drs23

Thanks for spelling it out PD. Be assured that was never my intention in the least. Just checked in to find out what my issues are that I'm dealing with at the moment. Fact is I have a source, outside of the forum, to dispose of the parts if it would have come to that which is mentioned upthread. Fortunately it won't come to that. One way or another, Mama's LS400 will live to ride another day!

Thanks again for this wonderful resource.

LScowboyLS

yay! - I'm qualified to part out!!

but everything I have is running well, what would I part out?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i don't think parting out a stock car would reap enough money to warrant the action. the only time i part out is if the car has aftermarket parts, which generally has a higher demand.

if i were you, i would simply sell the car as is, cut your losses and start fresh with another LS (not a previously wrecked car). i recently bought a used tacoma with a replaced front fender and it bothers the crap outta me that i don't know what happened. i'm a sucker for orignal body panels with VIN numbers!

mikes7ke

iTrader: (1)

If I was you, I'd buy the 99. Get your's repaired. When it's running like a champ again, make a project out of the 99.

ls400geek

Don't buy a wrecked car. Also you might have a lot of maintenance to do to that newer LS400: tie rod end/ ball joints, transmission mount, leaking front seals, timing belt? it's an old car now and the seals are starting to deteriorate.

Camshaft seals on a 99 to replace, along with crankshaft seal , pulleys , timing belt & water pump is a $2300 job. I bought an immaculate 98 ls400 with leaking front seals for $5000 last week and ended up having to put about $2700 into it this past week.

I wish I got a 97 instead because leaking camshaft seal replacement is a 10 minute job versus 10 hours--after you are already in there to do water pump & timing belt.

drs23

Thanks for the replies guys, I sincerely appreciate it. I've made the decision to absolutely diagnose the issues going on with this '97 and bring it back to like new, whatever it takes. We've had this car since it had 17k miles on it so I KNOW it's history.

I've been assured, to my comfort level anyway, that it's not the HGs. The likely culprits were pointed out upthread and after further research I believe this advise to be spot on. Parts have steadily been arriving each day so I'll be diving in in the next week or so. Don't know whether I'll update here or start another thread but I will keep everyone apprised of the progress with pics.

Thanks again for the responses and this great forum!

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

totally understand to invest in a car you've had for a long period. wishing you the best in your restoration!

drs23

Finally got the pressure test accomplished.

Found the heater by-pass valve leaking:



Took some time for it to manifest it's self but found this after an hour or so:



I suppose this accounts for some of the coolant loss but still doesn't explain the coolant and steam coming from the exhaust. I'm puzzled at this point. I was having to refill the reservoir daily after starting this thread then for the last week to 10 days it hasn't used any coolant whatsoever.

Where would you guys look next? What's the best method of diagnosing if the intake manifold gaskets are leaking? Will be doing away with the idle control valve during the WP replacement.

I'm still going to R&R the TB & WP since it's long overdue and the idler pulley and/or tensioner pulley is squeaking.