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..... on the Mk3's ( maybe the others too ) the power steering cooling pipes that run across the front of the radiator and up into the abyss where the pwr strng box is, usually rots out after about 18 / 19 years too. This is an easy fix ( if you know how !!! ) and relatively inexpensive if you use a length of plumbers copper tube and don't try to replicate the mild steel configuration of the original pipework and just settle for the appropriate quality flexi pipe replacement. Malc

hi john both cars respond very well to LPG conversions and there are members on here with both - there is hardly a case of engine problems. the deciding factor is which car to buy: the mark 4 lexus LS400 (97-00) is the understood to be the best in terms of reliability - The Mark 3 (95-97) is not far behind engine and comfort wise but doesnt have the VVTi engine, touchscreen controls, xenon headlights and VSC. The 430 has more toys such as : keyless entry and start heated and cooled seats rear blind reversing camera - 04 onwards soft close doors rain sensor rear reclining seats and vibrating it does have some weakness over the 400 exhaust is not stainless like the 400 air suspension - most common failure is seized ride height sensors prevents suspension from adjusting steering motors prone to failing early 430 are at risk of gearbox failure due to the design of the rad where transmission fluid leaks into radiator at least one parking sensor fails causing constant beep therfore have to switch sensors off if you decide to go for a 430 try to go for a newest one possible with full history - cambelt must be changed 10 years or 100k miles hope this helps

REPAIRED FOR £7 !!! Hi all, I have finally repaired my transmission oil pump on my GS450h !!! After many months of 'trying to find time' to repair it, I finally got the car on a ramp today. Firstly drained the ATF fluid from the gearbox (approx. 4.5 litres came out). I them removed the exhaust bracket mounted on the gearbox (4 bolts). Then I unbolted the oil pump (4 bolts) from the gearbox and unclipped all the connectors from the oil pump controller and wiring mounts from the chassis and fed the cables back from the engine compartment to the gearbox area. I then checked out continuity of the wiring from the connectors to the pump. All were fine. Next I removed the pump housing from the motor and inspected the shaft by trying to spin the shaft on the output of the motor. It was seized. I tried moving it with some mole grips and the shaft moved, but grated. I then took the pump assembly apart to look for brushes (had to drill out 3x M5 screws as they were seized on), only to find that it is a brushless motor with 3 coils, like a stepper motor. I checked out the front shaft bearing and found that it was worn, causing the shaft magnets to grate against the motor coil assembly. Bingo.!!!!! Fault found!!!! I then visited my local bearing specialist and, hey presto, he had the correct bearing in stock! I also purchased the rear bearing too, just as a matter of course, totalling £14 in parts. They are only little 22mm bearings, and are common parts. Then I started to reassemble the motor with the new bearings. I had to drill out the 3 M5 screws completely and re-tap the threads to M6 and fit 3x new M6 screws in place. I then reversed the removal procedure and then filled the gearbox with ATF. I started the car. The same Hybrid fault came up. So I plugged in my code reader and cleared the P2797 code, and HET PRESTO. NEXT TIME IT WAS STARTED, THE CAR RAN PERFECTLY. I now had full Hybrid functionality and a fully wrking car. I am ecstatic. and extremely pleased with myself. Considering Lexus say the only remedy is a new oil pump at the cost of £3240. I have fixed it for £7. All in all, it took me 5 hours to repair (not including finding a bearing supplier). Lets hope this is good news for all of us GS450h and LS600 owners (same pump on both cars). Regards, Giles.