Calling Southern Cal wrenchers!!!

[socalsuv]

I'm the proud new owner of an '01 LX 470. See thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/210915-97-lc-01-lx-470-a.html

I need to replace my timing belt, water pump, idler pulleys, and tensioner. I have the FSM and viewed all posts related to TB replacement on this forum. I'm mechanically inclined and have most tools to do this; however I am very apprehensive about doing this and potentially screwing up my daily driver.

I noticed an old post on this forum about a few members getting together to do a brake job. I'm interested in doing something similar with this 90k mile service. Is anyone else in the Southern California (I'm in LA) area interested in learning together? Ideally we'll learn on yours first ....just kidding. Or has someone already done this that would be willing to help a few of us out in return for free beer and possibly a small fee?

The handyman in me will not allow me to take this to a dealer / shop. My wallet will not allow me to screw this up.

Ideally the person who responds to this post will be a 20 year old blonde female Lexus / Toyo mechanic with prior Snap-On Calendar modelling experience. If she's not available, I guess anyone will do.

I just got a Snap-On torque wrench (thank you Easter Bunny....bawk bawk) and I am dying to put it to use.

 

[1loudLX]

"Ideally the person who responds to this post will be a 20 year old blonde female Lexus / Toyo mechanic with prior Snap-On Calendar modelling experience. If she's not available, I guess anyone will do."

dont we all wish?

 

[socalsuv]

~~self-serving bump~~

No takers, huh? Going once....twice...

Just ordered my parts from CDan. Should be doing the TB (pulleys / tensioner), serp belt, H20 pump, thermostat, Denso plugs, Milford load barrier, etc. sometime within the next few weekends.

I will be taking many pictures to hopefully end up with an even more detailed how-to (or how-not-to) than is currently in the FAQ.

I'm thinking there is a >50% chance the last picture in the series will be my LX being towed to the dealer.

 

[e9999]

sorry, I've already put on retainers all the 20 year old blonde Toy tech models that I know , so they only work for me...

 

[socalsuv]

sorry, I've already put on retainers all the 20 year old blonde Toy tech models that I know , so they only work for me...

Thats ok, you can have all the ones that wear retainers.

 

[socalsuv]

Well, since no one took me up on the local "group" maintenance, I had to do it myself. I did the work over a 3 day weekend a few weeks ago. It was fairly straightforward with no real problems other than getting the crank pulley nut loose, which I expected. I ended up doing:

Milford Cargo Barrier installation
full coolant drain (all 3 drain points)
timing belt
both tb idler pulleys
tb tensioner
crankshaft oil seal
water pump
drive belt
drive belt idler / tensioner
spark plugs
air filter
thermostat
Mass Airflow Sensor cleaning
Throttle Body cleaning

After doing this maintenance, I got an immediate 60 extra miles per tank of gas. Who knows if it was related to the maintenance items or simply the computer resetting while the battery was disconnected. Anyway, I'm pleased.

I took almost 100 pictures over the course of the work and will be doing an extensive write-up with pics to add to the 2 that already exist in the FAQ.

So, if anyone in the So Cal area was toying with doing any of this maintenance themselves, I'd be happy to help....its really not that bad. FYI - the Lexus dealer quoted me over $3000 for this work. I did the job for $600 in parts plus about $30 in beer. It was actually fun.

P.S. Thanks to BMWSTOY for answering some questions and offering advice.

 

[2000 LX 470]

Well, since no one took me up on the local "group" maintenance, I had to do it myself. I did the work over a 3 day weekend a few weeks ago. It was fairly straightforward with no real problems other than getting the crank pulley nut loose, which I expected. I ended up doing:

Milford Cargo Barrier installation
full coolant drain (all 3 drain points)
timing belt
both tb idler pulleys
tb tensioner
crankshaft oil seal
water pump
drive belt
drive belt idler / tensioner
spark plugs
air filter
thermostat
Mass Airflow Sensor cleaning
Throttle Body cleaning

After doing this maintenance, I got an immediate 60 extra miles per tank of gas. Who knows if it was related to the maintenance items or simply the computer resetting while the battery was disconnected. Anyway, I'm pleased.

I took almost 100 pictures over the course of the work and will be doing an extensive write-up with pics to add to the 2 that already exist in the FAQ.

So, if anyone in the So Cal area was toying with doing any of this maintenance themselves, I'd be happy to help....its really not that bad. FYI - the Lexus dealer quoted me over $3000 for this work. I did the job for $600 in parts plus about $30 in beer. It was actually fun.

P.S. Thanks to BMWSTOY for answering some questions and offering advice.

Damn. I'm officially in awe.

 

[coryc85]

Socal, I'm looking forward to your pics. I'll be ordering the parts for my TB replacement very soon. I'm in your boat, I've done timing chains on the 22re in the past, but never anything this major on my DD, so I'm a little nervous. You've given me confidence, so thanks!

I noticed you didn't mention starter contacts, but I think I'll go ahead an throw new contacts in mine.

Great job man, I'll bet it feels good to be done

 

[socalsuv]

Honestly, it was very straightforward if you do your research on this forum and follow the FSM. I probably spent about 2 weeks going through the FSM and all posts taking detailed notes.

Definitely order your parts through CruiserDan at American Toyota. He made it very easy and you can be confident you're getting exactly what you need at the cheapest cost.

I noticed you didn't mention starter contacts, but I think I'll go ahead an throw new contacts in mine.

I decided not to do the starter contacts because I probably would have spent a few more weeks researching that job. I had 95,000 miles on my 100 and knowing my luck I wanted to get the timing belt done ASAP.

Look for my write-up within the next few weeks, but if you need any additional info prior to that, just PM me and I'll help you out.

 

[tsarte]

That is awesome. I would have loved to come for sure if I knew about it - just got my TLC and joined recently.

Looking forward to your full write up. Don't forget the list of parts, tools and chemicals to do the job.