Good morning group from an icy Kentucky. I'm currently working from home and have a great deal of extra time. So, having recently purchased a 1998 Lexus LX 470 with 237K on it I'm still deep in the throughs of frenzied research and the honeymoon period.
The truck is in remarkably great shape for its age and had a great service record and at the time was the only one within 500 miles of me in my price range. So I made the plunge and she's ours. We are the fourth owner and she was maintained flawlessly according to Lexus records up until about 10k ago.
I don't know about you guys but I've wanted a Land Cruiser since I was a young man (I'm 53 now) and ironically could only afford one many years later... I digress. I give a whole diatribe on how I chose this truck and why in another thread. That being said, I'm going through her pretty thoroughly (When I say I that's my very trusted mechanic and I). I'll do the body, suspension, power steering flush, heater t's etc.. I'll have him do the timing belt, pump, serpentine etc.
It's at his shop now being checked out for a random "fire and no start" issues early this week (it started as soon as AAA got here of course but hey its free so I had them drop it there). I was taking it there anyway to be checked out (check engine on PO says it's an O2 sensor). I've ordered an OBD2 reader that should be in any day.
All that being said here is my question:
The AHC currently goes into the N and L position. It will not go into H. It seems to be working. You can hear the pumps and it leveling. The level in the reservoir changes from L to N. But, will not go any higher. It even changes height when in L once moving. Just no H. So, that would tell me the system is "working" somewhat.
Question 1. If I can't do a graduation test where do I begin? Is it just low? Could I add fluid see if it raises then do a flush later? Just kind of don't know where to start? All the information I've seen starts with assuming everything is working - i.e. the graduation test. The fluid is expensive as you all know and I don't just want to go throwing it away.
Question 2: It seems to ride just fine now - actually very nice. Telling me the globes and system is again, "somewhat functional." What is the harm in not addressing the AHC? I have timing belt and other "essential maintenance" to get though in the next couple of months. Can this wait for warmer weather assuming simple adding fluid doesn't fix it? Can it wait on my list? Looks like I may be dealing with the known "fuse box" issue also...we'll see what the mechanic says today. Just trying to pick my battles as I rides just fine today. There is a lot of rust around the components and I'd like to soak them down for the next month with some WD40 and penetrating lubricant before I attempt to turn the first wrench. Thoughts?
The truck is in remarkably great shape for its age and had a great service record and at the time was the only one within 500 miles of me in my price range. So I made the plunge and she's ours. We are the fourth owner and she was maintained flawlessly according to Lexus records up until about 10k ago.
I don't know about you guys but I've wanted a Land Cruiser since I was a young man (I'm 53 now) and ironically could only afford one many years later... I digress. I give a whole diatribe on how I chose this truck and why in another thread. That being said, I'm going through her pretty thoroughly (When I say I that's my very trusted mechanic and I). I'll do the body, suspension, power steering flush, heater t's etc.. I'll have him do the timing belt, pump, serpentine etc.
It's at his shop now being checked out for a random "fire and no start" issues early this week (it started as soon as AAA got here of course but hey its free so I had them drop it there). I was taking it there anyway to be checked out (check engine on PO says it's an O2 sensor). I've ordered an OBD2 reader that should be in any day.
All that being said here is my question:
The AHC currently goes into the N and L position. It will not go into H. It seems to be working. You can hear the pumps and it leveling. The level in the reservoir changes from L to N. But, will not go any higher. It even changes height when in L once moving. Just no H. So, that would tell me the system is "working" somewhat.
Question 1. If I can't do a graduation test where do I begin? Is it just low? Could I add fluid see if it raises then do a flush later? Just kind of don't know where to start? All the information I've seen starts with assuming everything is working - i.e. the graduation test. The fluid is expensive as you all know and I don't just want to go throwing it away.
Question 2: It seems to ride just fine now - actually very nice. Telling me the globes and system is again, "somewhat functional." What is the harm in not addressing the AHC? I have timing belt and other "essential maintenance" to get though in the next couple of months. Can this wait for warmer weather assuming simple adding fluid doesn't fix it? Can it wait on my list? Looks like I may be dealing with the known "fuse box" issue also...we'll see what the mechanic says today. Just trying to pick my battles as I rides just fine today. There is a lot of rust around the components and I'd like to soak them down for the next month with some WD40 and penetrating lubricant before I attempt to turn the first wrench. Thoughts?