venmichaels

I was hoping to make the repair maybe next year or so..

Gossh I really want the Lexus..

But i dont know anymore..

Im really interested in purchasing this beautiful

1996 lexus ls400 asking 5k$$

130k

Clean title

One owner

All service records.. (More about this later)

Car is in mint condition.

The only problem is..

He did not complete the 90k service (timing belt/waterpump)

The car is overdue..

I dont have the money to replace the T-belt and W-pump at the moment.

I can only afford to purchase the car itself..

I was wondering if it was just too big of a risk to purchase this car??

Should I search for something more affordable?

I really want the Lexus.. but I know that if the Tbelt snaps, the car is DONE. (from experience)

I figure 5k is a pretty decent price considering the mileage...

What is your take?

All you fellow 96LS400 owners, please give me your input..

Should I buy it?

thanks for everyones input here.

Im getting ready to purchase a 93Lexus ls400 with 130k (pretty low mileage)

The seller has all service records in hand, and the timing belt was replaced at 60k miles back in 2000. (kind of early to replace the timing belt and waterpump isnt it?)

Im pretty iffy on it.

I ran a car fax and it came back clean, but a few years are missing...

Is it possible to tamper with the odometer on the 93 Lexus ls400??

Its pretty outdated technology, and Im assuming that someone might have figured it out back in the day,

Any input???

Does anyone here have a repair manual for a 93 lexus ls400?

is there one available online??

Thanks in advance

I ended up selling the car.

Just to update you guys.

Im taking my car to lexus Today.

How many fans should I have in front of my radiator?? (I have only one)

My friend has a 95 Ls400, and he has TWO fans in front of the radiator...

Did Lexus manufacture the 95ls400 and the 96 model differently???

Im confused??

Could i be missing a fan??

Okay, as it turns out, the auxilary fan is working properly..

Im back to square one though.

1. changed thermostat.

2. changed radiator cap.

3. changed clutch fan.

STILL overheating, ( overheating faster than it was)

My problem seems to have gotten worse.

Could the car be over heating because there isnt an even mixture between water and coolant?

My grandfather thinks that there is too much coolant and not enough water..

You can easily check the mixture with a guage. But it sounds like your water pump is gone. That's the first thing I would check because as far as I know you have an interference engine. I wouldn't drive it anymore until you have it checked out. If the pump has seized, then the timing belt will go shortly after. If that happens - the valves and pistons will have a rude introduction to each other and you'll likely be looking for a new car. If the pump/belt/pulley etc check out, I would test your replacements to make sure they're working properly. Then I would check that the rad isn't clogged. Make sure you have coolant flow.

This is probably a dumb question, but how do i check the coolant flow?

Also, Adding water seems to have helped my overheating problem a bit.............

Timing belt was changed by the dealer at 116k miles.

Car has 140k.

What about the pump/tensioners/pulleys?

Is there a reliable way to test if the water pump is dying on me??

I'd really hate to replace this part if the problems is somewhere else.

Also, is this part expensive?

Are there any special website where i can order quality lexus parts for a good price??

Thanks

yes the belt was done by lexus.

I had them run the history.

The car was consistently maintained..

I dont think the water pump and pulleys were every changed though..

Timing belt was changed by the dealer at 116k miles.

Car has 140k.

Okay, as it turns out, the auxilary fan is working properly..

Im back to square one though.

1. changed thermostat.

2. changed radiator cap.

3. changed clutch fan.

STILL overheating, ( overheating faster than it was)

My problem seems to have gotten worse.

Could the car be over heating because there isnt an even mixture between water and coolant?

My grandfather thinks that there is too much coolant and not enough water..

But it still doesnt solve my overheating problem..

That fan just went out TODAY for some reason..

Now the car overheats when in motion AND when idle.

It overheats with the a/c on and off..

It overheats really fast too now.. I can only drive about 10 mins before the needle hits the red part..

WHAT GIVES????

I use to be able to drive the car fine, now it just overheats all the time!

changed thermostat and radiator cap.

My grandfather may have spotted the problem though.

The fan in FRONT of the radiator isnt spinning.

He says that we need to replace the 'relay switch'

Does this sound right???

Assuming your mechanic wants to replace your P/S pump, then here is what goes along with that;

Number one is that he MUST, MUST, MUST remove the P/S Rack solenoid, remove the screen/filter from it and CLEAN IT! If your P/S system is leaking fluid, it is because the screen/filter is clogged. That little screen/filter is the root of all your P/S problems. If he doesn't do that, you will continue to have problems and will have fixed nothing.

Number two is that he MUST NOT throw away or "core out" the old P/S pump until you have driven the car for a while (a few days max) to make sure you are satisfied with the steering "feel". Both pumps have what is called a "flow control valve" (FCV) inside of them. It is common for new replacements to have a different "calibration" (if you will) FCV, such that your steering could feel very stiff with the new pump. Because you have kept the old pump, you can take the old FCV out of the old pump and swap it into the new pump to restore the soft, buttery smooth steering we all love so much.

