LScowboyLS

did you get the hydraulic tensioner ordered, it is actually even more critical to replace than the pulleys (bearings), and the old one is tough to re-use, even if that were a good idea (it isn't) because it is difficult to re-compress and you would need something to act as the pull pin as well.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

get Aisin for the water pump, which is the OEM part as well.

if you haven't already, check out my water pump/tbelt replacement on my 97 here (starting at post #26):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...n-ls400-2.html

drs23

Thanks again for all the replies folks. Got my money back on the first order and ordered the kit recommended here by several (the Aisine kit on ebay).

Next on the list in the master cylinder. After a thorough search I'm having the same issues that point to the MC being defective. Which replacement part do y'all recommend? I'll wait until I get some answers before I jump the gun this time!

drs23

Received my water pump, bearings, belt and tensioner yesterday:



Also welded the PS bypass valve:



Have installed the cam seals & front main seal. Have everything on hand to go back together except the pressure side PS hose that should be here Tuesday.

Lingering question stll about the master cylinder brand recommendation?

drs23

Have the WP installed and am on to the timing belt. I've followed the tutorial on lexls.com which has been very helpful. However, when I got to the point of installing the new belt the lines on the belt do not line up like they should. I've looked at this every way I can think of until my eyes crossed.

The photos will show it better than I can explain it:

LH cam pulley:



RH cam pulley:



The marks on the belt are about 8 teeth off when the cam pulleys are in line with the marks on the engine. Do I have the wrong belt or am I doing something stupid that I just can't see.

Please help!

drs23

Found the reason the belt wouldn't fit. The vendor sent me a belt and tensioner for a Tundra truck. Is sending the proper parts Priority Mail so the correct parts should be here Monday.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Thats crazy bcuz I was looking for a TB kit so I could have it when it comes time to do mine in about 50 k miles and it listed it as being compatible for the tundra on all the sites so I know what not to get now. But the difference in model years might acct for that.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

'98-00 is different, the head design is far more similar to the 2UZ heads.

drs23

Have been replacing water pump and timing belt on this '97 LS400 and for the life of me can't get the marks on the TB to line up exactly with the marks on the cam pulleys. They're off by one tooth exactly when my belt is lined up on the CS and the harmonic balancer is lined up at "0".

Desperate for words of wisdom here as the fellow that was doing the job for me has pretty much bailed and I'm trying to clean up this job which I didn't disassemble.

Here are some photos:

The HB @0*:



LH Cam pulley:



RH Cam pulley:



Any and all help/responses are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Thanks

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

if you have the correct parts, everything will line up like this........ why is the CS pulley even on the engine for this?

drs23

I just temp installed it to make sure the CS timing was zero'd out. As mentioned prior I didn't take it apart so I'm just trying to be extra careful.

Thanks for the response.