Just bought a 1996 LS 400
#17
Driver
Thread Starter
Yeah, I'm not going to sweat anything. When your car has just hit the legal drinking age, it's not reasonable to expect it to be 100% perfect or even anywhere close. But yes Banshee365, you are correct in your observations. The carpet doesn't pull away and I haven't had a chance to look at the kits yet. The only thing I noticed missing is the antenna. As long as it doesn't give me too many problems I'm happy. My main thing is just keeping up with maintenance and the appearance. With that said, I heard the brakes squeak a little bit today, found a leak that I didn't notice before, it took just a tad bit longer than I like for the car to start (hopefully it's just the battery), and I think the CD player doesn't work. Going to have my local indy garage check everything out along with the 175k mile service before the week is over.
#19
The valve cover bolts like to loosen over time. Like way less than finger tight. Many times simply tightening those bolts will stop or slow valve cover leaks. The bolts have a 10mm head and giving them a good firm twist with the hand on 1/4 drive tools will get you close to where you need to be. I bet most all of yours are lose, I see it all the time.
The valve cover gaskets have to be totally jam up tight because there are pools of oil that lube the exhaust valve followers that sit exactly at the valve cover gasket. If it's not tight and sealed you'll leak a lot from there.
Beck-Arnley has the best 'aftermarket' kit for the valve covers. All parts made in Japan. Buying the gaskets, plug well seals, and grommets individually from Lexus IS a freakin fortune. The Beck-Arnley kit is available from RockAuto and Amazon for less than $40.
The valve cover gaskets have to be totally jam up tight because there are pools of oil that lube the exhaust valve followers that sit exactly at the valve cover gasket. If it's not tight and sealed you'll leak a lot from there.
Beck-Arnley has the best 'aftermarket' kit for the valve covers. All parts made in Japan. Buying the gaskets, plug well seals, and grommets individually from Lexus IS a freakin fortune. The Beck-Arnley kit is available from RockAuto and Amazon for less than $40.
Last edited by Banshee365; 02-15-17 at 06:52 AM.
#20
Awesome! Valve gasket leaking is normal - in fact my GS300-05 100K also have such leaking. I'm told when fix valve gasket, one get better replace PCV valve.grommet, also, one might have broken multiple hoses,
I tend to link, a aged car like that, most hoses/gasket might need to be replaced, where I can get a list?
any comments?
I tend to link, a aged car like that, most hoses/gasket might need to be replaced, where I can get a list?
any comments?
#21
Pole Position
That's a decent price for that shape. Hard to find in the south with clean interiors like that.
That smile face is an after market accessory, but nice touch.
Don't sweat over the small stuff. It won't be perfect due to it's age, but has every opportunity to be perfect for you.
With continued proper care it can give you miles and miles of smiles.
That smile face is an after market accessory, but nice touch.
Don't sweat over the small stuff. It won't be perfect due to it's age, but has every opportunity to be perfect for you.
With continued proper care it can give you miles and miles of smiles.
#22
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the info about the valve cover gasket guys. I'll try tightening the bolts before doing anything else. Also, I finally was able to get the CD player to work after looking through some threads on here.
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