New SC400 owner
01-17-18, 10:09 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
New SC400 owner
I grew up and always thought I wanted a big American SUV, but ended up with an SC400. Neighbor of mine who’s father bought it new in 92 used it to mostly to drive from FL to MA. Just crossed 205,000 miles and after my mechanic gave me the ok I wrote a check for $1000. So until 2008 it spent winter in FL and when my neighbor inherited it she only drove it in the summer. There’s no rust what so ever and i have very detailed service records. Only one thing concerns me, the timing belt/ chain i dont know what the Lexus has. I can’t find a record of it ever being replaced but could it go this long without a new one? And if so shouldn’t i be getting a new one. I know they are interference engines so if it snaps I’m screwed. It would hurt to put a lot of money into a 26 yr old car that i got for a grand, but I’ve already fallen in love with the car so i would do it.
another thing, i love music and I’m unsure of what sound system i have. I don’t have a nakamichi logo on my head unit but it sounds pretty damn good with one rear speaker not working and a partially blown sub.
another thing, i love music and I’m unsure of what sound system i have. I don’t have a nakamichi logo on my head unit but it sounds pretty damn good with one rear speaker not working and a partially blown sub.
01-18-18, 12:26 PM
#3
Welcome to the forum. The earlier model 1UZ motor has a timing belt and is a non interference design. The timing belt, water pump, cam and crank seal are not that difficult to do. Just find a good reliable local shop and have them perform the job for you if you cannot do it yourself.
Good luck with your car, be sure to keep up with the maintenance, as these motors are very strong if taken care of correctly.
Good luck with your car, be sure to keep up with the maintenance, as these motors are very strong if taken care of correctly.
01-18-18, 03:09 PM
#4
Welcome, never heard of these cars lasting 200k without getting the water pump/timing belt replaced. Youre suposed to do them every 90k or so. Id say get the water pump, timing belt, the seals and pullies replaced all at once. Gates sells a kit for it at a reasonable price. I paid $150 for mine and the labor was 300 from my mechanic.
01-23-18, 08:13 AM
#6
Rockauto sells the correct timing belt kit from Asian for line $160 or so - I just put one in a few months back
Whatever kit you buy, make sure it has a new tensioner - the first one I put in didn't have it and it jumped a few thousand miles later
It is a very involved job - get experienced help if you don't feel comfortable taking apart the entire front of the motor
Whatever kit you buy, make sure it has a new tensioner - the first one I put in didn't have it and it jumped a few thousand miles later
It is a very involved job - get experienced help if you don't feel comfortable taking apart the entire front of the motor
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