Lexus Owner Question

[Mudshack]

How the heck did you get the stupid plastic Lexus cover off of the top of the engine? I am trying to get to the plugs, and can't get those two covers off. The screws are frozen solid. I have PBBusted them to no end. And I have also used a Big Ass screwdriver with a socket attached to get as much down force on them as possible. I am on the verge of stripping them, and I don't want to go there.

 

[aamiggia]

The Phillips screwdriver part is easily stripped, but what about the bolt part? You should be able to use a 10 mm driver or socket to get them off. The back one on my truck was really rusted, but it came off with a 1/4" rachet and 10 mm socket.

 

[Mudshack]

What do you mean? They are round. And they are counter-sunk. Hmmmmm.....must run back out and look again. I originally looked at that option, but ruled it out. I will go look again.

 

[aamiggia]

I guess they're different then mine.

Mine are counter-sunk, but there is enough space around the bolt to fit a socket. Maybe someone has replaced them at some point.

The FSM refers to them as bolts. Once you remove the cover there are 2 more bolts holding the spark plug wire clamps. They have the same head size (10 mm) but are shorter.

 

[Rookie2]

The screws should have hex heads. If not, do what you got to do with the screw driver. You should replace them with the right thing anyway so I wouldn't worry about stripping them. May need an easy out or bolt removing tool before it's all said and done. Those suckers seem to get stuck on there pretty good. The screw driver only option is not what you're looking for.


Rookie2

 

[RavenTai]

As Aamiggia said the originals were a hex bolt/philips combo, if the ones in yours are not then they are not original, you can get stainless bolts to replace them at lowes or home depot

if the current ones will not come out you may have to drill off the heads (and only the head of the screw go no deeper) and then use vise grips or an easy out to get the stem out after the cove is out of the way, are you good with a drill?

 

[Mudshack]

Well, using an impact driver on the screws got them off. And after they were off, I looked at them and they are indeed hex bolts. But they were stripped to look round. Guess someone really tightened them on last time.

Thanks.

 

[LX_TREME]

Yes i was doing it for almost 8 years until now.. get 10mm socket and extension (dont use the philips screw driver anymore if the screw busted)

 

[Romer]

Careful of that last Spark Plug, it's a bitch. Don't climb up and put any weight on the Radiator. Those plastic fittings on the top break real easy!

 

[aamiggia]

Let's say you do climb up on the rad, just for s***s and giggles.

What plastic fittings should I look out for, or check if they are cracked?

Will it be obvious if something breaks, or will I find out come summer time when my truck over heats.

 

[LX_TREME]

Romer, Aamiggia, Hahahahahaa... YES!!! damn the last plug REAL BIT&*h , i myself weight about 210lbs and sometimes i put rag on top of the radiator.. and after i sit on it shi$&tz even with the easy step or chair to get from the side... not easy to loose it because that damn thick rubber hose on the way.. but thanks thou... until now i still havent ripped or break something yet... hahahaa....

 

[Romer]

There is a fitting on the top right that is real small diameter and makes a cracking noise when it snaps. It can not be repaired and means an entire radiator replacement.

FYI- The dealer qouted me a $700 radiator for a 97. Cruiser Dan and Christo suggested a 94 Radiator that was about $300 cheaper and fit just as well.