Ondro1977

I managed to rule out thermostat... gas mileage did not improve and after start I smell gasoline from exhaust that mostly disappear after vehicle warm up... still feels like it is running on waaay too rich fuel. Fuel economy in the city is still not better than 14-15MPG and i am very lightfooted driver.

Hi guys, here is 3 month old owner of 1997 Lexus LS 400 Base with 150 000 miles. That means I have same car as 1995, 1996. It is 1UZ-FE 8cyl 32valve 4litre.. it is NOT VVT-i(1998-2000) Variable valve timing engine---just to be clear. I have very similar issue about car heating up slowly and temperature gauge NEVER reaching mid point. My average city used to be no more than 13 MPG ,and I am extremely light footed. I recently changed oil (Quaker state mineral- 5W-30)FRAM extended mileage oil filter, PUROLATOR air filter, and most importantly DENSO spark plug wire set and DENSO Platinum TT Plugs. Wires were still original 1996 and plugs (especially two on both sides close to cabin Rusted!!) Since then, It feels like car is more civilized and looks like fuel economy slightly improved to 15 MPG in the city. but car still takes long time to warm up and I also believe it is related with fuel economy,that with my style of driving should be at least 17 MPG. Is it: 1) bad temperature sensor fooling ECU? 2)rusted or stuck up cooling system( needed flush)? 3)stuck up open thermostat? 4)cooling fan working constantly (faulty on/off switch??) or any other issue I am not aware of?? I would really appreciate reliable help on this subject

What on earth..is Cadillac converter???? :chairshot: