91 Ls400 Starter Replacement And ?

[godpossessed]

I am getting the starter replaced today. It has been grinding for 2 years now upon engagement. What other items should be addressed while the intake is off for the starter work?

thanks

Mark

[curiousB]

Make sure it has a new solenoid with it (specifically the contactor plate and contact points). That tends to go faster than the motor itself. Given it's major surgery to replace it you don't want to be going in again because they skimped by using the old solenoid. Use new gaskets on intake manifold too. Not a good idea to reuse old ones as you'll have vacuum leaks which create erratic engine running.

[godpossessed]

Make sure it has a new solenoid with it (specifically the contactor plate and contact points). That tends to go faster than the motor itself. Given it's major surgery to replace it you don't want to be going in again because they skimped by using the old solenoid. Use new gaskets on intake manifold too. Not a good idea to reuse old ones as you'll have vacuum leaks which create erratic engine running.

thanks mucho

[landar]

Mark,

You will want new gasket material for the manifold and perhaps some new rubber hose for any vacuum-type lines that may have become brittle with age/heat.

I guess you could clean the throttle body while you have it somewhat exposed. And you might want to pull the valve covers and check the valve clearances if (and only if) you have been hearing excessive tappet noise.

So, can you describe this starter grinding noise in more detail? Maybe starter bearings are excessively noisy?

[AndyLowe]

Please see this link. It's currently on page 8 of this Forum and has been buried with time but is most helpful. Make sure you look at the photos.

Andy

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64793