LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

piston rings issue

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Old 04-08-08, 01:42 AM
  #16  
Neofate
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Hrmm I've been doing some reading at random, and everyone tells everyone else White smoke = Coolant = Head gasket.. Black = Rich condition (or oil) -- Blue = Oil, and so on.

Man, if its a head gasket that is 2grand or more no? Could it be just a slightly leaking head gasket or something?

Or is it really likely this white smoke is from fuel?

It smells like gas, but maybe it is the coolant smell -- It is a strong odor no doubt,.. but I can't differentiate because I've never smelled the difference in burning coolant vs gas.
Old 04-08-08, 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by PureDrifter
when the motor is running a little rich it will spew out BLACK smoke, when its REALLY DUMPING IN FUEL it can be white.

if ur so worried about it being a HG just look in the oil, if indeed it is a HG then ur oil will resemble at least somewhat a "milkshake" or "chocolate milk" like consistency. if ur STILL not convinced then run a pressure test on all the cylinders and/or the cooling system.
Hrmm -- So drain the oil? Or is there any other way to check for this other than changing my oil?

Also, this is obviously not a huge leak atm,.. if it is one,.. So would it still be fairly obvious , you think, even if its only a little bit of coolant?

As for the pressure test, I have no way to do that.. heh. People always say do this and that -- but people don't have those tools laying around to do a quick pressure test. I assume you mean have it taken somewhere for a pressure test.

If this is a HG .. I wonder if that mechanic who sold it to me would give me one heck of a deal on replacing it. It didn't smoke when I bought it,.. but there are all kinds of ways, I imagine, to stop a small HG leak short term.

Nonethless what does a HG replacement, Parts plus labor cost on average from an indie mech?
Old 04-08-08, 06:19 PM
  #18  
bigste
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You need to rule out the cheap options first. Have you recently topped up your power steering fluid. It should NEVER need topping up unless you have a problem.
Old 04-08-08, 06:25 PM
  #19  
PureDrifter
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radiator pressure test, autozone/kragen loan them out along with other tools, and they are relatively inexpensive.
http://www.autozone.com/in_our_store...ure_tester.htm

you dont have to drain the oil, its VERY apparent when its a blown HG, looking just at the dipstick and sometimes even the oil cap.


see, milkshake (this is on a bike but still...)

im not even going to get into how much a HG job will cost, you dont have it, unless you ran the motor for several weeks without ANY coolant with the temp gauge in the red.
Old 04-08-08, 06:26 PM
  #20  
cpcc
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Its the power steering valve. should be a 100$ fix and you are all set.
Old 04-08-08, 06:39 PM
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PureDrifter
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Originally Posted by cpcc
Its the power steering valve. should be a 100$ fix and you are all set.
read first buddy, he already plugged the ACV a while back...
Old 04-08-08, 08:46 PM
  #22  
91LS400LEX
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If its indeed the headgasket, then it would be the first I ever heard on a LS400. Hope thats not the case.
Old 04-09-08, 03:34 PM
  #23  
Neofate
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Heh, I think we are getting confused with my hi-jack on similar issue. The OP it is likely PS fluid,..

Me, who knows --

I'll humbly bow out here,.. keep all replies to the OP here. I have enough threads of my own.
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