99lsguy

Does it have a small scale above the tension pulley - with arrow/dial, etc...? If so, then you may need a new tensioner........ Call a local Lexus parts guy and investigate.

Jzz30 has an SC400 ps rebuild in the workshop tutorials.............

Blake, Sorry to hear the news............. I've got no clue on $$$ but: maybe you could get the hood repainted & blended too!!

TTL, What year is your LS? Mine is 99 and basically has an "automatic tensioner". The tensioner should have an arrow pointing between a scale on top - the needle should fall within the widest area (A). If not, replace the belt. A new belt should keep the arrow towards the Left side of the scale. The check for the tensioner is to: apply 22 ft lbs of force on the drive belt and see if the tensioner moves downward - if not, replace tensioner........ These are 99LS specs........ BTW- The drive belt tension can be released by turning the belt tensioner Counterclockwise; the pulley bolt has a left-handed thread. 99

I think the MAF sensor (malfunction or bad connection) wouldn't allow the car to start............ Does it ever smell like it's flooding out?

plug wires are all different lengths to match the "reach" to each plug from the rotor ???? So they are correct.....? And correctly matched in the rotor?? Could this have hosed the timing..........? I'm just throwing out ideas -- not trying say you've missed something :o

I agree totally with your statement BMan!!. My engine is cleaner (internally) due to the amsoil. There used to be light yellow film on the dipstick and the lifters (looking closely with flashlight)........now its all gone and shiny clean!!! Several LS400 users use Amsoil and go 10k to 25K on an oil change (just the filter every 6 months or 12.5k miles). The oil gets very dirty but protects just fine!!! I change my Amsoil 5-30w every 5 k.......... Use toyota filter (oil and air)

Tell me about it!!!! trying to find a 93-6 LS 400 that is priced correctly is going to make me nutz... I have an crazy dealer here Hendrick Lexus that wants almost $19,000 miles for a 96 LS 400 with 96,000 mile http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=1...lor=&cardist=10 $6,000 over retail this guys are on drugs....SO I called them and offered them $8,000 just to aggravate them and ask why? It is not even certified! :chairshot: Can anyone explain this????? Sorry for the hijack ← Lexicon, Just another dealer trying to make huge, unfair profits..... be patient, you'll find your ride

This statement usually is associated with bad alignment, worn tires, &/or worn suspension parts: worn ball joints - usually make the car "wander" and in need of constant steering compensation. Worn tie rod ends can do the same an make for "shaking" & loos handling worn Strut bar bushings usually make big "clunk" when you hit bumps or potholes. Your tires are worn & in need of alignment? Are they in good shape? Is there tread wear on the inside or outside edge of the tires? Oberg's statements are 100% accurate - he knows his stuff

Torqueing the plugs to 13 ft lbs is perfect - the only way to do it Thoughts: Did you check the gap on the plugs? They should be okay outta the box but... Double check the rotors.......(oh yeah, you did this already) Disdonnect (for 5 min) / reconnect battery Also try turning the ignition on for about 10 seconds and then give her a crank! Dude - hope you find the problem

Craig, You cars look great! Good to hear from you........... So........does this mean you're satisfied with your LS? You know, you've always been critical ( in a good way :D ) of some of the idiosyncrisy's........ 99

The way we feel about the '05 LS, is how they felt about the 90LS during its time.... i know what your saying, and i always wonder HOW it could get any better from here.... But it always gets better :) ← Correct on both accounts!!! Depreciation can be your friend & your enemy :whistles:

Yea, I hear ya on the Lexus ownership & DIY maintainence...........not many people left that just change their own oil. But that's what's great about LOC :D - most of us do get a little greasy.....

this is absolutely correct.... also, the dealers are ususally around $5-8k Overpriced........ The bottom line is I could probably walk in and pay $53K for a brand new 05 LS 430...........only $4k more and the car is not four years old... Glad you love the 'cedes'...........

Bob, Your posts are always great!! You know how to DIY - (and you'll tackle anything)........... Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

single10, There is a 1) VSS Connector and solenoid and......... 2) Direct clutch Speed sensor connector (on my 99LS) They are along the drivers side of the transmission........

I think you would have an exact match Just like my LS, the only differences are cosmetic and standard feature enhancements. difference may be: std heated seats; std HID's; different colored parking lights, etc.....

Thanks. I considered short ramps but the clearance was too low to get the front end up hgh enough to get underneath. Have a great day. ← Get Rhino Ramps from Autozone or similar shop.... Very good, low angle ramps - I use them on my LS all the time. Very safe way to go.......

wucan, check out the other tranny thread right here on the first page...... Also, do a search on "tranny flush" ; Tranny fluid, Tranny drain; etc.... You'll get all you need........ I would definately change it. Several times as a matter of fact - it must be very dirty (and perhaps never changed :cries: )

Monarch, love your points: 1) maximum drain for sure........ 2)love the savings....... 3) here I must digress: aren't you assuming the fluid level is correct in the first place? I have never found any mechanic as accurate as me 99

Banterer, Looked up those links - thanks for the info. I think they're Way High because they're from a dealer Hey, what is that car that you drive most often????.......must be pretty sweet to beat out the LS430

Ditto on that one Silvermate Duke - she needs good maintenance, fluids, filters, etc - and a good Wax now and then!!!! :D

Banterer, Run it by the Lexus dealer like you want to trade it in on a newer LS - then you'll find out how much it's depreciated. I paid way less than HALF of the $57,000 sticker price for my 99LS last year..... a one owner, four year lease return. But my 99 still depreciates @ 3-5K a year whether I like it or not. I think you've got an awesome car - keep that puppy and just drive her a little more....

I would just start it up and drive a mile or less.......just enough to warm a little... YEs, Run through the gears a couple of times while in park just before you shut the engine off. Then, measure the pan drain amount and put back that amount LESS 1/2 to 3/4 Quart. Then start up and check. It should be just touching the COLD Level mark on the stick. If not, then stop engine and add only 1/4 quart MAX. REpeat until fluid level is on full COLD mark.... Keep another 1/2 quart, funnel, and rag in the trunk... Then drive 5 miles or so to get good and hot - recheck on level ground always.. Fluid level should be somewhere in the "cross-hatch" FULL HOT level. If it is just at the low end or still not touching the lower HOT mark - add a Small amount, like NO more than 3-4 ounces at a time. It takes a little care to do it precisely...... I like mine right in the middle of the FULLHot crosshatch mark.

← Good Luck on that one banterer............your LS has depreciated at least $10K since you've had it...... It is now a 4 year old car.