a Lexus Specialty shop, and have been going to this same guy for the past 6 years. He was the head mechanic at the local Lexus dealership prior to opening his own business. I had to drop the car off again tonight for them to put a fuel pressure gauge on tomorrow, which means I had to pay for another rental. Will my misery ever end? Up until this point, never had a problem with my car except for usual high mileage stuff.

[GuyTelefunken]

Since I'm too lazy to crawl under the car, does anyone know if the tank on a 1998 is plastic or metal? I seem to think it's plastic. Therefore, replacing the tank (as well as other parts) for a "rust" problem as opposed to removing and cleaning them seems like a bit much for a possible solution to your problem. It sounds like your mechanic is taking shots in the dark.

[SRK]

A prolonged cranking condition on a hot start is very often fuel pressure related. If the check valve does not maintain fuel pressure long enough the liquid fuel vaporizes, causing the system to have to purge the vapour before enough liquid fuel reaches the injectors. The contaminated fuel may have damaged the check valve - normally in the fuel pump in many cars. I am sure that's why they want to put a pressure gauge on the system and check for residual pressure drop.

Once the car is fixed, it will be fine. Stick it out, and don't jump ship yet.

This isn't an octane problem, that's for sure.

[bc417win]

A prolonged cranking condition on a hot start is very often fuel pressure related.  If the check valve does not maintain fuel pressure long enough the liquid fuel vaporizes, causing the system to have to purge the vapour before enough liquid fuel reaches the injectors.  The contaminated fuel may have damaged the check valve - normally in the fuel pump in many cars.  I am sure that's why they want to put a pressure gauge on the system and check for residual pressure drop.

Once the car is fixed, it will be fine.  Stick it out, and don't jump ship yet.

This isn't an octane problem, that's for sure.

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Mechanic just contacted me after putting the pressure gauge on the system. Said the readings were fine. He said after letting it sit overnight, it started right up, but then when testing it an hour and half later, it had trouble starting. So now....

it appears to have changed course and the longer it sits the easier it starts!!!!

Will they ever find the problem???!!!

[bc417win]

A prolonged cranking condition on a hot start is very often fuel pressure related.  If the check valve does not maintain fuel pressure long enough the liquid fuel vaporizes, causing the system to have to purge the vapour before enough liquid fuel reaches the injectors.  The contaminated fuel may have damaged the check valve - normally in the fuel pump in many cars.  I am sure that's why they want to put a pressure gauge on the system and check for residual pressure drop.

Once the car is fixed, it will be fine.  Stick it out, and don't jump ship yet.

This isn't an octane problem, that's for sure.

←

Mechanic just contacted me after putting the pressure gauge on the system. Said the readings were fine. He said after letting it sit overnight, it started right up, but then when testing it an hour and half later, it had trouble starting. So now....

it appears to have changed course and the longer it sits the easier it starts!!!!

Will they ever find the problem???!!!

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Sorry for the misinformation. Just found out there has been a residual drop in the fuel line pressure as the car sits. For some reason, the mechanic replaced the Fuel Filter, and said he tested it for a day and that it was now "fine". However, after I left his shop, I let it sit for about 1 and 1/2 hours and the car was winding as I tried to start it and I again needed to press the gas pedal in order for it to start. Does anyone have any ideas?? :cries: :chairshot:

[TurboGS300]

Pressing or pumping the gas pedal really does nothing on a fuel injected vehicle, except let more air in. B) So, there is a pressure drop. Check for leaks or routing of the gas line to close to any exhaust components. Also check the check valve SRK mentioned.

[bc417win]

Pressing or pumping the gas pedal really does nothing on a fuel injected vehicle, except let more air in. B)  So, there is a pressure drop. Check for leaks or routing of the gas line to close to any exhaust components. Also check the check valve SRK mentioned.

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No worries anymore. I have gotten rid of the car!

[Ribbler]

No worries anymore. I have gotten rid of the car!

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You sold it? Too bad - I'm in the market. Mind if I ask the price you sold it for?

[indiasfinest]

as i was reading this forum i was going to suggest selling the car lol. what car did u buy instead. "Mind if I ask the price you sold it for?" good decision get back to us. good luck with ur new car