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these cars seem to have alot of problems with coolant leaks...for being one of the best built cars in the world..i own a 400 ls and have had nothing but problems with water pumps and coolant leaks. i have done some research and if the water in the reservior tank is bubbling and dissappearing, it could possibly be a head gasket going out...but head gaskets can last a while before they blow completely....and the main reason they blow is due to engine overheating. mine was on it's way out, and just blew completely last week...symptoms- no compression, water in cylinders. according to many LS owners it is very unusual for these cars to have head gasket problems, but from what i have found, it isn't unusual at all. because i am not going to spend $2500 on a repair, i am going to use a product called thermagasket on it...all of my advise by mechanics has been not to do this, but i have spoken to 2 other people who have used this product, and one has gone another 46K, and another 30K with no other problems. i'll let everyone know what happens... :whistles:

well i finally replaced my reservior tank and cap, sensor, and the pressure made my water pump go out...however, i noticed before it finally croaked, that the car lost power when the sensor lite came on, actually right before the level went down enuf for it to come on...is this normal, or do i have something else to worry about? after i added water to to the cool level line, it regained enuf power to drive home....is the sensor this powerful???or do i have another problem? :

thomas- after reading the tutorials on coolant drains...i am now wondering if this is what is draining on my car..instead of a water pump...how noisey is a water pump going out??..there seems to be very little noise with this leaking...

Welcome, Laurie This is a great forum, with many knowledgable people!

:D GOOD LUCK

Would you like to buy mine?.... it has a little first aid kit in the trunk Mine cruises like a dream....about 28 mpg hiway...beautiful blue..leather seats...doesn't burn a drop of oil...automatic trans...moon roof...very deluxe...needs a water pump... :)

thank you again eatingup black top! again, you have been very helpful...yes, i realize that the timing belt should be changed along with the water pump...it was changed at 80,000 supposedly, but not the pump...the car has 150K...so the water pump is probably due. looks pretty ominious..however...hmmmm. thank you for the information, very helpful to reason just why it is soooo expensive..will be $1100 with belt...I have been told that the car is still drivable as long as I keep water in it...but the Lexus dealer is 250 mi away...thinking of having it towed. anyone wanna buy a Lexus?

thanks...I have a local mechanic, who says he can do it...but I am concerned..it is probably just a water pump...are they complex to put in?

thanks, everyone... I assume then, if they can work on a toyota, they can work on a lexus.

Finally getting back....well I had a local mechanic do a pressure test, and he says I need new water pump, ...a friend just told me that they are very hard to work on..now I am concerned about letting him do it...he also quoted me $700 for the water pump only...is this high?

My 400 LS 1990 has a water leak...but I have been told by another Lexus owner not to let anyone but a Lexus mechanic work on it...is this right?.. <this topic has probably already been discussed>

I'm sure you know to get a written estimate before authorizing the shop to do any repairs. Once you have it you can post the details here if you like for some feedback. There a lot of knowledgeable members who would be glad to give you their opinion. You can even do some research yourself before taking it in. There are a lot of threads on this site dealing with that problem. Having some idea of what the possible causes might be would give you leverage with the mechanic when you talk to him. Letting him know that you've done some research and understand something of the problem makes it less likely for a mechanic to pad the estimate. Good luck. YES, THANK YOU.

Don't know if you're going to your own mechanic. If not, I would suggest Toyota over Lexus ... a lot cheaper ... same techs ... many similar parts. Example - oil change w filter - Lexus $108, Toyota $52. I live about 200 miles from a toyota mechanic, so I have to rely on local guys...which is scary. they see you coming with a lexus..and you have had it!!! not looking forward to this....like going to the dentist! ha ha!

THanks- EUBT again, well I have given up and will take it in for a check up. The problem is I don't trust mechanics, hmmmm. But anyway, I will let everyone know, so that any others who have this problem will have an idea. :cries: ..adding, the expansion tank cap looks functional, no erosion, or rust, seems to be holding pressure, but that would be nice if it was just that!

wow- that is a beauty! :D

THANKS ALOT-eatingblacktop! monitoring the situation,again, it seems I have begun to lose more fluid....but I can't figure out where it is going!...not on ground...when I turn on engine...I hear it going somewhere...water pump?--Would there ba alot of water on the ground if it were the water pump? :(

I just bought a 1990 LS with only 150K on it....Just broke in, I guess

hey- great name- eatingupblacktop! thanks!!!....I thot it might be hose..seems to be only 2 cups per day...slo leak.. I will check it out.

Hello everyone- great forum. I recently brought a 1990 LS400, and it runs like a dream, but I too have been losing coolant in my resorvior...about 2 cups a day...but the car is not overheating...it is dripping slowly down below..see it on the pavement...but just a little...rad hose?...Is it safe to still drive?