V8 sir... Suits you sir!

[Redefined]

A few years I've been on this forum I think. Always thought the LS600H would be the one for me, despite it being out of the price range.  Recently after someone posted something about the Car Care Nut and me watching his channel. I realised the LS430 is probably the one I want/need (delete as appropriate).

Then the head gasket on the Subaru Legacy SpecB 6 cylinder started playing up. Only at 131000 miles and looks well looked after and maintained. Not sure if it's thw maim dealers not having done coolant services properly/timely even though they've been stamping the book every year for the previous, but one, last owner.

Needed something quick and really wasn't surw about losing my wagon type space. Especially since I can sleep in the back and the road and mountain bikes fit in nicely. But I needed a cheap car quickly as I'm currently reinjecting the coolant that hasn't returned to the radiator, by hand after a long drive (in the Subaru). Not sure if my target of hitting 200k in a H6 engine was too far fetched as I've yet to get past the 181k marker (in 4 cars ownership with that engine, over the past 4 or 5 years!

Then this happened... Deposit paid, just need to to collect... Happy face goes here...

Still a bit nervous about the whole swap and snow driving. Especially since that's when I'm busiest with work (long distance ICU nurse covering last minute shifts and get paid a bit of mileage). But seems nice enough for a 19 year old car. Maybe the boot I'm losing in the Subaru Legacy won't be missed once I feel the comfort of these seats. Or maybe I should dive in and get the head gasket done on it (though it feels like a massive can of worms).

Currently on 111k and only 1 niggle I've been told of (suspension sagging after parked for a week but comes roght back up once started). So maybe this will finally get me past my 200k mile mark. In case anyone wonders how I'd manage to cover shifts in a 4.3L... I often think that too... But, it's a V8 😉 and I do try to cover journeys of less than 40 miles on my push bike...

May God make this a long, happy and easy relationship. Currently wondering how I'd get Bluetooth setup on the Mark Lev as it's a 2000 plate. Might have to just got and get a Parrot device fitted up to the stereos. Lots more questions coming once I've done a few miles with it.

For the moment though, I'll leave you with... Where'd we get a main dealer repair manual purchased for one these lovelies??...

 

 

[ColinBarber]

9 hours ago, Redefined said:

Where'd we get a main dealer repair manual purchased for one these lovelies??...

The official place is online access (subscription based) from Lexus.

https://www.lexus-tech.eu

 

You will find hacked/copied PDF manuals being sold on eBay etc. but as they are illegally infringing copyright we don't talk about them here.

There are also used copies of the paper manuals for sale - not sure you can still purchase them new from Lexus. Ideally you want ones that cover European and RHD models, although 80%+ of a US manual would still be relevant.

 

One weak point on the LS430 is the transmission oil cooler failing within the radiator and destroying the gearbox. I'd recommend you replace the radiator as a precautionary measure and/or bypass the oil cooler and fit an external one instead.

[Malc1]

best wishes with your new steed

 

Malc

[Redefined]

Thanks folks. Great link that and I will look into that oil cooler. Apparently it's got about 300 invoices with it so maybe something that's already done...

Will update later once collected and driven a few hundred/thousand miles... 😊

[Redefined]

Interesting how much they want us to pay for access to repair manuals. Or have I missed a portion of the site.

 

not sure if I could afford £2900 to get access to thw manual indefinitely 🙂

[Redefined]

7 hours ago, Malc1 said:

best wishes with your new steed

 

Malc

Thanks Malc.

[Tomtit]

My suspension began sagging on one side but the compressor would pump it up again. Eventually it sagged when left overnight. It was entitled to fail at 19 years old. The suspension strut cannot be repaired. It will cost a four figure sum to replace it, unless you want to take a chance on a second hand unit. At that age, when one strut fails the others may not be far behind.

I converted the car to conventional coil springs and shock absorbers. I did the work myself. The ride is not quite as good as air suspension, but for just over £1000 the new parts will probably last the life of the car. I left a post on this forum with details, part nos. etc.

On a positive note, the seats will be like your favourite armchair.

[Tomtit]

If you look on eBay at lexussparesdirect you will find some used air suspension struts for sale.

[Redefined]

Hello all... Just a quick update...

Had the insurance starting for the Lexus today and I also needed that amount of time to ensure I've put in a few shifts to be able to pay for it. The dealer seemed genuine enough and the fact that he'd told me about the air suspension already was a good or bad thing.

eBay ad stated 'amazing, no rust' and not too much else. Can't think why I assumed it was a 1 owner from new...

