vasy

On one of the puctures I saw, the new LS was on a lift in a shop with the camera aiming from the front end of the car toward the rear, under the front bumper area. I noticed that behind the crankshaft and 2 other pulleys, the timing gear cover is made of aluminum instead of plastic material. Usually metal timing gear cover is used together with timing chain to form an air-tight seal to prevent oil leak, since timing chain needs to be lubricated. Car makers usually use plastic cover with a timing belt setup because there is no oil inside the cover. No need to worry about oil leaking out of the cover under normal circumstances. Does anyone know if a chain is indeed used to replace the timing belt that has been used for all previous LS models? If you have an official new LS maintenance schedule, please check if timing belt replacement is mentioned around 90K. If nothing is being said about timing belt replacement, Lexus has just made a bold move that will benefit many LS owners many years down the road.

I also noticed that new-style oil filter (like the 05/06 Avalon's) is used. When you replace the oil filter, you only replace the paper element which is located inside a reusable metal housing - good for the environment. But I can't seem to locate the oil pan in that picture. That is a little odd.

donaldm823

If you have an official new LS maintenance schedule, please check if timing belt replacement is mentioned around 90K. If nothing is being said about timing belt replacement, Lexus has just made a bold move that will benefit many LS owners many years down the road.


My Mainteneace schedule book says "inspect timing belt" at 120K miles, but I remember reading one of the reviews on the new engine was that Lexus went to a metal timing chain. The GS have a 90K inspection

CDN_Lexus

The 2007 LS460 has a timing chain.

Lex-NH

Right. See the interesting link and photo of the LS460 engine cutaway showing the timing chain.

http://lexus.jp/models/ls/performanc...ne/vvt-ie.html

Seems all new V Toyota engines - like the ES350 and Camry V-350

jjbodean

it is recommended to "inspect" the timing chain at 120,000 miles

GS430 GUY

As long as the engine is non-interference, which I am sure Toyota does with their engines, no problems. Can't say the same for Nissan, after I had a timing chain go on me years ago on a Q45, bent pistons, etc Wasn't a fun experience.