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Lexus LS 400/LS 430

8462 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2012 at 10:05 PM

You are in the Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Sedan

Messages Page 804 of 847

#8023 of 8462 93 Lexus LS 400 White Smoke from Exhaust by 93lexus

Nov 24, 2006 (4:44 pm)

Hello! First time posting here so I am not sure what to expect. My problem is this, I bought my wife a 93 Lexus LS 400 about a year ago. It has roughly 200k miles on it, but is in great condition. We have not had any problems until recently. White smoke is coming out of the exhaust upon starting the car, it does not last for more than a minute or two, but is giving my wife concern, which means it is giving me concern. Does any one have any recommendations as to what the problem may be. Going to Lexus to pay their diagnosis & repair cost is out of the question, I only paid $3000 for the car and would hate to go beyond that since it is just a ride around town car.
 
Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

#8024 of 8462 Re: 93 Lexus LS 400 White Smoke from Exhaust [93lexus] by rgsw

Nov 26, 2006 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: 93lexus (Nov 24, 2006 4:44 pm)
Hope someone can help you. If no response on this forum, suggest you talk to a Lexus service rep and ask what he thinks might be the problem. Or talk to a local repair shop mechanic which specializes in Japanese cars. Good luck.

#8025 of 8462 Re: 93 Lexus LS 400 White Smoke from Exhaust [rgsw] by afiber2

Nov 27, 2006 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: rgsw (Nov 26, 2006 5:48 pm)
Years ago I had a Firebird that had a lot of miles on it. It too smoked for a short period after starting. The problem was bad/worn valve stem seals which allowed oil to seep into the cylinder heads when the engine wasn't running and burn off when the engine was started creating the white smoke. If it is valve stem seals, they are not too expensive to replace however I would suspect your mechanic will want to do a complete valve job which is a little more costly.
  Bill - Northwest IN - Shade tree mechanic in a previous life-

#8026 of 8462 Re: 93 Lexus LS 400 White Smoke from Exhaust [93lexus] by fin

Nov 27, 2006 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: 93lexus (Nov 24, 2006 4:44 pm)
White smoke is either steam or coolant. Oil smoke is blue, fuel is black. The smoke is water or coolant boiling and then coming out the exhaust as vapor.
 
If the weather is cold, water will condense in the exhaust system after shutdown, then come out as steam on startup. This is OK. If you see the smoke after driving on the highway for an hour or it is an all-the-time event, you have a problem.
 
If you have a problem, most likely, at this age, it is a leaking head gasket. Possibly the cylinder head is cracked. Valve problems are possible but less likely. Keep track of how much coolant you add to keep it at the full mark. Obviously, this is expensive to fix.
 
Hope for the best.....

#8027 of 8462 Acceleration by pietwo

Dec 04, 2006 (2:02 pm)

I have a 2005 LS430 with just under 12K miles. When I punch the gas pedal, it hesitates. Does anyone have any thoughts before I ask the dealer to help me here?

#8028 of 8462 Re: Acceleration [pietwo] by rgsw

Dec 04, 2006 (6:54 pm)

Replying to: pietwo (Dec 04, 2006 2:02 pm)
I imagine the "hesitation" you are experiencing is the transmission is not reacting (down shifting) quick enuf. There is a software update that I have read about that can be performed to alieviate this problem. Do a "search" at the top of this forum by entering "hesitation" and you will find numerous comments regards the problem.

#8029 of 8462 Re: Acceleration [pietwo] by producer97

Dec 04, 2006 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: pietwo (Dec 04, 2006 2:02 pm)
There is a button right below you CD changer that has "Power/Normal/Snow" written on it. This controls the throttle...If you are a maniac driver and want this trait of yours not to get your passengers sick, then set the button on normal or snow...this will make throttle less responsive...but if you want throttle not to hesitate...then chose the power mode...this will make the throttle more responsive and I believe it will also downshift more quickly to give you more power when you hit gas...keep in mind this car was not designed for hauling ass...more for smoooooooooooooth acceleration...so even in power mode, you might need to floor it to get the power you want...Oh, it might also be the 6-speed tranny...so, try manual stick shift...put it in the 3rd range for local roads and 4th on the highways and you will not likely to complain about lack of power...this car will truly haul ass...but gas mileage will suffer...and you will hear more noise...be careful not to go over 90mph in the 3rd range, as this will take you into the red zone...you don't have to worry about downshifting in the manual mode...the car will do it for you, so 3 means, 1,2,3 automatically, but not higher than 3; 4 means 1,2,3,4 automatically, but not higher than 4, etc...Enjoy!!!!!!

#8030 of 8462 Re: Acceleration [pietwo] by garyh1

Dec 04, 2006 (11:13 pm)

Replying to: pietwo (Dec 04, 2006 2:02 pm)
I have a 2005 LS430 with just under 12K miles. When I punch the gas pedal, it hesitates.
 
Ask your dealer to re-program the car's computer per Technical Service Bulletin TC006-04; everyone who has had this done has reported the issue resolved.

#8031 of 8462 Re: 93 Lexus LS 400 White Smoke from Exhaust [93lexus] by tubal

Dec 19, 2006 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: 93lexus (Nov 24, 2006 4:44 pm)
I have the same problem on my '91 LS, and all the research that I've done points to the power steering pump. There is an air control valve towards the bottom of the pump with two vaccum hoses attached. Fluid leaks into the valve and then into the vacuum hoses and gets sucked into the engine, causing the white smoke. It should only last a few seconds though, not a few minutes. One way to tell would be that if you're having to add power steering fluid occasionally, but there are no visible leaks. I have to add PS fluid once every month or two. Replacing this valve or just removing the valve and replacing it with a plug and then plugging the two vacuum hoses will fix the problem. A new valve will cost you about $94. The Lexus part # is 17630-16040.
 
Here is a picture and where you can get it if you are a DIY'er:
 
Sewell Lexus

#8032 of 8462 high mileage LS 430s - ? by mark_wny

Jan 22, 2007 (7:08 pm)

Drove by my local dealer today and saw an LS 430 for sale - just $29K for a car with 62,000 miles - a pretty good deal, I would think. Just wondering how many of you have carried your 400 or 430 up to 150,000 or 160,000 miles or so. Of course, I know some investment in repair and upkeep is inevitable - but did it seem reasonable to you, overall?

Messages Page 804 of 847

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