Anyway, so today, me and the 8 year grabbed the train to go fetch the car on which I'd popped a £350 deposit prior. For some reason the chap (selling Bentleys on the forecourt) had decided to come to the train station to get me. I was hoping I'd be able to see the car from cold and warmed up. I just out this down to the chap being super nice and whilst awaiting him to return to the garage/collect me I sent across the rest of the money.

Some people might not agree with this but it's a £70k car which I was getting at £2k with FMDSH. I definitely didn't want to look like 'a bit of a scratter' nor did I plan to lowball anymore. We had agreed £2150 and I was gonna stick to it. Drove it (already warmed from him) and what an amazing feel.

Didn't try to thrash it as it didn't feel like it's made for that. Got back to the garage, paid the money (I had planned to kick the tires for a laff) after looking at the engine. With all the covers on, you can't see much anyway. Asked the guy about the black steering fluid and he tells me that's normal. I obviously never argued with him.

Got back with all the papers to drive off and turned on the air-con. Hot/warm and not getting cold. No probs, maybe a regas and afterall I've only paid £2k. Definitely did not want to go back and start a bit of an altercation. Get ready to drive off and the front left light seemed to be showing me something.

It something about adaptive cruise or radar. I forget which so I went and had a look at the left light to which the dash panel referred. Noted the headlights again that were dull as anything (but the eBay ad showed them being lovely and clear). No probs, I'm sure I could buff it out and reseal them.

Then I spotted the rust at the NS wing mirror. Still felt a bit shy after getting (seemingly) a bargain and mentioned it to my 8 year old. He agreed that we should say something so when the chap walked out again I mentioned it. Especially that he'd specifically written in the eBay listing 'amazing, no rust' and when we spoke about rust during the drive/payment he mentioned how amazing and rust free it was underneath.

Not sure if he was supposing that I was trying to get money knocked off but (politely) mentioned that he couldn't believe this and that it was 'just a bit of surface rust'. So he said, 'I'll give you back your money' and I snapped at the offer.

£140 in train/bus fees (return) and some insurance loss. But feel glad I didn't take it. Though the engine purred and felt super lovely! All sorts of other body work damage aswell but I tried to not dwell on it. Thwy were only minor cosmetics with one being a tiny bump...

V8 might have to wait another day 😄

Back to my broken headgasket and returning the reservoir coolant to the radiator after a long (spirited) run... 

[royoftherovers]

23 minutes ago, Redefined said:

Hello all... Just a quick update...

Had the insurance starting for the Lexus today and I also needed that amount of time to ensure I've put in a few shifts to be able to pay for it. The dealer seemed genuine enough and the fact that he'd told me about the air suspension already was a good or bad thing.

Ebay ad stated 'amazing, no rust' and not too much else. Can't think why I assumed it was a 1 owner from new...

Anyway, so today, me and the 8 year grabbed the train to go fetch the car on which I'd popped a £350 deposit prior. For some reason the chap (selling Bentleys on the forecourt) had decided to come to the train station to get me. I was hoping I'd be able to see the car from cold and warmed up. I just out this down to the chap being super nice and whilst awaiting him to return to the garage/collect me I sent across the rest of the money.

Some people might not agree with this but it's a £70k car which I was getting at £2k with FMDSH. I definitely didn't want to look like 'a bit of a scratter' nor did I plan to lowball anymore. We had agreed £2150 and I was gonna stick to it. Drove it (already warmed from him) and what an amazing feel.

Didn't try to thrash it as it didn't feel like it's made for that. Got back to the garage, paid the money (I had planned to kick the tires for a laff) after looking at the engine. With all the covers on, you can't see much anyway. Asked the guy about the black steering fluid and he tells me that's normal. I obviously never argued with him.

Got back with all the papers to drive off and turned on the air-con. Hot/warm and not getting cold. No probs, maybe a regas and afterall I've only paid £2k. Definitely did not want to go back and start a bit of an altercation. Get ready to drive off and the front left light seemed to be showing me something.

It something about adaptive cruise or radar. I forget which so I went and had a look at the left light to which the dash panel referred. Noted the headlights again that were dull as anything (but the ebay ad showed them being lovely and clear). No probs, I'm sure I could buff it out and reseal them.

Then I spotted the rust at the NS wing mirror. Still felt a bit shy after getting (seemingly) a bargain and mentioned it to my 8 year old. He agreed that we should say something so when the chap walked out again I mentioned it. Especially that he'd specifically written in the ebay listing 'amazing, no rust' and when we spoke about rust during the drive/payment he mentioned how amazing and rust free it was underneath.

