99lsguy

Right on the money VMF B)

This is correct.... 90-94 are "non-interference" or "free running" engine; valves will not damage if timing belt breaks... I talked to KC Lexus, an independent KC foreign "lexus, honda" shop, St. Louis Lexus service dept., and two (2) Dallas area shops. Every one of them verified the Gen I were "non-interference" engines. Of course, no one wants to have the T-belt snap on them - even if you have a gen I. I had a 85 Accord that broke the timing belt...car just went to idle with no other effects...I pulled off the road, called the tow truck, and sent her in. It was about $175 to change it out; and the Honda was back in business.. :D Check your Vin# out with Lexus, they'll tell you if any Lexus dealer changed it.... I think their pretty strong for 125K, the other problem would be the water pump giving out @ anytime also <_< 99

Here's what SK's talking about..... Replace the T'Belt!!! 99 insp.pdf

That's nice to know :D On the $$ beating..... If the depreciation of the 98+ models don't kill you..... the maintenance of the older 90-94's will Maybe the Gen II's fall inbetween :D Glad you love your car... and that your wife won't be stealing it from you!! 99

The power steering pump design was changed in 95+ models - a good thing since the gen I's leak profusely....Although only time will tell for the Gen II & III's. Suspension design was also upgraded for the Gen II for, supposedly, a more durable front end before replacing ball joints, struts, etc... The engine went up to 270 HP and: is no longer a "non-interference" type. A little more leg and interior room. 99

PARK PLACE LEXUS!!!! That's where my 99 LS came from : remember those guys took the alloy (spare & all) rim out of the trunk before it went to auction My local Lexus dealer ran the Vin# and found out the history. Checked out ok but there were some erroneous entries...... I'm with you K9!!!

Oh yeah, that's definately the way to do it.... Craig, find that deserted road and try out our suggestions.... and... don't be so aggressive with the first gear "floor stomp" - maybe just a little bit easier to start, and once the LS is up to 15 mph....let her rip!! :D 99

A failing WP will normally associate noisy bearings (going out) - whining, grindy, etc... If this is orig. WP then it's time! It could start leaking right under it - in the front of the engine. At this age - the "gasket sealant" could be giving out also.... That upper leak could be from the Thermostat Gasket. Again, this is 12 year old car and these things are due for replacement.....I'd replace the radiator hoses too! Do you have any history of the Timing Belt being replaced? If your replacing the WP, then you might as well do the T-Belt, idler pulleys, tensioner, and a host of other goodies.... 99

I tried that "stop leak" stuff - a black gooo.........on my 85 Accord when it was leaking @ radiator - Didn't work ;) It was 12 years old and 220K miles.....time for a newer car......

Just a couple of rehtorical questions about that radio code saga... you can't find any hand written "code #" in the owners manual? Or is there even a manual? Maybe the code doesn't disable the radio unless the Connection is physically separated...in other words, a battery change or disconnection for service wouldn't affect the radio.?? Is there a way to reset the code by turning the ignition key to "ACC" and holding some buttons on the radio for seconds or something.....(for example) Talk to the parts guy at the local Lexus dealer.... Online manual @ lexus.com??? 99

Like Denny said, the LS is a big cruiser. I think even the common Honda Civic is quicker than our 400's. I believe K9Crew found his 99 LS (like mine) to be more responsive by putting the car in "4" instead of "D" overdrive. It shifted faster! So try that....yours would be in the "3" slot... Try to be in your NSX the next time you come across that little Sentra.... :D 99

acf. Thanks bro...we're getting there aren't we Check out page 23 of the LS Gallery photos - the ATF pan is off and you can see the "filter" - which is made up of several mesh screens...they are wire and usually in good shape regardless... If the Lexus dealer says they "clean or replace" those screens, they have to take the pan off. I think $150 (including the ATF) for Lexus to do this is a good deal (from Lexus, that is). Ask if they really do take off the pan, and ask to see the screens while its up on the lift. If they balk or decide the pan really stays on for the service, then I'd just go to your trusty garage. But, if you go to Garage; I really think you should use the Toyota T-IV fluid. Ask them to use it or bring your own (12 quarts) and get a credit for the fluid. T-IV is a Dex III compatible fluid with synthetic additives - and Toyota designed the fluid to work in these transmissions: its good stuff! 99

Those seats make my stomach hurt

Definatelly want that one out of there Same color of seats in my 99! How's the other seats?

That's what I use and yes.....no shine. Just a clean, matte look to the dash and components...

That sounds logical to me....... What for SWO to chime in; he's the authority! Did you get your plugs and such in yet!!

I'd give the edge to silver...... My ranking would be: 1- silver 2- gold 3- white 4- black

UCF3, Do you think the pdf could be "pinned " somehere in the maintenance section - since it has Lexus Diagnostics & troubleshooting. These suspension / axle /vibration questions are constantly being ask, so maybe it will help start owners out in the right direction..... 99

normal operating temp for the tranny is between 122- 176 degrees. Correctly diagnosed by you guys above; the colder shifts "hang" a while in waiting for the coolant temp to reach 95+degrees

I can reach under the LS and drain the tranny using the Plug (the Real Way) without jacking up the car or using ramps... But, it's a little easier using ramps.... :D 99

Hey, I've been using that Mequiars "gold class" leather conditioner too.... Now I'm wondering if its' bad! Lexol has always has good recommendation ;)

Try to remain positive... Look at it this way - Your tranny was never fixed correctly by the old management, so it's not like your losing anything. A good new owner will be fair. Man, you have really been in the shop a ton... I remember the original post way back.... :(

Really!!!!!!! Thanks - I guess that's why the sell them at SEARS..........

Checked on prices for my LS(after seeing the thread) ..... Toyo's are 225/60-16 are about $115 mount & balance. They do look great and I appreciate the reviews.. The Conti Premiers are the same..... The MICHELIN Pilot XGT V4 's are $165 each, H4's are about $150 - OUCH!

Nice to see a fellow Amsoil user... I use the Amsoil SDF57 oil filter. Started SYN @ 55K(when I got the car) , and change every 4-5K....excellent product. My engine is cleaner and quieter with the Amsoil. 99