If he gets rid of the old pump and you end up with stiff steering, you're screwed. Don't let him get rid of the old pump until you're satisfied with the steering quality.

A power steering leak can be caused by more things than just the filter. In fact, I think it is probably more likely that the leak is coming from the seal between the pump/reservoir, other gaskets, or Idle Air Control Valve. Those all lose their effectiveness over time, particularly if the power steering fluid was not changed regularly.

I have asked several experienced mechanics at both my local Lexus dealership, and independent shop, about the filter in the steering rack people are always talking about. They all told me the same thing. It doesn't exist. It is just a common myth. The only filter in the system is the screen located at the bottom of the power steering reservoir. During a PS pump replacement, the reservoir comes off the old pump and is installed onto the new one. At that time, this filter should be cleaned.

The only thing that will change the steering feel after a pump replacement is if a mechanic re-uses a worn out Idle Air Control Valve. That part is not contained in the power steering pump. It is sold seperately and costs about $200. My mechanic did not recommend putting the valve back onto the new pump, or buying a replacement valve. Even if it is still functional, it will be oil-soaked and will likely not continue to work for much longer.

Instead, he just bypassed the speed-sensitive steering by installing a bolt on the pump, where the valve would have gone, and capped off the connections for the vacuum lines that used to go to the valve. It does not make a significant change in the steering feel, if any at all. The SC400, with the same engine, is not even equipped with this feature. I do not notice any difference in my car.

If the steering still feels stiff after a PS pump replacement using this method, it is likely that there is air in the system that was not bled correctly.

Maybe you should show the following to your mechanics;

This Lexus document clearly illustrates the power steering pump and specifically, the flow control valve. It elaborates on the reasoning behind using different letter values of flow control valves.

powersteer.pdf

Pictures and information on the solenoid and screen;

Rack Solenoid

Rack Solenoid Screen

Rack Solenoid Screen 1

A thread started by j.Barleycorn where he does a great job documenting the Power Steering Rack Solenoid operation;

Barleycorn Solenoid Post

If you take the time to read the above links, you will find that there is nothing "mythical" about any of it. I assume that because you reference "your mechanics", that you have not personally performed any of this work. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

As I have said in many previous posts, there a lot of people on this board that are more than eager to jump in and help. That is what makes this board great. The majority of those people have done the work, have the experience and share it. In fact, when a board member has the opportunity to help someone else because of his experience, it is very fulfilling. Please be careful not to undermine that.

Wow thanks for all the help!

My "mechanic" is my grandfather.

Him and I work on the car together.

I am not much help, Im more of just his assistant handing him tools etc.

He doesnt charge me anything for the work just as long at I buy the parts.

I had the same problem with my 96...it was the fan clutch.

I needed to buy 2 of them before I got one that worked.

When your car is warmed up at idle, there should be a LOT of air blowing at idle.

I saw a huge difference in air movement when i put in the second clutch.

The first clutch was a china knock-off. It fit but it did not look like the OEM unit. It was smaller. and the car ran hot with the AC on.

The second clutch looked different from the first - larger and much like the OEM clutch.

It was more expensive, but it worked!

Did your car overheat with the a/c on or off??

Mine seems to overheat regardless..

It cannot be left idle..

I drove over 40 miles straight on the highway yesterday and the temperature didnt move one bit.

But as soon as I came to a red light in the middle of rush hour, the temperature shot straight up.

Im hoping its just the thermostat..

I had the same problem with my 96...it was the fan clutch.

I needed to buy 2 of them before I got one that worked.

When your car is warmed up at idle, there should be a LOT of air blowing at idle.

I saw a huge difference in air movement when i put in the second clutch.

The first clutch was a china knock-off. It fit but it did not look like the OEM unit. It was smaller. and the car ran hot with the AC on.

The second clutch looked different from the first - larger and much like the OEM clutch.

It was more expensive, but it worked!

Interesting...

I purchased my fan clutch from autozone for 70 bucks..

It was manufactured in china.

Maybe I should replace it again?

I will be changing out the thermostat and doing a radiator flush tomorrow morning.

I will keep everyone updated.

I hope this works! :(

I agree. I do not think I have ever heard of a LS leaking oil, but I am sure its possible. Neither of my LS400 (my old 90' with 255K, nor my current 91' with 213K) leak/leaked oil (knock on wood).

Like everyone else has said, PS pump leaks are very common however, but not as much on the gen 2 LS models.

