jdk_dan

I finished the job of replacing the water pump and timing belt last night and was excited that it started right up and we did not detect any leaks. I was really worried whether I had the everything lined up right with the timing, but I guess I did. Overall it took me about 14 hours or so. I did the majority myself, with some help from my daughters boyfriend, and it was really not that difficult (assuming you are mechanically inclined). I took my time as suggested and put the nuts/bolts in plastic bags and taped to each part. I only had one real problem: there are 3 bolts on the water pump that have nuts half way on the bolt. They screw into the water pump, and something else attaches to the end of the bolt. Anyway, I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION to which holes these 3 bolts went to, so I guessed when I put them back. I ended up breaking one of the bolts, leaving a good part of it in the water pump. So if you tackle this job, BE SURE to note where those 3 bolts with the nuts came from. I am just hoping that it is broke off in a position that it will hold the water pump in place. Anyway a big thanks to all who gave me advice. JADECUIR, THUAN, FLANKER. The pictorials were great.

Started the job tonight after work and was satisfied with the progress. I got to the point of removing the bolt from the crankshaft pulley. I had the timing mark lined up at "0" and both cam shafts lined up, but when I had the impact wrench on the crankshaft pulley, it move the pulley about a half a turn. Do I need to worry about getting it back on "0" before I take the pulley off? I appreciate your advice. Dan

If you are going to have help, I don't recommend doing the job in shifts, with one person removing parts, and another installing. Especially if it's the first time. It sounds like a surefire way to finish up with a jar-full of leftover bolts, etc. Alot of parts come off the car, in a particular order, and trying to remember what you -yourself took off in - what - order is hard enough. Take your time, and reduce distractions to a minimum. ← Good point! I put a tranny in my son's Mazda MX3 a few months ago and I had about a dozen plastic cups that I labeled with where the bolts/nuts/etc came from. Believe it or not, I did not have any parts left over!! But this will definately be a new experience. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again. Dan

Thanks to all of you. I guess I am gonna go for it starting Friday night. I work FRI-MON during the days, but will work on it at night, and maybe the boys can do some things during the day while I am at work. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again, Dan

Thanks to both of you! That is very detailed. Looks like a lot of work! Do you know if you can replace the water pump without removing all the stuff to replace the timing belt? Thanks again, Dan

My daughter's boyfreind has a 92 LS400 and water is shooting out of the top of the water pump. I have read through the forums, and it seems as though everyone talks about changing the timing belt and water pump at the same time. Is that required? I enjoy working on cars and have changed several water pumps, but I have never worked on a Lexus. And I cannot find a Chiltons or Haynes for this car. I want to try and save him some money, but don't want to get it torn apart and run into something that we have to get it towed and end up costing him more than if he had taken it to the shop in the first place. Is changing the water pump pretty straight forward, or is there some things that are tricky and require experience working on a Lexus. Also, he said his temp gauge is not working. I saw what looks like the temp sensor on top of the thermostat housing. It has two vaccum hose fittings that are broke. Is that the sending unit? If so, which hose goes on top and which one on the bottom. The vaccum hoses are there and plugged with screws. I appreciate any advice that anyone can provide. Thanks much in advance. Dan

My daughter's boyfreind has a 92 LS400 and water is shooting out of the top of the water pump. I have read through the forums, and it seems as though everyone talks about changing the timing belt and water pump at the same time. Is that required? I enjoy working on cars and have changed several water pumps, but I have never worked on a Lexus. And I cannot find a Chiltons or Haynes for this car. I want to try and save him some money, but don't want to get it torn apart and run into something that we have to get it towed and end up costing him more than if he had taken it to the shop in the first place. Is changing the water pump pretty straight forward, or is there some things that are tricky and require experience working on a Lexus. Also, he said his temp gauge is not working. I saw what looks like the temp sensor on top of the thermostat housing. It has two vaccum hose fittings that are broke. Is that the sending unit? If so, which hose goes on top and which one on the bottom. The vaccum hoses are there and plugged with screws. I appreciate any advice that anyone can provide. Thanks much. Dan