99lsguy

Steve, Gotcha - I'll get on this for next time. We've got snow and cold everywhere here in KC so it'll be a while. I'm ready for SPRING! AND THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS EVERYONE :D !

I think the coolant will drain out anyway. It must, because in the lexus manual it says (after refilling) to open the heater valves (or turn your climate control on HIGH HEAT) and run till warm. Then recheck level and top off.

Just called the local Toyota Dealer - Parts Dept. Toyota Long Life Coolant is $15 / gallon. It is not premixed 50/50 with distilled water - so that will cost an extra $.95 /gallon. I'd say $32 well spent.... 99

eb, I'll probably stick with oil changes every 5K even with Amsoil. I just like to work on the car Let us know how dirty the switch is (was) !

Here's the last two: Full side view: Higher Angle Rear View:

Hey Guys! I'ts been cold (and snowy) here in KC for a month now Last weekend it got up to 34 degrees so I washed up the LS and put another coat of collinite on (in the garage -thankfully). This was one of the few sunny days we've had so I wanted to share some photos: Drivers side Front Hood Area: Full Side shot: Front Low Angle: Front Grill Area: Left Rear View Towards Sun: Used Collinite s476 paste wax and Tire Endurance :D

wanda, I think this distilled water mix @ 50/50 is very crucial also. It is the only type of water that goes in my LS :D 99

Earl, Welcome to the LOC! I've heard the Gen I LS's have the "stiffest" ride of all - compared ti your wifes (Gen II) and my 99 LS. About the oil pressure switch..... It is next to the oil filter so you could replace it out next oil change. I don't know if they're expensive though? I have a theory that maybe some "sludge" is lodged up in the switch which could be causing the signal to trip. Amsoil does a great job of "cleaning" the engine. I changed my OIL filter only after 1000 miles of using Amsoil 5-30W in my 99 LS. (The first use of synthetic oil in this engine). This was recommended to me because of how much "dino oil sludge" that could be broken free and trapped in the oil filter the first few times using SYN OIL. Since the oil pressure switch is next to the filter - maybe its clogged too? <_< Per specs: idle pressure is 4.3 psi 3000 rpm is 43-85 psi Anyway, six months ago you change the oil - isn't it time again anyway. I'd give you a chance to at least examine the oil pressure switch and get some fresh, clean oil in there - should help! Good Luck, 99ls

A good testament that long trips with well maintained engines are not a strain at all. It probably has more to do with the "NUMBER OF STARTS' per day on the vehicle than the miles you drive. At least synthetic will help deliver quicker protection in cold weather; and higher temp tolerances in summer with no viscosity breakdown. Hopefully, in the long haul, this will increase engine life even more that dino oil.......

vyhanh, How big is the screen on the Garmin - I take it you find quite adequate? and You just plug in with Cigarette / 12v adapter? thanks, 99

About the antifreeze..... I believe I've seen posts here that have had problems with brands - especially DEXCOOL. The reservoir label has "TOYOTA LONG LIFE COOLANT" on the cap as does the repair manual.....but, I know, it is a toyota product; what else would they say? Anyway, no mention of problems with the Toyota coolant. It's not any more expensive than other stuff, so why not?

91ls, That gasket they charged you with is a .50 item you can buy from toyota dealer - I'd say they've lost your business ;) I agree totally with 1990 ls - as do many :D : That's a 14mm hex bolt for the oil plug, and probably the trans plug too. Oil plug is 29 ft. lbs / trans plug is 15 ft. lbs. Lexus in KC chages $85 for oil change or trans. pan drain. Since I do them both myself (every 5K) that's some nice cash back in my pocket. That one service along will pay for the Lexus Shop Manuals. Now go get a torque wrench and pay for that next oil change . No one else will equal the care you can put back into your vehicle. (Well, except us dedicated LOC'ers :D )

my 99 ls has coolant filler plug located on top of the throttle body - don't know about the 90-94 years but just a little FYI.... If you have the filler plug, you'll want to fill the engine block thru it and fill the radiator/ reserve sections too. Premix TOYOTA LONG LIFE COOLANT (ONLY) 50/50 with distilled water! My capacity is 11.5 quarts so get 2 gal. each of coolant and distilled... ONce it's full up , start engine and put heater on HOT/MAX till the car warms up good. Then double check level in reservoir to top off if needed.

Sorry but another question..... When you turn the wheels full L & R and hold 2-3 seconds, (per manual) to make sure the air is "bled" - do you leave the cap OFF the PS Reservoir? Thanks!

k9, you mentioned you used Valvoline Synpower Brake fluid but the photo shows a bottle of Mobil one ATF? Also, I take it the system does only hold 1 quart, it just may take more to completey flush out the old gunk within the lines and such? My 99 LS is just below the 60K miile mark - similar to yours......

Monarch, Didn't you say in a different post that you had a toyota with 400K+ miles? What model / year is it and did you buy it new?

I agree totally with Markham! I didn't like the looks of the NAV for the 98-00 - I guess my preference. I haven't researched these Portable nav units at all, but saw one in CompUSA for about $1000 which was impressive - I'd go that way too.

chubyball, How do you go thru SIX QUARTS?! The manual shows 1.1 quarts (1 liter) capacity? 99

k9, Excellent work my man ! Thanks for taking time to make a great presentation! A few questions: Did your connections hold tight without any leaks? Did you use the "bump starter" method - and if so how many times before clean? If I wanted to use a longer drain tube to go out and over the fender do your foresee any problems? My 99 is Mystic Gold Metallic, your's looks the same? Well Done :D 99

sl, I think you are doomed when it comes to the PS Fluid leak - the forum is full of these stories for all 90-94 LS's. No fluid changes are ever recommended from lexus, so 10-14 years mean certain death for the system. Also, the system was changed in 95 and up which is much better and more reliable. Really, just a pitiful design on the earlier LS. Your will most likely need the dealer service - then change that fluid every 30K! 99

SWO, Very good points; Supply a good quality filter - watch - and check everything! You' ve got a $40K investment there........ 99

Pete, Here's link to get all the detail you want about the true tranny flush: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread...15&pagenumber=1 Check your manual for the dex III question - it will tell you. That being said, I called the dealer to find out what they use - which was always T-IV!! Even in the older LS's they use T=IV. It is superior ATF - has synthetic additives - why not use it? You could buy a case from Toyota for a lot less than Lexus. 99

mark, I think you'll keep it. You'll only need about 5 hours to convince yourself - not 5 days Welcome to LOC!!

Guys, Changed my battery 3 months ago but I never noticed anything wrong on the dash light - I can't believe I missed it. Thanks for the info :D 99 vevro - I like the avatar; America will never forget!

btw, run your car thru the gears a couple of times while its initially warming up again. You DO leave the car in park and idling while you check the ATF level. And, of course, your car should be pretty much level. Did you ever do the brake flush? How do you feel about your lexus now?