JOEYD2008

Well, although my LS400 has been starting with no issues, I have decided that I cannot go on with the fear that I will be stranded somewhere because my starter died.

So, I am mentally preparing myself for the big DIY job of replacing the starter. I need your advice - would you go with a rebuilt Denso OEM starter or would you feel comfortable with the following starter I found on E-bay;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123

It comes with a Lifetime Warranty (as long as I own the vehicle). Total cost on this one is $105 vs a Denso rebuilt OEM starter with 1 year warranty for $159?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

vsynergy

Sounds like a dying starter. It calls for 5 hours to do. I had to replace mine not too long ago and it was pretty tough to get to.

AzHotLS

iTrader: (1)

Maybe for an ASE certified technician with all the right tools and lifts, or someone with an 98-00 400. Took me WAY longer. But then I have a 95 and spend a ton of time trying to get the lower EGR pipe out before giving up. That and dodging the rain while working in the driveway. The OP has a 96 so will have to deal with the lower EGR pipe as well.

steveski

I decided to opt for Denso OEM versus Ebay. This decision was largely based on time and effort to replace the starter. Maybe the Ebay option is good but to me I don't care about their lifetime warranty - I mean, if it only lasts a year then you're out 4-5 hours labor again.

There are many that have done the swap themselves. I won't attempt. Not because I cannot but rather the car is 14 years old - many hoses, etc. are brittle. They can be broken and you won't know until you reassemble and attempt to start. I would rather a Lexus tech have to deal with that

JOEYD2008

HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have located 2 Denso starters;

Part No. 280-0165 & Part No. W0133-1601592

Can you please tell me which one of these is the oem starter or are they both aftermarket? If they are aftermarket, will either of these work fine?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

steveski

280-0165 is OEM for your LS year:
http://www.densoproducts.com/resultsSearch.asp

W0133-1601592 does not show up on Denso as OEM starter (it does not even cross reference).

JOEYD2008

Steveski,

Thanks for the info..

I got the W0133-1601592 part no. from www.partsgeek.com. In the description, it states OEM.

Part No. 280-0165, from what I can tell, is an aftermarket starter. I ended up buying the 280-0165 for $130 shipped (from www.autoparts123.com). The way I look at it, although it is aftermarket, it is made by Denso using original Denso replacement parts.

For $130, I believe I made the right choice.

steveski

I agree with you. The Denso site backs that starter 100%.

JOEYD2008

I will begin the starter DIY this weekend.

Do you think I need to change the Knock Sensors? I am not having any issues. It would be a piece of cake since they will be in plain view. However, the cost of these babies is killing me ($127 each from parts.com - these are OEM).

What do you think?

steveski

IMO I would not necessarily change them since they are not giving you trouble. From others that have changed the starter themselves - definitely take your time and on vacuum lines take great care as I bet they are brittle like mine are. Good luck and kuddos to you for taking this beast of a job on