90 K Maintenance And Leaking Water Pump Story

[kurtk]

Howdy Gang!

Took my 1999 GS 400 with 86,000 miles into the Toyota Dealer. Orginally was just going to get a tune up after reading countless threads about the pros and cons of doing a "major maintence". Change out the water pump with the timing belt?..no they last a long time ..why replace a good part...etc. Opted to get the timing belt and water pump done and requested the serpentine belt as well. Orginal estimate for t belt, water pump, and tune up was $1,090. Not too bad I thought. Got a call a few hours later with the news the water pump was leaking(they took pictures on a cell phone) so it was a good call to have included that. Also said I had heavy build up of carbon and crap in the fuel injector system and throttle something or other ($65) to clean that up. They said tensioner belt and idler pulleys not noisey but my call as to whether to change them out too( sure why not what's another 2-300$) as long as they have my baby torn apart. Asked about cam seals and was advised those don't often leak and if a seals sealing ..leave well enough alone ( so I did). Final bill $1619. All OEM parts new plugs yada, yada. Service manager also advised against Toyota Red antifreeze as it has salt in it that will actually hasten leaks even though I read threads by people praising it's vitures as a great lubricator and protectant. So that's my story. Glad I didn't wait another year or 10,000 miles even though the car was running perfectly. I had bought it last year and had only sckety service records on it. So I figure ( hope!) i'm good for another 10 yrs of happy trouble free hauling !Removed!! B)

[sakataj]

congrats, dont know about another 10 years but congrats. i just did mine awhile ago and figured itmade sense while i was in there to replace the water pump too.

brian

[gabep]

Which dealer? I am in San Diego also.

[lexuseng]

Howdy Gang!

Took my 1999 GS 400 with 86,000 miles into the Toyota Dealer. Orginally was just going to get a tune up after reading countless threads about the pros and cons of doing a "major maintence". Change out the water pump with the timing belt?..no they last a long time ..why replace a good part...etc. Opted to get the timing belt and water pump done and requested the serpentine belt as well. Orginal estimate for t belt, water pump, and tune up was $1,090. Not too bad I thought. Got a call a few hours later with the news the water pump was leaking(they took pictures on a cell phone) so it was a good call to have included that. Also said I had heavy build up of carbon and crap in the fuel injector system and throttle something or other ($65) to clean that up. They said tensioner belt and idler pulleys not noisey but my call as to whether to change them out too( sure why not what's another 2-300$) as long as they have my baby torn apart. Asked about cam seals and was advised those don't often leak and if a seals sealing ..leave well enough alone ( so I did). Final bill $1619. All OEM parts new plugs yada, yada. Service manager also advised against Toyota Red antifreeze as it has salt in it that will actually hasten leaks even though I read threads by people praising it's vitures as a great lubricator and protectant. So that's my story. Glad I didn't wait another year or 10,000 miles even though the car was running perfectly. I had bought it last year and had only sckety service records on it. So I figure ( hope!) i'm good for another 10 yrs of happy trouble free hauling !Removed!! B)

This ought to make all the weekend mechanics out there very happy. Just did everything mentioned here for $450 in parts (including new thermostat, lower hose, air filter), OEM parts from Irontoad. A weekend mechanic could make between $100 and $200/hr doing this job! Sure beats the minimum wage I normally make working on cars. I guess it helps to be working on a Lex though.

[kurtk]

Howdy Gang!

Took my 1999 GS 400 with 86,000 miles into the Toyota Dealer. Orginally was just going to get a tune up after reading countless threads about the pros and cons of doing a "major maintence". Change out the water pump with the timing belt?..no they last a long time ..why replace a good part...etc. Opted to get the timing belt and water pump done and requested the serpentine belt as well. Orginal estimate for t belt, water pump, and tune up was $1,090. Not too bad I thought. Got a call a few hours later with the news the water pump was leaking(they took pictures on a cell phone) so it was a good call to have included that. Also said I had heavy build up of carbon and crap in the fuel injector system and throttle something or other ($65) to clean that up. They said tensioner belt and idler pulleys not noisey but my call as to whether to change them out too( sure why not what's another 2-300$) as long as they have my baby torn apart. Asked about cam seals and was advised those don't often leak and if a seals sealing ..leave well enough alone ( so I did). Final bill $1619. All OEM parts new plugs yada, yada. Service manager also advised against Toyota Red antifreeze as it has salt in it that will actually hasten leaks even though I read threads by people praising it's vitures as a great lubricator and protectant. So that's my story. Glad I didn't wait another year or 10,000 miles even though the car was running perfectly. I had bought it last year and had only sckety service records on it. So I figure ( hope!) i'm good for another 10 yrs of happy trouble free hauling !Removed!! B)

This ought to make all the weekend mechanics out there very happy. Just did everything mentioned here for $450 in parts (including new thermostat, lower hose, air filter), OEM parts from Irontoad. A weekend mechanic could make between $100 and $200/hr doing this job! Sure beats the minimum wage I normally make working on cars. I guess it helps to be working on a Lex though.

Yeah but I've got clean finger nails and someone to back too if something :D f's up. I went to a newer Toyota place in Santee by Fanita and Mission Gorge. Good guys