Not sure if he was supposing that I was trying to get money knocked off but (politely) mentioned that he couldn't believe this and that it was 'just a bit of surface rust'. So he said, 'I'll give you back your money' and I snapped at the offer.

£140 in train/bus fees (return) and some insurance loss. But feel glad I didn't take it. Though the engine purred and felt super lovely! All sorts of other body work damage aswell but I tried to not dwell on it. Thwy were only minor cosmetics with one being a tiny bump...

V8 might have to wait another day 😄

Back to my broken headgasket and returning the reservoir coolant to the radiator after a long (spirited) run... 

You made the right decision there Shafiq. Put it down to experience and look closely at Members cars for sale on this Forum.

[EP80]

Shafiq, you might have dodged a bullet with the Lexus, I generally go by the rule that there is at least twice the rust on a car than what you can see.

I'm not sure if you plan to keep the Subaru much longer but are you sure that its the head gasket/gaskets that are gone on the H6? HG failure on that engine is not unheard of but is relatively uncommon, unlike the flat 4 engines. Perhaps you have had it properly diagnosed but if not, there may be a coolant leak from a variety of places. I remember my pre facelift Spec B 3.0 after a couple years service got quite fond of emptying coolant at varying rates.

If the radiator is the original I personally would replace it (far better than it splitting when 550km from home as happened to me) as a preventative measure, along with new rubber hoses (mine were originals and started leaking about 2 weeks after the rad was replaced). 

If the probelm is a leak, its equally as likely though that one or more of your steel coolant pipes is leaking. From memory I think there are four of them, the common one to go is the oil cooler crossover pipe which is at the bottom of the engine, this is easy to get to and I think Subaru did a recall. The other three are more awkward and mostly hidden, roughly I think there is one left, right and top about the engine. One of those burst on me, to cut a long story short I had all of the pipes replaced, I reckon my mechanic thought I was going OTT, he thought the others were OK until they too snapped due to rust when he was removing them. He then checked his own 3.0 and his were rusty too if not quite as bad as mine. Anyways, the coolant pipes if they are the problem would be a bit cheaper to fix than HG.

 

 

[Redefined]

Thanks @EP80 and funny you mention the radiator. I've been trying to find the leak and the way the bubbles were coming out (with almost the mayonnaise type symptoms) I'd concluded it was headgaskets too. Especially after I spoke to the engine specialist and he also pointed out the same and said it was obvious from what he could see.

The heating inside the car has stopped blowing out hot on the passenger side and I've definitely clogged something in the rad (can be visibly seen) from the steel-seal type stuff. It also sounds like I'm getting on the verge of a misfire now but again that might be my silly use of the sealant.

Back to the radiator as well as hoses... I'd definitely thought about them and even replaced one of them underneath (going to the thermostat). Might see if I can do what you're suggesting as I do know the amount of rust on some of them metal pipes was/is pretty epic.

Regards the Lexus... I'd probably not have minded if he was a bit more upfront or at least didn't act as if he didn't know of the rust at that point. My first proper luxury car (Carina e2 in 1.8 or 1.6) died a rusty death. Remained so smooth even at the point it failed on rust going through the petrol tank.

Thanks again and I'll see what I can find at OUparts (sounds like that... the place that does all original parts at trade prices)...

[Redefined]

NB. The hydrocarbon test (done myself with home-kit) came back negative. But these can sometimes throw off false negatives apparently during the early stages. I didn't bother investing in a pressure testing kit as all the signs just kept pointing to HG.

 

No (apparent) coolant in the oil (yet!?) and I've not removed all the spark plugs to see if one or 2 are much cleaner than the others (apparently the coolant leaking at the cylinder heads means everything gets/looks washed and cleaned...

Thanks again...

[Malc1]

Shafiq .....  any 20 year young car is going to have some issues, good and bad and some yet to come ..  paying just a very few £000's must tell you whatever you're buying isn't going to be perrrfect whatever a salesman says .................... as above ....  maybe buy one from a member on here who's had the grace and knowledge to keep tabs on all the probs that his car would have had 

Good luck ....  there aren't that many V8 Marques that at 20 years plus are even around to buy let alone in sensible condition

Malc

[Redefined]

Yes. That's definitely true and I was expecting lots of little niggles. I think what did it for me was the blatant lying to get me to the forecourt in the first place.

Don't get me wrong, usually I'd have just bought it buy with his unapologetic attitude when I pulled him about his eBay listing... Something in my brain just triggered to say no. Might have been the stench of cigarette smoke from the warm air-con.

