billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=PjLex; but there is a lot of racket coming from that area. [/QUOTE]

you need to determine if the TC is turning as fast as the crank, if so it is like I said at first, TC to front pump damage. but if not (and hope for this)

just drop the tranny, that changes a lot "ideas".. the T/converter attaches to the flywheel ( which it really a "flexplate" around the outer bolts and to the end of the crankshaft on the small circle in the middle... I have seen (after 30 years) many broken flexplates, and I'll bet that is your trouble, leave the tranny alone until you do this...
this usually happens on hotrods and hopped up engines... but that 400 qualifies...

good luck.

LScowboyLS

how about just do the simple and inexpensive step first, which is change the fluid and filter? (and make SURE it is the real Lexus filter from the dealership that you use to replace it, as aftermarket filters have had the problem of falling into the pan)

did you miss the part where I explained that this problem of a fallen or clogged filter is not uncommon on LS400?

why pull a tranny that may have a very simple issue?

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

quote why pull a tranny that may have a very simple issue?

I thought you had already done that.. sorry..

too many cooks here, I will bow out.. good luck.

cobalt91

Ok PJ. If you want to fix this issue your gonna have to try some of the things that have been suggested. The test that cowboy and Billy are talking about are free. Dropping the trans is not complicated, but is pretty labor intensive. Do the easy stuff first. It is possible to fix this on your own. that being said, shut the car off. remove the battery cables from the battery. now get under the car and get really dirty.

PjLex

Sorry about my long length away from this thread. I have been working and dropping the trans . I want to thank everyone for their great advice! I have successfully dropped the transmission. First indications are the torque convert spins freely while attached to transmission. I can move it freely with just two fingers pushing it. Either direction doesn't matter.

PjLex

I previously dropped the trans pan and checked the filter. It was a toyota filter and was in the correct location.

PjLex

The flywheel, appears to be intact and correct. With no damage that BillyD Pow described as a possible cause of the problem. So, I am don't know much about torque converters, but that seems to be the part that is broken. I welcome any second opinions and remarks. Now, assuming that I do need a new torque converter, where is the best place to get a replacement part ???

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

OK, scroll up and look at the photo of the convertor, take yours and just pull it out and lay it down and compare it with the photo and tell me what you see. it may be good and your pump is bad..... goodnight.

PjLex

I'll pull it out and check what I see. And report back shortly. Thanks BillyD.

PjLex

Last night tried to pull torque converter out. I could pull out about an inch and no further. Does anyone know how to take out the torque converter?

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I Have never worked on a lexus tranny, I retired 17 years ago..
from what I read, turn it clockwise as you pull,, it should not turn counterclockwise, it has a one way lock up clutch in it.. (and I remember you saying you could turn it both ways)... my feelings are you need a used tranny, cheaper than fixing yours... but you need a lexus tranny man to say so.. not me.. gooood luck

PjLex

Thanks for all the advice.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

you are very welcome, hope I helped some...

PjLex

Well, at this point I was hoping to get a bit more advice. But I understand if not many people understand transmission problems enough to offer good advice. Thanks for all the advice and guidance.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

lol you need to purchase the FSM and read the steps to remove the torque converter.