Help - What is this piece? (7 Viewers)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Mar 20, 2025
Threads
3
Messages
7
Location
Kentucky
Hello, I have a 2004 LX470 with around 170k miles. It recently had an engine swap, and has been dying when the steering wheel is turned when hot. Apparently this bolt looking piece (attached picture) is broken and is leading to a vacuum issue. The mechanic I talked to sprayed brake cleaner at the piece and it impacted how the engine was running (leading to his diagnosis).

I am hoping to learn:
1. What is this piece?
2. What does it do?
3. How can I fix it?

I don't know much about automotive stuff, but am hoping to learn. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
IMG_7913 2.webp
IMG_7918.webp
 
That is your fuel injector. There are little seals in there. Be careful when running engine if those are leaking


** I realize now you said bolt, and may be circling your valve cover bolt but that wouldn't be causing your issue and if it was loose or seal was bad it would be oil-y
 
What you need to know


Some more relevant info and images

Fuel Injector rebuild and refresh - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fuel-injector-rebuild-and-refresh.1313115/
 
I think you might be looking at the intake manifold bolt beside the injector:

Confirm part numbers:

View attachment 3957003
Correct me if I'm wrong but the intake manifold bolt is higher up and more center.\

Blue - intake manifold bolt.
Green - fuel injector
Yellow - Valve cover bolt

>> It only dies with steering wheel at full turn? Nothing but a guessing game from me at this point , probably need to diagnose further.... The power steering pump has an idle up / air vane and two vac lines coming off the back of the pump. You should visually inspect to make sure this is installed and the lines are run back to the engine. You should remove the engine cover so you can inspect all vac lines

I also don't think spraying brake cleaner to diagnose is the best technique, if you must to this method use carb cleaner since it has lubricants and isnt as harsh as brake clean / starter fluid ....


Did the same mechanic install the replacement motor?


I think if you had an issue with your intake gasket or fuel injector your vehicle would run worse ....Since you said it only dies when at full turn I would probably focus on PS steering pump and vac lines to check that all of the list first


1753490099092.webp
 
Last edited:
Correct me if I'm wrong but the intake manifold bolt is higher up and more center.\

Blue - intake manifold bolt.
Green - fuel injector
Yellow - Valve cover bolt

>> It only dies with steering wheel at full turn? Nothing but a guessing game from me at this point , probably need to diagnose further.... The power steering pump has an idle up / air vane and two vac lines coming off the back of the pump. You should visually inspect to make sure this is installed and the lines are run back to the engine. You should remove the engine cover so you can inspect all vac lines

I also don't think spraying brake cleaner to diagnose is the best technique, if you must to this method use carb cleaner since it has lubricants and isnt as harsh as brake clean / starter fluid ....


Did the same mechanic install the replacement motor?


I think if you had an issue with your intake gasket or fuel injector your vehicle would run worse ....Since you said it only dies when at full turn I would probably focus on PS steering pump and vac lines to check that all of the list first


View attachment 3957034
Hopefully this picture can clear up the piece I was referring to. Also, I really appreciate all the replies! I have posted a couple other threads hoping for answers to this issue (those may have more information on the problem). I have already replaced the idle up valve connected to the power steering pump, inspected vacuum lines, replaced fuel filter, and replaced fuel pressure regulator. The dealership had the vehicle for 3 weeks and claimed that they could not get the car to show any issues, and therefore couldn't help me. The car does not need to be at full turn to die, any turn whatsoever at low rpm (idle) will kill the engine. The issue is intermittent, but usually occurs when really hot, after long drives (more than 1.5 hours).

This mechanic was not one I would have generally picked, I just happened to have my car die trying to turn next to his shop, so I asked for help.

The engine swap was done by a family friend, so there could be some issues associated with that as well.

Part.Pink.webp
 
Hopefully this picture can clear up the piece I was referring to. Also, I really appreciate all the replies! I have posted a couple other threads hoping for answers to this issue (those may have more information on the problem). I have already replaced the idle up valve connected to the power steering pump, inspected vacuum lines, replaced fuel filter, and replaced fuel pressure regulator. The dealership had the vehicle for 3 weeks and claimed that they could not get the car to show any issues, and therefore couldn't help me. The car does not need to be at full turn to die, any turn whatsoever at low rpm (idle) will kill the engine. The issue is intermittent, but usually occurs when really hot, after long drives (more than 1.5 hours).

This mechanic was not one I would have generally picked, I just happened to have my car die trying to turn next to his shop, so I asked for help.

The engine swap was done by a family friend, so there could be some issues associated with that as well.

View attachment 3957060
Damn, sounds like you've done everything I would have done and the dealership also struck out... Best advice I would give is to ignore the current ' brake clean fixed it one time ' as a form of troubleshooting and start from scratch

>> being intermittent it makes it so much harder to figure out...What if when next time it happens, you turn the motor off and take your serpentine belt off, so the power steering pump is eliminated from the equation...

Just trying to think of free and easy ways to help narrow stuff down but idk ...When it dies, does it sort of like sputter out ? Do you have a scan tool to check basic stuff like engine temps ?You said recently, how long have you had this replacement motor installed for / when did this all start happening ?
 

Users who are viewing this thread

  • geo5
Back
Top Bottom