Help! Need part number for coolant inlet plug (bolt)

[fresnoLS400]

I spent numerous hours online trying to find out where I can order the coolant filler plug.  I went to the lexus dealership a few times and each time they can't find the part or the part is wrong. 

My initial issue was the water pump going bad and so I had a friend do a water pump, timing belt, and coolant hoses service.  Everything was going great until a few days later I notice the temperature gauge keeps getting higher.  so I thought there was air bubble in the system.  So I tried to bleed the system numerous time.  Finally i checked the hose and there was a cut in the hose and that was the problem.  Coolant would slowly leak out from that little cut.  

I replaced the hoses and thermostat after that.  Now my problem is to fill up the coolant.  The coolant filler plug was already stripped and I try using other methods to loosen it up.  My last resort is to use a metal chisel to strike it and hopefully break the bolt loose.  Before i do that, I need the replacement plug.  

So anyone out there that has ordered one before or have the part number, pls lmk.   

[LSPaul]

Ooo. Not fun, and yes, it sounds like there's air trapped there in the throttle body and upper hose connection.  I'd start with a pair of locking pliers ("Vise-Grip") on the outside of the filler bolt head and see if you can get it off that way. Once there, fill the cooling system from that opening and that should take care of your air bubble/overheat issues.

From what I could look up on Lexus parts sites (the diagrams aren't the easiest to read), so it looks like that filler bolt part number should be 90341-20012, and the washer/gasket below that should be 90430-20017.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Paul

[fresnoLS400]

On 4/19/2018 at 3:33 PM, LSPaul said:

Ooo. Not fun, and yes, it sounds like there's air trapped there in the throttle body and upper hose connection.  I'd start with a pair of locking pliers ("Vise-Grip") on the outside of the filler bolt head and see if you can get it off that way. Once there, fill the cooling system from that opening and that should take care of your air bubble/overheat issues.

From what I could look up on Lexus parts sites (the diagrams aren't the easiest to read), so it looks like that filler bolt part number should be 90341-20012, and the washer/gasket below that should be 90430-20017.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Paul

Hey Paul,

Thanks so much for the part number.  It looks more promising than the ones I been looking at online.  I will for sure drop by the dealer ship to order the part.  

I miss driving this car lols.  can't wait to get it back up and running. 

[fresnoLS400]

Finally got the parts I needed to get the LS400 back on the road.

Thanks to Paul for the part numbers.

$11.40 for Plug Bolt (part no. 90341-20012)
$5.10 for the Gasket (part no. 90430-20017)

I could had ordered the parts online and it will be half the cost but I needed it asap.  Lexus delivered it in one day. 

#lexus #lexusls400 #coolantplug #inletplug

[fresnoLS400]

So since the bolt was stripped, I went on youtube and found a video where the guy showed the method of using a chisel to break loose the bolt.  
I went to Harbor freight and bought these chisel set for $4.99 and a hammer for $4.00 (on sale items).  

I sharpen up the edge a bit on the chisel and tap a few hits into the bolt to create a groove for the big hit in order to break it loose.  **Be extra careful by only hitting the bolt and not the neck of the inlet!!!

once i got it loose, I went ahead and fill up the coolant from there.  Put in the new bolt and washer.  All set to go!

By now there was hella air bubbles in the system.  So much air trapped in the system, i can hear gurgle noises in the heater core.  So this is what I did. 

(took me two days of bleeding air since I work late and come home to do this before the sun goes down)

1. after filing up the coolant through the inlet plug. Close it up.
2. fill halfway in the reservoir tank
3. start engine, turn on heater full blast.
4. once car warms up..start tapping the hoses
5. bubbles will start coming out and you can see it in the reservoir
6. don't let the reservoir go emtpy.  Slowly fill little by little. don't over fill because it will start bubbling out!
7. keep tapping  and squeezing the lower hose and adding coolant
8.  depend on  your situation...it can be a quick one or a two day thing lols!

good luck!

my car is no longer over heating or the temp. gauge is no longer going up and down.  

now time to put insurance on it and take off non op ---start driving.