FMN

Man seems it is a fair sized job ask for shop time/cost cause its about a 6 hr job, I would look around for a decent mechanic that knows about the SC400 cause $600 is more reasonable including a rebuilt starter but $845 is way outta wack man. It may only be the solenoid or loose cable or bolts, I would lean towards the solenoid which sometimes just giving it a good wack can unjam it...if your not needing to drive it, ask around the Lexus sites n try to find a fair mechanic in your area. Also make sure your power steering pump isn't leaking cause it is above your alternator and the SC400 is renowned for leaking power steering fluid onto the alternator and a double hit in the wallet for ya....it happened to me these cars are reliable but $$$ when having to take into a shop..... anyhow here is somethings to review http://www.ehow.com/how_7681223_change-starter-1992-lexus-sc400.html http://www.lextreme.com/starter.html AutoZone may help to first determine if it is the starter? http://www.clublexus.com/forums/performance-and-maintenance/264415-time-to-replace-sc400-starter-alternator.html Average National Costs Starter Replacement https://repairpal.com/estimator/lexus/sc400/starter-replacement-cost Rebuilt Replacement Starter cost Seattle area.... http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Starter/01920/C0330.oap?year=1992&make=Lexus&model=SC400&vi=1187614

Sounds like the starter is staying engaged so you should not continue to run it otherwise more damage can occur, best bet is to see whether the starter is loose (bolts may have loosened up and leaving the starter on a bad angle). If it is not loose, chances are it needs to be replaced or rebuilt, it may be possible it is only the solenoid which signals the starter to engage and disengage ...... I am currently in California on holidays (just bought a door panel and some rims for the 97) will be travelling back to BC next week if I have time I can stop and have a look but not much to be done if the solenoid or starter is gone, pick n pull may have one....when you do things yourself costs drop big time....if you buy one from a junk yard and have a mechanic remove the old one and put in the used one it would still be cheaper than him getting you one, most give some sort of warranty..... http://www.picknpull.com/check_inventory.aspx

As it only does it occasionally...

I have a 1997 SC400 and the rattle sounds really like a tin vibration, no way it is the starter because it is usually after the car starts and is cold, I think it may be either the catalytic converter or a skid plate protecting the exhaust which sometimes vibrates but I am not a 100% sure.... is your rattle more like tin vibrating (perhaps the interior of the catalytic converter is burnt out but I do not think so as it only doesn't occasionally?) Please let me know if you solve it or if someone gives a reason better than the starter....

Hey Brandon, Tried out the Power Switch and yup goes to redline before shifting into the next gear, road was a little damp and just starting spinning the tires before getting enough traction to get out of the gate....must be something wrong with yours if it isn't taking it up to 6200 RPM before shifting into the next gear.....

Yes I am interested in the Tires and Wheels all in good shape? How much tread on the winters is left? I live in Canada any idea on shipping costs?

I have a 1997 that is just going through an inspection, I will try the different positions and we can compare the differences soudn ok, will get back to you in about a week...