1992 Lexus LS400 Timing Belt Broken - HELP - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Limited Edition · #1 10-24-2003, 02:50 PM

My friend has a 1992 Lexus LS400 with 150K+ miles and his Timing Belt Broke. Does any one have any advice for him besides to buy a W124 instead ? :p

How much should it cost to fix this?

Is is worth the money to fix it?

What should he watch out for?

CGenberg · #2 10-24-2003, 02:56 PM

Tell him to take it to a dealer certified mechanic if he's going to keep the car. It's a pain to change and the dealer tech will know right away the other things to do while he's in there (e.g., water pump, thermostat, idler pulley, etc.)

It's not something you want an non-trained indie to do. Naturally, the biggest issue is if there is any damage to the motor. I'm not sure if there are piston valve issues on that motor or not.

I think it's about a $1,200 job all in.

This job should be done as preventative maintenance on these motors at least every 120k miles.

rickg · #3 10-24-2003, 02:57 PM

Might send him over here:
http://www.clublexus.com

engatwork · #4 10-24-2003, 02:58 PM

I have a friend who had the same issue on his Lexus and it was ALOT less expensive just to replace the engine. He was able to find one for around $1000 if I remember correctly. These ARE interference $$$$ engines.

blackmercedes · #5 10-24-2003, 03:38 PM

Anyone wonder why there are so many 5-7 year old LS400's for sale? The service at that point, including a timing belt, is mucho $$, expecially compared to the nothing they've spent on the car so far. So they sell it, instead of putting a few bucks into a still-good car.

And talk about low prices. For about the same as new Corolla you can get a V-8 luxury sedan. However, some caveats apply. Not many of those cars were serviced to the expectations of folks like us. For some reason, people think the LS400 is a "forget about it" experience, and do very little in the way of preventative maintenance. Of course, there are people that take good care of them, but they're not selling them at 5 years old for a fraction of MSRP. They keep them.

What a dolt to let something as cheap as a stupid timing belt replecement ruin a fine V-8 engine.

My recommendation is that he junk the LS and buy a three year old Cavalier for $2500. At least he won't wreck another nice car.

#6 10-24-2003, 04:16 PM

In short, engine's gone. It's an interference engine, and will require significant repairs. Long live the timing chain!!

CJ · #7 10-24-2003, 11:25 PM

Changing the belt and the accesories on that V8 is a PIA, because the engine bay is tight. I have done a few, it takes time, but it really take more patience.

william rogers · #8 10-25-2003, 01:45 AM

It's hard for me to belive that with all the progress that engine developers have made such as horse power per CC,longevity of the bottom ends and so on that most engines still use belts and chains to drive the valve train on expensive high RPM engines like those in the MB and Lexus.........
William Rogers.......

blackmercedes · #9 10-25-2003, 09:55 AM

Gear drives break and wear out too.

#10 10-25-2003, 10:20 AM

I don't understand shy people buy luxury cars and not expect repairs. The timing belt issue is simple at 60K start saving for a belt change when it hits 100K go get it done. My w124 has cost twice its value in maintenance it's just the price you pay.