runsgrateasanut

We were waiting at Medway Services for a recovery vehicle to take us back to Essex after Alternator failure and a guy comes up to me and says (very politely) "your number plate is worth more than the Car". I bought it from DVLA for £499 eight or more years ago and its not the first time someone with Isle of Wight connections has remarked on the number plate. DL being Isle of Wight early lettering. Not too sure how much this makes the Car worth. More than £499 maybe! . Looked somewhat sad on the Recovery breakdown low loader. Only the second time its been on one in my ownership, the first being when I took a punt on buying it without going to see it, from up in the Midlands. Had it brought to me on a Trailer. Do I regret it? Not really, but it has occupied a lot of my thinking time over the past four years and I've replaced many parts. New Alternator and P/S pump to be put on by me today. Another new experience I won't want to do again.

I'll be interested in reading any advice on this, as my Car doesn't beep nor flash lights when locked. Difficult trying to hear the mechanism engage sometimes, when busy traffic noise and in sunlight can't see the light next to the dash blinking. Have to test the door and most annoying when hasn't locked. Small thing but we expect perfection with our Lexii , so...........

Sorry Duncan I seem to have hijacked this thread. I had hoped by now that I'd have fitted those LED lights to the Clear indicators on my Car. I think they will be an improvement on the Chromed bulb look which I also have. It was on my "to do" list in France. Eventually - it will happen. They looked pretty good in the Amber units, but I prefer the Clears. Phil, the sender has already Posted to me the correct P/S pump marked as "parts". (Yet to arrive) I doubt Customs will wear that, and I may have to fork out Duty. However, they are not sending me a Returns note for the wrong part and I may end up with a saleable item which will cover the expense - if I can determine what vehicle it fits.? We'll see.

Its a different Animal Phil. I put a link to what I bought further up this thread. Waiting on the replacement and then will compare without dirtying the part which will need be returned.

Heavens forbid that I have to change something else, but if the front Springs needed changing then these don't look too bad a purchase. Expect to pay the same again in duty and Shipping. I bought my Alternator from them and it was speedy delivery. Not sure if US Cars are different for front Shocks? https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/1993/Lexus/LS400/Shock_and_Strut_Set/75-85186_D2?crid=2758446

I havn't taken it out of the bag because the inlet for the low pressure return is facing the wrong way. Also the back of the unit bears no resemblance to the unit in the Lexus Tutorial that I've looked at. The Three bolt holes are at, on the clock 3, 6 and 9. Does the Mk4 have this style of Reservoir.? I'm guessing that this is possibly for a Transverse engine of some kind?

Phil perhaps you are right? but my first impression of what I've purchased and this pump was that it was totally the wrong pump. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Power-Steering-Pump-with-Reservoir-Fits-90-97-Lexus-LS400-4-0L-DOHC-1UZFE/371907948742?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3D2be53df046194531b1bb79ec451317b0%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D371907948742%26itm%3D371907948742&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

What a coincidence. Well I had an inkling something was wrong when in drizzle the other side of the Q. Elizabeth 11 Bridge, the Windscreen wipers seemed to be running a little slow. That said the Big "O" was coming through fine on the CD player and I think I got into my old Mum and Aunts mode of if "it aint stopped just keep going" !!. A few hesitant jerks on the Bridge (which may have been the surface) and must have ploughed on a further twenty miles with rather dim light cluster but no "battery " light showing. There were no Lay-bys but perhaps I could have pulled off the M20. Then it just seemed to die, with the Instrument cluster Arms waving all over the place like they were in torment. (Which they were!) A good job it died before I got to the slipway to Early Arrivals. Only part recovery by Ashford people on a nice new low loader, who then dumped us at Medway to be taken the 100 miles home by a rather older cramped and passed its best, low loader. I had ordered a new Alternator and Power Steering pump from the USA a couple of weeks back. Perhaps I had a portent of things to come? This is what I've received today from the States as supposedly a new Lexus LS400 1990 - 1997 P/S pump!! . Haven't a clue what this fits but think I'm going to lose a wad of money having paid duty and shipping. Ferry tickets down the drain.. Its just not my Week!

Just an update on this possible mod. Sadly, the old Lexus let us down half a mile from Stop 24 on the M20. The Alternator gave up the Ghost. Two hour wait on the hard standing and 120 mile on low loader return to base. Trip temporarily cancelled. Awaiting a part before attempting replacement. I'd add that having inspected the Clear indicators to add a strip of LED's there is a problem in that the Clear Plastic parts have a flimsy Aluminium inner reflective liner. Not so easy to cut a hole in, but I will in due course give it a try using silicone to hold it firm to the plastic. The length of the strip may be too long because of the liner and so will report back in due course. Only silver lining (pun) is that the weather in France is much the same as here- rubbish - so May month should be better.

Can't see the point unless you want some sneidy response. Just find your local Powerflow and quote them the thread and ask price to replace the Y pipe. The original may be Stainless but the Nickel content will have almost been depleted over the years and so could rust out.

