AppleJack

I've got the same car - same year .. and have had that same problem .. sorry to say I don't have a solution for you. Mine seems to be intermittent and actually hasn't had that problem for a while ... I checked the coolant level to make sure that wasn't related. Good luck and I'll stay tuned to the responses you get ...

.... and make sure you use a good tool to lock on firmly on the nut. When I did mine - I was ultra careful that I had a good solid grip before putting a lot of force to torque it off. Achieving the torque is tricky too - like using an extension on the tool, or maybe leverage off of something else .. I forget now - but just make sure you don't mangle that bolt head ... good luck... ps. .. maybe spray on the penetrating fluid several times a day for a few days before hand ....

I think it keeps my engine clean and dry even after 13 years!! However it's starting to get all chewed up and the holes are tearing towards the edges after being serviced inappropriately ... I'm at the point where I might buy a 1/8" sheet of aluminum - maybe 24" x 36" and build a 1 of a kind aluminum cover. I think I can do it - with a few machinist contacts ... the materials may cost $100 canadian but it'll last forever and it'll still be alot cheaper than the dealers price of $240 ....

That's a very good list - and all true. I'd add the cracking of the vent ducts when the car is hot after being baked in the sun - and upon starting the A/C is cranked on full. By the way - I forgot about the wet floorpan between the passenger seat and the rear seat passenger side... Thanks for reminding me and - what did you do about it?

Does anyone know a aftermarket supplier for the large plastic cover under the engine? The dealers cost is $240 in Canada - and that's way too much for it's purpose.

I would keep the car. Everywhere I read owners praise the car. If you just spent $5K on it - it sounds like a good deal of work was done to it and it's probably mechanically good for another 100K. On the other hand - you know Lexus - their parts aren't cheap - not even justifiable - and the smallest item can cost big bucks. Headlights in Canada are over $600 ... Alternator $950 ...etc I'm kinda in the same boat as you - and will keep it. I heard when this car was launched Toyota put a ridiculous amount of care and quality into it to compete with Mercedes. The paint on mine is fantastic. As a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry - you wouldn't believe some of the short cuts they take nowadays. The car is well designed, very classy looking, and comfortable with only a few notable quarks... Hope this helps!

I've read bits and pieces on the leaking coolant tank - but haven't seen any pics or links on how to replace it. The tank looks good and strong but the rubber cap on top which holds something in place allows the red coolant to leak out. Does anyone have a schematic of this thing? Dealer wants over $300 - but I'd rather fix it myself... thanks

about 4 or 5 years ago - but I replaced the spark plugs and wires ... (maybe it's time to revist the dealer to have it checked out - although I don't trust them a whole lot ...)

After JDOWEN2's instructions - I got in there ok - but then as you suggested .... no filter? Is that because it wasn't replaced or one doesn't exist? I've called the dealer and I'm heading off to pick one up for $50 ...

Has anyone noticed any light engine knock (pinging) on their 92 SC400? I use the hi grade fuel and under light acceleration - mainly at higher speeds I can hear the onset of this condition. Let me know what you did to fix it. thanks.

Hello, I've read all around about the musty smell on the SC400s. Apparently changing the A/C filter is the solution - but I can't find exactly where this filter is situated on my 92 model. Does anyone have details on where and how to get to it? thank you.