Unfortunately, not all Toyotas can get a "rare oil leak" review. The 92-96 Toyota Camrys with the 2.2L had horrible oil seals, as did the 90-93 Toyota Celicas with the same 2.2L. Other than that, those are bullet-proof engines. Not uncommon to see them go 300K+ miles (if you do not see them lock up from being ran out of oil - I have seen it several times on these, but seems to occur more on the Camrys than Celicas - it may be where some Celicas had the 1.6L which I do not think had the problem). My aunt has a 93' Camry LE 4-cyl that she uses as a second car. She has had a mechanic replace the oil seals several times and it still leaks. The car keeps on going and going. She has even ran it so low on oil that the oil warning lamp will illuminate, but it still goes. I think the car is pretty much parked now though and she is pumping in alot of gas into her 2005 Yukon. I had a 93' Camry LE as well, but mine had the 3.0L V6 (same engine that is used in the Lexus ES300), but they do not have the oil leak problem, but I have heard of headgasket issues on those, but mine had 215K and still ran like new. I loved that car. It was absolutely like brand new in and out. I sold it around 2003 and regretted it ever since.

Ironically, I do not think the same Camrys have a power steering leak issue, but some of the 91-94 Land Cruisers do. Probably the same pump as the LS400. ;)

False alarm.

I took it to my mechanic who confirmed that it was indeed a powersteering leak..

Its completely destroyed in three places.

I have to get it replaced...

The only main issue now is that it overheats when idle.

Im changing out the thermostat today.

Hopefully it will work!

Damn.

Did you check the thermostat?

No not yet..

But I dont think thats the problem.

I know that the Lexus Ls400 needs premium fuel, but what happens if I used regular unleaded?

Does it ruin the car? any adverse affects on the car??

Ven:

Slow Down, listen to what JENunnez is saying!

If your thermostat has failed in the closed position, the car will do exactly what you are describing.

Grade of fuel has nothing to do with it.

When you ask people's advice on this board and they answer you from experience, don't insult them by not listening.

When you have been here for a while, you'll see it too. A "newbie" starts to panic.....understandable.....

Stop and listen. There isn't one person here that won't try to help you.

Do just one thing. Check, no, just replace your thermostat. They're so cheap, there's no reason not to.

Let us know what happens. If that doesn't do it, WE will try something else.

I do apologize, I will change out the thermostat today.

i didn't mean to offend anyone by any means..

Can anyone explain to me how to do this?

I'd really hate to take it to a mechanic and get charged an arm and a leg for something simple that i can do myself.

Thanks in advance.

I'll keep everyone updated.

Damn.

Did you check the thermostat?

No not yet..

But I dont think thats the problem.

I know that the Lexus Ls400 needs premium fuel, but what happens if I used regular unleaded?

Does it ruin the car? any adverse affects on the car??

I just replaced the fan clutch.

The car is still overheating when idle..

Could a radiator flush help?

I looked up parts for your '96 LS400 and I see it uses a fan clutch. When your engine is hot, turn the car off and see if you can spin the fan, if it spins freely with little effort then it's bad. Be careful not to burn yourself while checking this and make sure you have the keys to the car in your pocket. Don't want to loose any fingers. If the fan is tight go for the thermostat, might be stuck half opened.

If you are going to change the fan might as well change the thermostat also.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice.

venmichaels, based on your other post, it sounds like you are having more than one mysterious problem with your car.

We can attempt to help, but our suggestions are only going to do so much good, and may even mislead you. There are many different possibilities as to what could be causing these problems, and what we think are pretty much just going to be guesses, since we are not there looking at the car.

As I stated when I replied to your other post, I think your best option is to get this car to a Lexus dealership or independent mechanic. They will be able to get the problems ironed out and tell you exactly what's wrong. If you decide to do that, please keep us up-to-date.

HEllo everyone.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

This site is a big help indeed.

First things first.

I bought this car from an individual. He is ignoring all of my calls now...

I ran a carfax on this vehicle which came up clean.

Only 2 owners. The first owner owned the car for 7 years, and the guy I bought it from had it for 5 years.

He seemed very genuine, and told me that the car was running great with a few miscellaneous problems, Ie. speedometer blacking out etc. I throughly test drove the car before I purchased it. It wasn't untill the next day that the problems started to arise. The power steering had a slow leak. ( i confirmed this with my mechanic)

Several hours later while I was idled at walmart waiting for my girlfriend, I noticed the temperature starting to drift towards the top. Soon after, the car begin to overheat everytime Im idled for more than 5 mins.

The temperature gauge continues to rise at every stop now.

The car is very clean and it appears to be in really good shape.

Everything works great with the exception of the car overheating. I drove the car 30 miles on the freeway and it runs great.

I have no idea whats wrong with the car.. The timing belt was changed at 116k. The car now has 140k.

Relatively low for the year i assume?

I purchased this car because of it's reputation for being the most reliable car on the market.

The car has never been wrecked.

If legal matters should arise, Im not sure how to handle it..

The guy sold me the car and I wouldn't even know how to begin the process..

PS. There are no check engine lights.

PSS. How would I request records of my car from lexus??