This thread put up by someone who used Powerflow seems to have been removed.. Why?? Was it because it had Photobucket images which no longer display becuase you now have to pay P-bucket??? Its a pity, as I was able to quote the thread and get my Exhaust y pipe replaced with Stainless welded to the Cats for the same price £200. Best £200 I've ever spent. Find a local Powerflow and get a quote based on what others have paid to this chain. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/108632-rotten-cat-flanges-and-y-piece-exhaust-sorted/

Like Amazon the Box was way over the size needed (about ten times) and had not been tampered with. They had been removed at the stock shelf is my guess. Can you imagine the the cost of processing an insurance claim!

Back on the 9th I bought from Rock two packs described as Wholesale Closeout parts - Disk Brake Hardware Kit. Frankly, I wasn't sure what I'd be getting but hoped they would include Caliper pins. They didn't! Just 8 spring clips and four coat hanger style spring clips. One of the packs had been thumb forced open and was missing its Coat hanger Spring clips. I emailed Rock and they have since sent me a replacement box with all parts. Came in last week. I paid £9.71 which included the postage for these parts and so the cost to them of replacing one box - which they did promptly, can't give them any sort of profit.

Not keen on removing door panels myself, unless absolute necessity. The lazy man way is to inject along bottom drainage points and seal, always remembering that it should only be done after a heatwave when the door interior is thoroughly dry - Oil on water etc. Drive around and make a few sharp stops on an empty road to draw it along the complete door length, and then drain.

Watched below and thought do I need do this? Car is twenty five years and just beginning to perhaps show a bead of rust along the strip. I think I'd force stuff in at the bottom and then seal over the holes. - briefly, before allowing to drain which could be a messy business. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHMpJebGx_g

I've not had a reply to when the last MOT was taken. Perhaps also it would be interesting to know what it says from a viewpoint of a Car being abandoned. We know just how expensive parts are for these Cars - lovely as they are. Daresay we've all seen ebay cars that have been left in the front garden unmoved for six years and they don't look like this one! Nor do the ones I've seen at the breakers yard. Miraculous is the word I'm thinking of.

I can concur with the rust issues although only the front wings are displaying rust on my car. Spongy ride? I'm not sure but now I've got an "off-Roader" with these incorrectly quoted KYB springs at the back it will be firmer! Power steering leaks another problem and just ordered brand new replacement Pump and new Alternator which will be in the car for the next 2000 mile run. Praying there won't be an "event" pre return to UK to have them fitted. Will be a change from taking those two Rear Springs each trip!

As you only know the Reg number when was the last MOT ? Perhaps you could contact the RAC as they may, if the owner is a current Member ,(although Data protection Act will probably stop them relaying any info to you) , contact the owner to inform him/her of what you say is happening. I do have some doubts that a Car left on waste ground up North would not have suffered from Vandalism, and not look pristine. Has it been moved? A small amount of marks on the tarmac suggests it has?

Mine wouldn't look that clean after nine months let alone nine years?

Aluminium on brass valve threads not a good idea or visa versa. Especially coupled with salt. I have an Ali Boat and a brass screw left in the hull with a bit of salt water sploshing around will see it make a hole to drop through. The founder of Mercury Engines relayed that story to me many years ago as he had had it happen to his Boat. I also couldn't get an Ali cap off a Motorcyle valve. It was anodised gold but it was still Ali.

If that's the case it will be the death knell for these older cars. Worth keeping an eye on the Bay as I've picked up a few OEM items at bargain prices in the past. Also I've bought parts from the USA and Australia so I doubt it will be a problem. Then there's ToyoDIY.com to check out.

A really professional explanation for LS430 owners. Well done. My Sub doesn't work but I think I'll leave it. With my LS400 I found Seat removal quite a strain, and putting it back has been a backbreaking exercise which I fear I've failed at. Mounting the rear seat on the four pegs (not screw in bolts) looks a doddle until you try it. Both side clips go over the pegs with a lot of effort but getting it on to the middle two pegs I think has beaten me. Bit of a gap at parcel shelf centre. I tried replacing the Cushion yesterday, but it also doesn't wan't to go back far enough to drop into the two slots. Given up for now as I can see my Sciatica coming on big time. Am I alone in this experience with the Mk2 rear seat?

Have you considered downloading Adblock Plus. ? You'll still get a pop up for the Lexus RX450H but little else. Also stops that pre-advertising on U tube which is so annoying.

The Chart can't be right unless its up to October 1994 and not RD5979. My ride is going to be firmer with a longer spring and more tension on the damper. I'll leave them until after our next tip and then decide if replace. I'd buy Moogs from Rock as importing will not be too expensive. I think Moog are German? The 5979 have a flattened out base but I can't remember if the top is also flattened out? Not as Suplex style. (The rubber Gaitors are Mini Steering Rack Gaiters I asked my mechanic to modify to fit. Cost less than a Tenner.)

Your comment in 2014 in that other thread, Steve quote IIRC the rear springs on the October 1994 on models (series III) were longer than the earlier models so this may explain the difference in height. Unquote. KYB should not be saying they are right for 1989 - 1993 (Mk11 and Mk 1) This is what it says on the Invoice from Parts Superstore (e-bay purchase back in 2015) Irritating, and now showsing me that the Nexens I put on the rear are getting low, so two replacement Maxxis's (which I have on the front the same age and have worn well) are now on order. PS I'll be allright for off-roading!