sprintuser

Thanks for all the helpful input folk. I have not logged in fora while cause I slammed my LS at 40MPH into a pavement (slipped on black ice and hit the right side on the pavement). Have been dealing with that issue. At the time the suspension was being worked on, I went ahead and drained the coolant (from all three points; the radiator plug and the two engine bolck drain plugs under the car). When we re-filled the engine block, there were a few minutes of concern. The temp went almost red (turend the engine off before it could get to red), but the system burped, filled up more coolant and everything was well........................except the 'no heat at idling' issue. So, I will try and find the temp control valve and see if it the culprit (thanks Alexander!). I will keep you guys posted.

THanks for the input. I am thinking of doing a coolant flush. Has anyone documented on how to do that on a 1997 LS?

Greetings, I have a 1997 LS with 154000. It is starting to get cold in Wisconsin and I lately noticed that when idling, the car does not produce heat...................only when the RPMs are increased above 900 does heat start coming from the vents, otherwise, its cold/ambient temperature air. I called a local parts store and the gentleman told me it must be the temperature control valve getting stuck. THe higher RPMs are causing more pressure from the water pump and thus opening the valve. I tried checking the coolant level last night but it was hot and starting steaming out, so I closed it right away. Questions for your respected input: 1. Do you folks agree with the diagnosis? 2. If the diagnosis is true, has anyone changed/does anyone have the directions to change the temperature control valve? 3. Should I change the coolant? Also, the timing belt was changed at 92000 miles, not sure if the water pump was. I don;t have any leaks on the garage floor, will this problem have an impact on my water pump? Thanks in advance!

It is annoying BUT will mess up your alignment and hence the tires. I bought the 'strut rod cushion' to address the problem. I hope to have it installed this week (along with sway bar bushings), will update on the difference in ride.

I hear you dude. I recently bought a 1997 LS400 with 151000 miles. I have the same chip on my shoulder. What people don't understand is that someone driving a 2-4 year old Chevy Malibu or Ford Taurus is driving a car atleast twice more expense than my car! I had a 1997 S500 before and had the same issue! People just associate the names of luxury cars with deep pockets. There is a co-relation IF the car is no more than 5-6 years old. Beyond that, all it means is that the owner DOES not have $$$ but good taste in cars. And as is evident from this (and other) great forums, for the most part, we work on our cars ourselves, which, a person with mega $$$$ would not be doing at all. Just my $0.02 on the topic.

Hello folks, I recently bought a 1997 LS with 151000. I knew it may need struts, mounts and tires at the time of purchase. Update: I replaced all three above items. But am still having the following issues: 1. I still have creaking coming from the front right side. I had a buddy move the car up and down while I inspected from underneath. The sound is coming from the sway bar bushing. I tried greasing (white lithium grease) it, but not sure if I did it the right way or not. Any suggestions to address the noise short of replacing the bushing? 2. I hit a BAD pothole (front left wheel) and since then have been hearing a single 'thump' from the front left side when I hit a strong bump (only on hard impact). I realize its almost impossible to define sound, but it does not sound hollow, is not a squishing sound, just a thump, clear and concise. I jaked the car up and tried wiggling things, ever part appears to be in place and not lose. Another thing that has happened since the mishap is that the left side (when looking from the back) looks slightly lower than the right side. When pushing down on the car on all four sides, the left side appears more bouncy than the other 3 sides. Any suggestions in diagnosis the problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Thanks! I replaced the tires with new ones. I have repalced the front shocks and mounts but am having other issues (more on that in a separate link). I did open up the intake components and cleaned out my MAF, put in an air filter, took apart the throttle body and thouroughly cleaned out the intake and TB. It was DIRTY! I am hoping to get better gas mileage now. I checked one spark plug and it is ok, worn down but no need to change yet. Not sure on the sprak plug wires and distributor caps/rotors, may open them up to inspect this weekend. So far so good, except for the suspension headaches, I am posting those in a separate thread. Suspension issues: I still have creaking coming from the front right side. I had a buddy move the car up and down while I inspected from underneath. The sound is coming from the sway bar bushing. I tried greasing it, but not sure if I did it the right way or not. Any suggestions to address the noise short of replacing the bushing? The second problem I am having

Hello folks, I am a proud owner of a 1997 LS 400 that I got yesterday. I believe my strut mounts may be bad. While driving, I can hear creaking and groaning from the right side, which, in my previous cars was attributable to strut mounts going bad. Here are few questions: 1. Is my diagnosis correct? If so how difficult is to replace the strut mounts? If not correct, what could it be (also, front or rear strut mounts)? 2. With gas prices the way they are, can regular or mid grade be usd in the LS? 3. SOme of the wood trim has a 'sanded' look? Any suggestions on how I can make it shiny? 4. The car currently has snow tires on it. I am changing to summer tires this week. How wide of a tire can I fit on the OEM wheels(OEM size is 225/60/16, could I go to 245s?). THanks in advance for your kind replies!