Definitely still want a V8 but might save up a little more and ensure I just go private. Maybe up my budget to 4k once I've saved it up 😄

[EP80]

23 hours ago, Redefined said:

Thanks @EP80 and funny you mention the radiator. I've been trying to find the leak and the way the bubbles were coming out (with almost the mayonnaise type symptoms) I'd concluded it was headgaskets too. Especially after I spoke to the engine specialist and he also pointed out the same and said it was obvious from what he could see.

The heating inside the car has stopped blowing out hot on the passenger side and I've definitely clogged something in the rad (can be visibly seen) from the steel-seal type stuff. It also sounds like I'm getting on the verge of a misfire now but again that might be my silly use of the sealant.

Back to the radiator as well as hoses... I'd definitely thought about them and even replaced one of them underneath (going to the thermostat). Might see if I can do what you're suggesting as I do know the amount of rust on some of them metal pipes was/is pretty epic.

Regards the Lexus... I'd probably not have minded if he was a bit more upfront or at least didn't act as if he didn't know of the rust at that point. My first proper luxury car (Carina e2 in 1.8 or 1.6) died a rusty death. Remained so smooth even at the point it failed on rust going through the petrol tank.

Thanks again and I'll see what I can find at OUparts (sounds like that... the place that does all original parts at trade prices)...

Gotta love the Carina E, I remember as a child thinking they were a bit ugly but in hindsight they were bloody reliable cars and proper old school Toyota, well built. For those who do, it must be great to live in climates where those types of cars haven't been killed from roads being salted every time it gets under 10 degrees.

Doesn't sound too hopeful for the Subaru HG's from what you are saying. Might be worth getting a second opinion on the HG's, unless you know the first guy to be reputable, as it won't be cheap. Personally I would rule them out before doing any pipes, the drivers side metal pipe required removal of the exhaust manifold etc so expect to pay a few hours labour. Best of luck with the car, they are very nice cars when they are working properly. The only reason I sold mine is because it was starting to cost and I was paranoid the centre diff would go.

[Malc1]

10 hours ago, EP80 said:

proper old school Toyota

I'm thinking the " older " Toyotas should be those sought out to buy, to have and to hold and to take forward with maybe investing a little extra in her to just make goddam sure you've got a good reliable car going forward ........  you'll get a great V8 for not too many £000's methinks  .  and maybe tolerate a few niggles too , dings and dents whatever

( for Toyota read Lexus too maybe ) 

Malc

[Redefined]

Here we go. One of the only pics I managed to get a screenshot for as its been taken down now (deposit paid by me). 

Still unsure as to whether it has the coil suspension or air. The seller seemed to think it was on factory hydraulic/springs but afterwards I've realised that it had thw button for the snow mode etc. If this is the one that drops or raises the suspension then it's probably gonna be air...

 

So, a list of things needing doing soon after I pick it up (in order of priority).

1. Check the timing belt and change if needed (on 75000 miles but if it's the original belt then it is 20 years old!!).

2. Sort out the radiator upgrade from the lexus parts direct guy (who doesn't really answer messages via eBay so not sure how that purchase will go down).

3. Check and renew all the oils if they need doing. The cabin filter will definitely have a change and also the air filter despite having been serviced whenever it last was.

4. New/used Toyota wheels with hopefully tires included. I really hate the look of these standard rims and think a swap of wheels will really make a massive difference to bring it past the 90s look 😄. Maybe some ex Toyota used rims from eBay...

5. The double glazing in the rear O/S and front N/S is showing signs of leakage/condensation. So figuring out what to do here will be a priority though not top...

6. Should be at the top I suppose, but a good valet and wash in order before I bring it home for the family to scrutinise - who on earth buys a 21 year old car and smiles about it..

[Redefined]

Oh... and the springs are described as 'corroding' on an MOT so might see about trying to remove/convert some of that rust, give everything a good wipe down below and...

and what... I forget... Oh, yes. An MOT advisory also described the rear body arches/structure as being disturbed but not dangerous. Will try and see if there is anything I can do to strengthen that. Also check if my industrial type Halfords Advanced trolley jack is suitable as a lifter of this giant, and obviously where to lift the centre from as I imagine some enthusiast has been usijg inappropriate lifting methods in the last.

