[Moving on]

Thanks everyone, will dip in an out to see how the new owner is getting on

[Moving on]

Gents

2 years after taking ownership of my 98 LS400, I’ve now moved to the dark side having acquired a 2006 Jaguar x350 XJR.

I was impressed by the Lexus, as it did everything I needed it to with aplomb. It was hugely efficient but not one to stir the soul and this is the primary reason for selling. Having moved from London to Woking during my ownership, there are decent roads on my doorstep, so driver involvement has become a higher priority.

The Jag appears similarly refined, averages 30mpg (good for a 400bhp V8) and handles like a much smaller car - very strange sensations for a 1700kg car.

The Lexus has gone to a LOC forum member (via Pistonheads), so hopefully it will continue to be enthusiast owned. 

I’ve enjoyed my time here.

All the best

Shirish

 

 

[Oil recommendations]

Just now, Texas said:

My thoughts ( other thoughts are available!) are that as long as the oil used is the same 'rating' ie 5w30 as the manufacturer stated when they built/released the car then you can't go far wrong as the actually 'quality' or 'specification' of the oil today ( SN or ACEA rankings) are going to be far superior to oils from 20 years ago!

What I can't really get my head around is the oils that say Halfords sell labelled as 5w30 'Ford' or 5w30 'Vauxhall' can it be that specific or is it for the ease of the end user? 

Paul m.

Both GM and Ford have the own oil spec requirement (eg m2c913-A/B/C for ford) it just means the Halfords oil meets that spec.

[Oil recommendations]

All oil recommendations should be invalid until the recommender has torn the engine apart and inspection pistons, cylinders, cams etc

Of course, no one will do that, so when I see comments like “it’s a great oil”, I think ‘how can you say that without knowing what the engine looks like internally?’

“Tell me I’m wrong!”

[LS 400 1997 for sales]

I’ll cross post on Pistonheads for you

[Fuel Additives.]

I use the Archoil 6200/6400 product and find it makes my 400 smoother and with better pick up at low-mid rpm.m; some low speed hesitation has also been removed.

I don’t do many miles a year, so I’m thinking it improves combustion qualities of the fuel, which may off whilst sitting in the tank.

As long as you stick to the dosage I don’t think you’ll go wrong; too strong a dosage can cause oil dilution, ie thinning of the oil - with a 5w/30 oil you can’t afford much thinning.

[Refurbed rear calipers - LS400]

Hasten to add they perform well - apec discs and pads, no squeal, low dust etc.  It’s just the cosmetics which are disappointing.

[Refurbed rear calipers - LS400]

Brake and disks performing well but these pics show the difference between genuine Lexus front discs and aftermarket Apec rear disks.

Hint - Apec are the rusty ones!

[Wheel vibration/wobble]

3 hours ago, Daveyboy20 said:

So I'm a passenger in it on the motorway now and I can feel the vibration - still potentially tyres?

Why do you think that would that change anything? 🤔

Have you checked the basics - tyre pressures and wheel bolt torques (check manual)?

Have you ruled out steering and suspension components? UCAs etc?

Dont go spending money on tyres just yet.

[new rear offside UCA to source]

Amayama - https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/4877059025

Think thats the part you need

[Wheel vibration/wobble]

Try swapping rear wheels with front.

Could the wheel itself be buckled?

[Ls400 DHP Wheels Offset]

Strange, i thought they were ET45 too - could they have been different for the earlier cars?

[Check Engine !]

8 hours ago, runsgrateasanut said:

Not got an idle issue, but interested to know if my battery is sound.  Checked pre-start at 12.5v and rose to 14.68v after start up, at cold idle.

The Battery was new less than two years ago, but the Car having had a failed Alternator 2500 miles back, and the Battery being jumped to get it in my drive after truck recovery, I wonder if that "jumping could have killed a cell?  

12.5V seems a bit below par for it standing? Only did a short journey Friday and any security drain should only be small. 

Opinion welcomed.

 

Various sites suggest that 12.5 is anywhere between 75% and 90% charged - maybe an overnight charge would top it up - the 14.6 is about normal at idle

[Check Engine !]

Check your temp sensor:

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/75957-1998-ls400-ect-sensor-removal-engine-coolant-temperature/

[royzels]

On 10/11/2018 at 6:08 PM, cruisermark said:

Have a read here:

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/115172-broken-coil-spring/

Just updated this thread, no issues to report after 1600 miles.

[Broken coil spring?]

A quick update on this.

Kilen springs and KYB shocks working really well, zero issues to date, circa 1600 miles covered. I still think the front looks a bit high, but overall it rides really well and I can hardly tell the difference between this and the old factory setup.

I plan to get the alignment rechecked as I  prefer a little more camber in the front, again purely for aesthetics.  Rides and steers really well, no regrets.

[royzels]

Just buy Lexus springs - someone on here recently was quoted 85+ vat each from Lexus.  Shocks appear to last longer so may not need changing.

I went aftermarket on mine as the previous owner supplied them with the car - circa £50 each and work fine.  Similar levels of comfort to standard.

[Check Engine !]

I’m no expert but I’d start checking the Battery at idle, make sure the alternator is charging.  A duff Battery can generate lots of issue.

[A few issues developed!!!]

If you’re fitting new discs, make sure the hubs are properly cleaned up first.

 

[Coolant sender and sensor]

There is a cam sensor test pdf in the above link which appears temp related - could be related if yours is worse when warm.

Note also it says if it was the crank position sensor, the engine would spin but not start

[Coolant sender and sensor]

I was thinking this sounded vaguely related: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/435341-what-happens-if-the-camshaft-position-sensor-goes-bad.html

As mentioned I’m unclear if these cars have both cam and crank position sensor

Could it be something got dislodged when the service was undertaken.

[Tyres, recommendations sought :-)]

The Dunlop’s (sportmaxx and bluresponse that I have fitted) have lower Euro decibel ratings than the Avon zz5  (69db v 70db)

i find the Dunlop Bluresponse excellent and will buy again for sure.

[Coolant sender and sensor]

This is must be very frustrating - it was running fine before the major service, IIRC?

The only other sensors are the cam or crank position sensors - i can’t if these cars have both or just one

Maybe worth try calling a different specialist for a second opinion - eg https://www.japex.co.uk/

[Can't find hood struts in Europe]

Rockauto give you an option to use Fedex and pay duty upfront, meaning no delays.

I got new shocks from them, delivered in 4 days

[Can't find hood struts in Europe]

Buy with confidence from rock auto, assuming they deliver to your location

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/lexus,1998,ls400,4.0l+v8,1316123,body,lift+support,1404