gebo

My mechanic said the "oil cooler" hose that connects above the oil filter had come loose on my '98 LS400. He said he trimmed off about 1/4 inch and used a new clamp to hold it on.

This happened while he was replacing both valve covers. Is it possible he accidentally loosened the hose while replacing the valve covers? Or was this just a freak timing issue?

I'm thinking I should replace it. Your thoughts?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

unlikely related to the valve cover job, but more likely it was leaking in addition to the VCs.
replacement of that hose is pretty simple and straightforward if desired, but if the mechanic fixed it with his method, why bother?

gebo

You have answered my question. Thank you!!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I do as your mechanic did if there is sufficient hose length. Also applicable to vacuum lines.

YODAONE

What oil cooler hose above oil filter on 1998 LS400?

gebo

IDK. I looked today and couldn’t see anything. He said it connected to a plate some call a “sandwich”???

YODAONE

Is your LS400 a North American version?

gebo

I don’t know. I guess.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

the mechanic might be referring to the transmission oil cooler lines that goes into the lower half of the radiator.
my guess he may have mistaken those lines which do router near the oil filter.

YODAONE

Which side of engine are transmission fluid cooler lines?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

good point, trans lines are on the pass side...opposite the oil filter.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-cushions.html

i recall i saw some lines going over the oil filter but that was on my 97; different engine.
perhaps i've mistaken them for power steering lines?

paulo57509

I think the mechanic was referring to the return line (44406E) that I think runs over the top of the filter to the Cooler Sub-Assembly, Power Steering Oil, No. 1
(44402).



The mechanic must have trimmed off the ends of one of the two hoses. Your mechanic saved you ~$275 in parts.