buuzy

Geez... it looks like no one is certain on this question. We have half say yes and half say no. Apparently no one have had the belt broke on them, so I maybe the belt last much longer than the 90K-100K miles.

97LS400

Geez... this could get really old.

Ok, let's say you think that Chilton, Alldata, and Gates databases are all wrong on this. Just do a search of this entire forum on "bent valve" and you will find one bent valve from an engine over-rev.

THERE ARE NO BENT VALVES IN THIS FORUM FROM A BROKEN TIMING BELT!

Now do the same search on a Honda forum.

Apply common sense.

If you still believe those that are telling you these are interference engines then be my guest... replace your t-belt every 90k for normal use and 60k for severe use just like the manual says.

The Lexus LX 4.7liter V8 is interference, the others are not.

acf

Ok, is there an accredited Lexus service man here who can settle this once and for all??? LOL! I also have a 1997 LS 400 and would like to know FOR SURE.

GA400

Guys,

My experience was probably the one PerryinLA was referring to. Last year, my 91 LS400 had a water pump bearing seize and shred the timing belt. It had 204,000 miles on the odometer. It had Lexus service records in the owners manual up until about 140,000 (no records after that - I bought it with around 185,000 miles) with no mention of the timing belt service. My mechanic has been working on Lexus cars since they first arrived in Atlanta in 1990, and, as far as he could tell, it appeared that mine had the factory timing belt. The only damage done to the engine was a guide that got bent, I believe on the valve train, rather inexpensive, I think it was less than $20.00 for that individual part. When he replaced it, I had him do the idlers, tensioners, seals, everything. I do not plan to get it done again anytime soon. All in all, it was an inconvenience getting a tow, and the repair bill was not cheap. If I were doing it again, I would probably ask to get it inspected every 30,000 miles or so after 120,000 miles or so and probably go ahead and replace everything at 180,000 just to avoid the tow and unplanned repair costs.

HTH,

GA400

Sooner

vvti is correct with this one but hey its your cars change them when u want to

PERRYinLA

Thanks for the details, GA400, and your strategy is certainly better than blindly following the dealer's recommended change intervals.

If you look at this from an economic point of view, it does not pay to ever do a PM (Preventative Maintenance) timing belt change on a non-interference Lexus V8, UNLESS:
1) You need to service the water pump or similar part, since the same parts are removed
2) You see wear on the belt (remove the top covers and inspect it- my belt is 11 years old)
Otherwise, drive it till it breaks- IF it ever breaks!

Yes, in the very unlikely event you get a broken belt, it will cost you a tow and you will be very late for your date. GA400 does not like that and I respect his efforts to avoid it, but personally, I'll take the chance. You can buy a lot of tows for the thousand dollars or so a dealer will charge you for a PM timing belt change, and with my AAA card the tow is free.

Gekko

i say do it at 100k miles IF you plan on keeping the car to 130k miles or more.

here's what I follow:

LEXUS MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE

Every 3,750 Miles:
Oil and Oil Filter Change

Every 30,000 Miles:
Radiator Coolant Flush/Change
Air Filter Change
Transmission Fluid and Differential Fluid Flush/Change
Brake Fluid Flush/Change
BG MOA Oil Additive
BG 44K Fuel Induction Additive

Every 60,000 Miles:
Spark Plugs Change/Tune-Up
Power Steering Fluid Flush/Change
Fuel Filter Change
Battery Check/Change

Every 90,000 Miles:
Timing Belt Change
Water Pump Check/Change

Every 1 Year:
Exterior Wax/Detail
Interior Leather/Wood Cleaning and Conditioning/Detail and Carpet Shampoo
Wiper Blade Inserts Change

GA400

Good words of wisdom, Perry.