Finnmck

Very true! I had thought about that but the intake manifold would have to be swapped anyway as its set up for running on LPG, so not really much of an advantage. Cheers, Finnmck

The AA bloke checked the battery and alternator and both were OK. He did say it was drawing alot more current than normal while cranking though. I suppose I do do quite alot of short journeys so the starter would get used more than most. I'm going to buy the reconditioned starter from Lexus along with new gaskets as I dont want to do the job again and cant risk it. I actually have a 1999 Mk4 LS400 breaker that only has 30k on it( alot of body damage) but it would mean doing the job twice to get the starter off it- not sure I can go through this job twice. I have planned to keep the car for a long time as I have never had a car that drives so smoothly, there really is nothing out there as good for the money. Want an LS460 next but it will be along time before they will be in my price range! Finnmck

Thanks for the replies, especially Steve for taking the time to post the pictures. Unfortunately I dont really have a choice about doing the job as I cant really afford to pay someone to do it at the minute. Its strange how it happened, I havent had any problems with the starter up to now. Last week I drove 350 up to Scotland ( perfect car for the journey!), the next morning I tried to start the car and it sounded like the starter was stuck on so I switched the car off. I left the car until I was due to travel home then called the AA. The bloke used his booster pack and the car started although sounded very laboured. He checked the battery and it was charging fine but the starter was drawing alot of current when cranking. It wasnt stuck this time so he followed me to the garage to fill up allowing me to do the journey in one go. Unfortunately it wouldnt start after filling up so he tried the booster pack, the starter was again very slow. He tried to add a further battery to give it more juice which resulted in smoke billowing from under the intake manifold, so I can presume there may be damage to the starter cables too. Anyway it took 12 hrs to get home changing AA lorries 3 times which was a bit of a pain, although the driver said it would have cost nearly £700 if I hadnt had cover- money well spent. Steve, Did you have to remove the water bridge above the starter to gain access to the bolts? Also which gaskets did you replace and did you need any special tools from the normal to complete the job? Thanks again for your comments, just gotta get myself psyched up for starting the job on Saturday...

Hi, I havent been on this forum long but I've found it great for advice so hope somebody can give me some help. My trusty 125k Mk4 Lexus has just let me down for the first time in two years of ownership. Unfortunately its the dreaded starter motor... Lexus have quoted £240 for a reconditioned starter which isnt too bad plus I reckon another £100 for gaskets and coolant as I believe part of the water system needs pulling apart. I have LPG fitted so will have to deal with all that as the intake manifold has to come off for access. Ive looked online and it seems that anyone who has ever replaced theirs have sworn never to do it again. So as I cant afford to pay someone to do it Im going to attempt this myself. I'm reasonably competant at most jobs on the car but would like to hear if anybody on here as done it and have they any advice? Thanks Finnmck