CarNerd400

Hello all! I don't post a lot on here, but i have finally been stumped. So, I drive a 1998 LS 400, 193k, and recently, the alternator went bad. after replacing said alternator, only about 3 days later the starter kicked the bucket as well. I was able to replace that just fine, and it cranked perfectly. it wouldn't start though. i replaced some other things as well, including the right vvt solenoid, and a coolant temp sensor. after all was said and done, it still failed to start. i shot in some starting fluid, and it ran on the starting fluid. so I know its a fuel issue. i undid the supply fuel line, and tried to crank it and nothing came out. am i missing something? any insight is much appreciated!

Superfast1

Check the fuse & fuel filter.

CarNerd400

Awesome I will do that. Checked the fuse, not the filter yet. I'll check the filter today and post here how that goes.

bradland

It may well be a fuel issue but based on the recent alt and starter issues it's prob rooted in electrical. The ECU will cut off fuel pump power when some electrical components have failed causing the issue to appear fuel-related when it's actually another issue altogether...

CarNerd400

I initially thought this. But I know the ecu is good, and I have quadruple checked all my connections and sensors. Earlier it threw a p0115, which is coolant temp sensor, I replaced it, issue remains. I will look into it, but I will do the fuel filter first.

bradland

The ECU is not in question it's simply doing its job when it doesn't receive a signal from certain electrical components. Where did you buy the new VVTi solenoid? Please don't say eBay or Autozone...
Have you checked the cam position sensor under the drivers side cam gear cover?

CarNerd400

I got the vvt solenoid from my local Lexus dealer. Haven't checked the cam position sensor, just seems like like weird thing to fail at the exact same time.

bradland

The cam position sensor doesn't have a high failure rate BUT occasionally gets disconnected or even severed (wires) while doing other work. Def worth a look

Superfast1

I've replaced both starters on my 97 & 00 LS a few years ago & the later was much easier to replace as the plenum & upper intake manifold can come out as 1-piece. If you haven't touched any other components beside the plenum/intake manifold, fuel rails/injectors, etc... & if it's not the fuse and/or fuel filter then most likely it's your fuel pump which resides inside the tank, especially if it's still original. My 97 went out at 200K miles. Since you've stated it cranked but no fuel so that could be it. It's very easy to replace by just removing the backseat & pop the metal round cover. If it's indeed the fuel pump then you should replace the inline fuel filter by the rear axle as well. Good luck.

CarNerd400

Thank you so much for the help! I will take a look at these things and we will see what happens!