Och

iTrader: (3)

My girlfriend has a 95 GS300 with 90,000 miles on it. I am looking for general maintenance tips, what should I replace, such as spark plugs, wires, PCV valve, fuel filter, air filter, etc. Do they come with platinum or copper spark plugs? Which spark plugs do you guys recommend, OEM or aftermarket? What kind of engine oil should i put in it?


Also, she is not sure if her ex-husband ever changed the timing belt on it (they got it with ~50k). Is there an easy way to check the condition of the belt? And if it is due to be changed, should I change the water pump along with it? What else should I consider changing once I'm at it?


Thanks in advance.

indypwr

what up, by inspecting the timing belt, just try to turn upside down and check for cracks. usually, thy recommend to change the timing belt when u have at last 80,000 miles. but if i were you, i wud change it. dont worry about the water pump. it shud be fine as long as the car has not overheating problems.

as for spark plugs, you can use the denso iridiums from lexus dealer or just simply ask for iridium plugs for IS300. thy both share the same motor as the 1st gen. as for the plug wires, thy'r ok, dont need to change them.

air filter? you can just change if you like but not necessary.

pcv valve? dont know, hvn't change it

fuel filter? damn, u just reminded me. i shud change mine.

oil? try to change oil every 3000 miles with 10x40 wt and i suggest to use mobile 1 synthetic oil. you can use 5x30wt but 10x40wt is more recommended due to high mileage.

Och

iTrader: (3)

How much do you think timing belt replacement will run me?

alexamparo

i thought the GS300 had a chain??

Och

iTrader: (3)

newp...

indypwr

timing belt replacement will run about 150 and up....
but u have to provide the part frm any lexus dealer...

if u go to a dealer fr replacement, good luck as thy will charge u and arm and a leg!!!!.....

Och

iTrader: (3)

What else should I consider changing with the timing belt, so that I save on labor? Any other belts, or parts that start breaking at around 90-120k?

indypwr

change the fan belt as well.....

blue wax

there are no parts that start breaking at a certain milage.

even the timing belt should never break !!
but it is recommended to do so for security reasons every aprox 60 000 miles or so.

I have 178000 km and went to my lexus dealer
he adviced and did the following:

oil(5w-30) plus oil filter

new timing belt and idler timing belt

drain and refill radiatorliquid

some minor repair on the front left wheel (squeeky noise)

I paid 363 $ all taxes paid

just to give you an idea of the real cost !!!!

007

Your car has a timing belt.....if you are nervous about it you can get it inspected... From your mileage point if everything has been serviced as necessary you should be fine. I was told by a mechanic at the dealer that your belt should be replaced by 130,000miles .. I did mine at around 140,000 miles and even then the belt was in great shape.

Yes, change the water pump while you are at it. and timing belt tensioner/idler

The 1st Gen GS has a very reliable engine and transmission. at 140,000 i replaced the some things i needed and some i didnt.
Timing Belt (OEM)
Water Pump (OEM)
Spark Plugs (OEM)
Spark Plug Wires (OEM)
Distributor Cap (OEM)
Alternator (OEM)

But i have a friend who works in the parts dept. at the dealership so i get my parts for 1/2 price or less.

And with this my motor lasted until i reached 204,000miles. Then it started knocking but i drove the car hard from the first day to the last. I replaced the motor with one from a 94' GS 300 with only 44,000 miles on it. Its like i have a new car i have only put 10,000miles on my new motor. The new motor uses my same water pump, wires, altenator, trac control etc.

Unless you are trying to do some serious mods like some here.. keep the car OEM as much a possible.

Och

iTrader: (3)

what is timing belt tensioner/idler

007

Hmm... if i am not mistaken this is needed when you replace the timing belt which keeps the tension on the belt. However i may be mistaken, since i purchased all the products at the same time.. and asked "what all do i need" at the dealership.

You can double check by calling your parts dept. at the dealership and ask them what all parts will you need to properly replace the timing belt. They will be happy to tell you, they make a killing on parts.