Stanwithaplan

She passed the MOT with just a couple of advisories. Phew.

I'm not sure Malc? Lexus technician told me they have to fit as a single length therefore need to take off a lot of stuff, but advised I got to an indy as they can cut and join after fitting as its quicker and cheaper. Lexus also said part no longer available. My indy says he could make them himself.

Thanks for the kind offer Malc, but I've got the MOT late this afternoon and I'm not 100% confident of a pass, as she needs a rear suspension strut and front bush/control arm (they are on order) and there is still a coolant leak(one of the new hoses has split a little). The rear brake pipes were an advisory previously but I've not been able to source new ones yet, I don't think they'd fail on that as its not too bad. My other 400 is also a '99 and looks identical, but it would be interesting to compare. IMHO it feels like the boot /channel needs to slope a little more from the middle towards the sides.

Thanks George. It seems that since I've redone the silicon that no leaks come over the sides, its just the back. The new seal itself is a little higher than the oem one, so closing the boot take a little more effort, which I guess means it seals better, however if I need to take it off again I will build it up more as you suggest. I did, ages ago, try parking facing downhill but the seemed a lot worse, but that said you've prompted me to try again:o) The drain hole I've drilled in the middle has completely stopped the overspill problem, so if I can just find a way to fix the drain hose I'll be golden (he says hopefully). I've seen a drain hose for a VW golf with a built in grommet, might try that. If not maybe I can find a hollow bolt and washer combo that will help??

Hi Steve, I need some advice please, my 400 also suffers from the same water ingress problem as your's (and I have to leave my car on my sloped driveway). Did you resolve your issue in the end, if so how please? I've cleaned the boot channels, bought and fitted a replacement boot seal and siliconed it thoroughly. I have worked out the water cannot flow fast enough down the channels so the level builds up under the middle (under the rear window), then overspills into the boot. I've read elsewhere on this forum (but can't find it now for love nor money?) that some others have drilled a drain hole and tube. Can anyone share how to fix the pipe please? I've tried a grommet and glue, doesn't hold.

Interesting Malc, especially as Saga was always billed as being for the over 50s lol. In the UK I use LV (for my 24 year old 400) £196 fully comp. In Dubai they wont insure my 400 fully comp and it's the equivalent of £128 pa.

Ha Ha! Sadly I got nicked for speeding on the way to LeMans this year, but generally I enjoy roadtrips through France.

Well spotted Malc. I got one of these Crit'air certificates back in May for my LS400, it cost me Euro 4.61 in total and took 2 days to approve by email and about a week to receive in the post. The LS400 is Euro Standard 3. https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/R44284?lang=en Also for a number of years I've used the Emovis tag system to auto pay the road tolls, so you can avoid stopping to pay at the kiosks/paypoints and roll through the "T" lane instead, saves hassle. I thoroughly recommend. https://www.emovis-tag.co.uk/

Hi Paula, I live in Chatham use an independent for my LS400. He's not a Lexus expert (although I'm forcing him to become one, but he is a very good mechanic and has a mobile service. His name is Craig, you can reach him on 07528 559942. Mention my name.

Welcome Oli, Good luck with your search, I recently went through the same process and in fact found a good one from a fellow forum member. Hopefully you'll source one soon. Fingers crossed for you Stan

What a Beauty!

Today I finished preparing Bombproof Betty for the Centenary Le Mans. It's taken a while, was a little challenging at times, but has been a highly enjoyable process, I've made new friends along the way and discovered a bomb detector:o) I wanted to restore an already lovely car (thanks Antony) into my daily driver "from here to eternity". The list of work includes replacing rocker gasket covers, auxiliary belt, rear brake pads & shoes, front brake pads, old hoses, fixing coolant and water leaks, adding a new temperature sensor and gasket thermostat, cleaning the throttle body, refurbishing wheels, dent removal, paint restoration and detailing. There's still more work still to be done I'm very happy to say, that will keep me occupied and out of trouble for a while yet.

Good work Kieran, they look great and no doubt a very satisfying challenge.

Hi Paul, I don't know your car and can't seem to find a photo at the moment. However I've invested a similar amount into both of my 400s (in fact a bit more on my gold one) and if yours has been fully restored, then personally I would think as long as its a desirable colour and the mileage is sensible, there will be someone knowledgable out there that will be willing to pay that price. Naturally there are bargains out there at much lower prices, but they need a great deal of work and that suits those who have time and ability but not all have those gifts.

Hi Herbs, It just seemed a more elegant solution than resistors. I didn't know about the MOT failure issue. I'll test that in August. I've kept the old HIDs, so can swap them back if needs be. I've done worse, in Dubai I had to swap a metal off-road bumper back to the stock on my FJ once a year. Thanks for the headsup though.

I recently purchased Canbus LED indicator bulbs for my LS400, "bulbs should be error free with 97% of cars", however apparently I was in the 3% that ended up with the fast flashing problem. The fix was to buy and fit a new relay (goes above the accelerator in footwell). I found one on Amazon and here's the link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMLLQ6F?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details £19.07 ...now onto to find out how to solve the LED headlights switching off after a minute, I'm thinking I may need to add resistors, or another light fitting with bulb, or does anyone know if there is an LED relay that sort the issue out?

I tend to agree with you on the brown ones Keiran, I've seen a couple of bad condition examples and they are not my cup of tea tbh. My gold one looks good to me but I'm biased and my Imperial Jade Mica (Green one) has a hard to work out 2nd colour, I've found two options its probably either Green Mica Metallic or also called Greenish Grey Pearl?? Gonna have to match it as best I can when I get paint restoration done in a couple of weeks.

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure:0) Do the two tone colours make the LS400 look dated or is it a classic look? The Maybachs are more obvious and look good so I'm sticking with the two tone on both of mine.

Hi Anthony, yes I did use your cd, it gives me a breakdown of the parts but theres no real detail on operation and fault finding. I've enlisted help and weather permitting will start work again on Friday:0)