[Malc1]

15 hours ago, Redefined said:

Check the timing belt and change if needed (

pulleys and waterpump too whilst you're in there ......  it's a monster of a job timewise for sure

 

I suspect the window delamination might be solved with replacements from somewhere 

15 hours ago, Redefined said:

who on earth buys a 21 year old car and smiles about it..

you  ...........  and me if I was in your situation eh !

Best wishes

 

Malc

[Redefined]

I've been thinking about the timing belt and attempting myself (do my own servicing and spark plugs - all 6 on the flat 6  Subaru). I wonder if it's doable with a few extra tools investment... 😊

Looks even more tempting now that I have 2 cars to play about with (mechanically). Complex job I'm sure and I'll bet some of the bolts will be nicely seized around there...

[Redefined]

Went and collected it.

Fits the bike in it perfectly.

Lots of cigarette smoke which I spoke to John at Halfords and he assures me it'll be the carpets. So got some valet spray and gonna put in some elbow grease shortly with my daughter.

All Praise God (Alhamdulillah) that it is in actual fact coils/hydraulics. So will use my carefully kept rust converter and then maybe some black Hamerite to get some life.

Windows looks slightly ugly with the misting but daughter wasn't too bothered on that front. So might not waste my monies there just yet.

When I went to collect I wondered why it had been left open. Lovely Russian chap and I still consider it a bargain so not too worried and hopefully it's 'the bad' as opposed to other mechanical niggles. The keyfob doesn't seem to arm the alarm so it's a matter of using the keys or pressing that little door button.

 

Had a little, 'oh no, the alarm won't turn off' earlier. So will have to get that looked at (suggestions on the cheapest method most welcome - the keys are obviously coded to the car or else it wouldn't start!). It came with 2 spare key dummies...

Radiator does indeed look shot so will probably get a new one. As opposed to the kit Paul has on eBay. He rarely answers anything (at all) anyway.

 

Also, service history... Totally missing 😊 but theres oil inside it (which looks like it needs renewing) and the cambelt probably needs doing too. So will sort as many oils as I can (once I figure out how the online manual system works or go through the pdf etc) and when affordable, get it booked for a belt (or read up on it and consider it myself 😄).

Drives lovely...

 

[Redefined]

Rather than make a separate thread on the refurb project, I'll just continue on here. Less clutter!

Firstly, most of the cars I've probably ever owned, I've more than likely been the final propee owner before the hit the 170k mark and blow a piston or whatnot. So this being on only 77000 miles means I've got my work cut out a little. Plus, the redefined of my user name is from when I was building (push)bikes for customers - Redefined Cycles.

Anyway, without further ado. Yesterday was 'sorting the keys out' day. Cost to me, hardly anything though maybe I've worn mt files down a bit (don't tell Lexus I used a B&Q special on their fob). The fob was looking rather tired so I swapped it out into one of the spare key sleeves I'd been given with it.

Today a fiver went to the chap that had accepted my offer of a service history book. Might aswell start accumulating some history for it, though I'd imagine it's had a few services in the past 22 years! Then went down to the autofactors and got soke Mannol oil (cheaper but I'll be doing a few flushes in the next 12000 miles hopefully).

Popped some engine flush in (yes, I did deliberate but decided to go ahead), in the form f Wynns. £20 for the oil which thankfully the 430 takes less than the 6 cyclinder Subaru. £10 for air filter and the flush and I'll work on the next item soon... It's a surprise 😊

[EP80]

Nice to see you got the new car, Well Wear. 

[Redefined]

First real test for the 430 today. A commute of 150 miles (I'll continue the other 50 tomorrow) and since I don't own a mansion and a yacht, it needed to be 'appropriate' on petrol. What better way to grow fortitude at getting higher mpg than the day you're two days away from pay-day and the wife most probably won't lend you any more money 😄

first I checked my account (like you do) and since I only had £78 available I thought I'd fill up by £70. £73 later and the monster brimming 3 quarts full with V power, I was off. First 50 miles don't count as I was in a slight rush to work for today.

Next 150 miles (after todays work) and I worked on my right foot. A raw egg under the pedal is the analogy/method I'd use with the 6 cylinder and I've plenty of practice at it. 53 to 55mph as much as I could - or else I might be stranded in and around Bristol tomorrow - and 150 miles later, I bagged myself what will most likely be the best mpg I'll probably get out of it.

34.3mpg and I took a pic of it in case I didn't believe myself in later life. Maybe there's lots of commuting in her to be had afterall. Also, the whine from the O/S mirror when folding in or out means I may need to take a look at that wiring or whatever's needed to gain longevity there.

Lovely drive and I had to hold back off throttling them 8 pistons/cyclinders.