CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

Hello everyone. I just picked up a '93 GS last week and so far I love it. It's pretty clean but has some issues that I need to get cleared up.

I went to get it inspected and it failed the tailpipe emissions test. I also hear a lot of crackling and popping when I turn it off. I am assuming its the catalytic converter. Is this an easy fix? Where is the cat located and how much would it be to replace?

Also when I first looked at the car I noticed it has a valve cover leak at the rear. Under hard acceleration and driving I notice that there is some white smoke that comes from under the hood and underneath the car. I did some searching and found that the rear main seal leaks on these cars. How can I tell if the rear main seal is bad or if it is just the valve cover leaking on the exhaust?

Aside from these issues the car runs beautifully. It has butt warmers, trac, and Nak sound system. The car was owned by an older woman and all the leather is still soft. I'll get some pictures up in the next couple days to show everyone.

Sorry for the long first post, and thanks to everyone that helps!

SNFL

2JG-GTZ swap FTW!

oh- and welcome to CL. Get those pics up!

link13

The best way to see if the rear main seal is leaking is to get it up on a lift or jack it up and crawl under it. If there is a rear main seal leak, there should be motor oil around the area where the trans meets engine. My experience is that, given enough time, all of the seals will eventually leak on these cars. Mine's a '94 with 167K on the clock and I've replaced just about every seal on it.

2turbo4u

First what is a 2JG anyway? second he didn't ask about what engines that could be swapped into his car. Back to the questions, the cat is under the car I believe you might have two of them. The rear main seal needs the engine and tranny needs to separate to fix it. Seek out a shop with a lift to see whats going on? By the way welcome to Club Lexus and the first gen board.

Triple C

iTrader: (2)

I personally love the 2JG :-) . Get some under the hood shots so we can see the spots you think are bad (leaking). 2Turbo4u .. go Dawgs..

SNFL

Hey thanks for your ignorant reply! All my point was, welcoming him to the forum and jokingly saying just replace the stock motor.

Lexatlast

iTrader: (5)

ok guys, please keep biting replies to each other off of this gentlebeings introduction thread... PM is for that.

CallmeQ, congrats on joining the first gen gs forum! I personally have no experience with your valve seal issues, but i do have the same catalytic converter problem. Will let you know how it gets fixed within the week.

again welcome!

vindedreal

The white smoke can be almost any oil leak, leaking onto your exhuast, not just the rear main seal, So get it checked out.

link13

Is the a lot of oil at the valve covers?

Mine has had the valve cover gaskets, cam seals, timing cover seal, front main seal, rear main seal, oil filter housing o-ring, and oil pan gasket (not really a gasket, but the drop the pan, grind off the old adhesive and sealant, and reseal it) all replaced within the last 2 years.

CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

I tried to reply and post pics but its saying that a mod has to approve my post. It is a lot at the valve cover so I'm thinking thats my problem. I checked down where the engine and tranny meet and even took off that little inspection door at the flexplate and its bone dry.

CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

Which would be a better brand, Beck/Arnley or Fel-Pro?

SNFL

Personally I have always used Fel Pro