PEPE

Hi Richard Things like this make me sick, to the point that I dare not leave my LS 400s in ANY public car park. I've solved the 'problem' by driving around in a 1999 Fiat Punto and drive my Lexuses only when I know that I have secure parking at my destination. It shouldn't have to be like this . . . Pepe

Shane Have you tried Marshall Aerospace? Here's the link: http://marshalladg.com/ They are in your neck of the woods. Or how about Ricardo Engineering? http://www.ricardo.com/ The do a lot of automotive work. Engineers are in strong supply in this country now. You should have no problems. I would also approach a headhunting firm specialising in engineering. Good luck! Pepe

I'm learning something new here. The next time I take my Mk4 out I'll follow this procedure and report accordingly. This is a journey of discovery!

I'm writing this within five minutes of taking both my Mk3 and Mk4 out for a 20-mile drive on this gorgeous day. In a nutshell I would agree that the Mk 4 is the better car. I find it more refined (if that is possible in an LS 400), more powerful and quieter than my Mk 3. I can't tell any difference between the two sound systems, but then, I'm 73 so I can't claim to be a good judge in this area. My two drives today in my mint LS 400s served to remind me how lucky I am. Pepe

Well done, Steve. Wonderful story!

I agree. Michael, I notice you live in Sussex. My indie in Angmering is a wizard with both the spray gun and spanner and knows LS 400s inside and out. I you are interested just let me know. I recommend him very highly. Pepe

Same again here. Large washers did the trick.

I must drive like a little old lady. A seat belt pretensioner has never been activated on me!

Hi Chris, let me add my name to all your friends here who wish you well in looking for a new job. I've been made redundant myself three times but have always managed to bounce back and no doubt you will too. My experience has been that employers realise that these are tough times and that redundancy is no sign of incompetence. I do believe that the economy is picking up and this will translate into more job opportunities for all of us. Good luck and best wishes. Pepe

Well done. Many congratulations!

Gorgeous car. Puts our LS 400s in the shade . . .

Welcome, Dominic. You have a lot of very happy miles ahead of you. Pepe

Yes, I've heard this from a fellow enthusiast who owns a lovely Bristol 603.

I am waiting with bated breath for your feedback, Martin, as I've always thought a dirty TB was the problem.

Yes, this is exactly what my indie says. Pepe

Yes I bet it is a dirty throttle body. I look forward to Martin's report.

Yes, I agree with this assessment.

Well done, Sam. I am impressed.

The threads are still there. What is missing are the contributions posted during the two or three 'rogue' days. These have been lost into the digital ether as Mike says.

Yes, I remember this also particularly because I had posted some items myself. I also recall that the outcome was that the postings in question were irretrievably lost.

Hugh Many thanks for the tip. I think my battery is still ok for the time being. I know some chaps nearby who build racing cars for wealthy enthusiasts and no doubt they would be able to fabricate a bigger tray as well as a hold down frame so that the finished job looks nice and professional. Hopefully it won't coat an arm and a leg. I'll keep you posted. Pepe

From what I've read here I conclude that Ian, Adam and Roy have the right idea. The Mk4 could certainly benefit from a battery with a higher rating. This has been very well summed up by Ambermarine. When I bought my 'new' Mk4 last August it came with a Bosch battery as shown here: At first I felt rather smug because I thought that my Bosch battery was the one that Eurocarparts lists for the Mk 4, i.e. the 'big' Bosch that Adam has in his car. Closer examination tells me that my Bosch battery is a standard 70 Ah battery. My point is that a more desirable battery would be this one: http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Lexus_LS_4.0_1998/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/car-battery/?444773357&1&990657e924e55c2b108f138aeffff6712c473b81&000020 This one is a 95 Ah battery with 830 cca, no doubt a better option particularly if one's Mk 4 is used only occasionally. Externally the only difference between the two batteries is their length, 261 mm vs 306 mm (slightly less than 2 inches). Adam appears to have been able to shoehorn his into his Mk 4. My Bosch battery was fitted in December 2010 and it should be coming up for replacement soon. I'll be giving the 'big' Bosch battery some serious thought.

I feel sick as I read this. I am very sorry for you,Simon and fully understand how you must feel.

Here's what TOTAL CAR CHECK has to say: https://totalcarcheck.co.uk/FreeCheck?reg=p754prj&make=lexus No reference to an insurance write-off.

So sorry, Phil. There was a glitch in my computer saying "THERE IS A PROBLEM TRY AGAIN." I only noticed the outcome now when I returned to my computer and read your post.