LX470 Overheating No More!

[RicksAdventures]

So I posted last week about my recent purchase of an LX, and how it was overheating. I initially thought it was the thermostat, but it didn't have one. I install one. Then I thought it could be the water pump. So I ordered a kit to do a timing belt and water pump. I got ~60% of the disasmbly done when I noticed two things. 1: the timing belt currently installed is brand new and 2: some "mechanic" at Lexus decided to leave the radiator hose cap thingie installed when he clamped the hose on. I guess he though rubber is porous enough to allow the flow of water. Anyhow, I now have a functioning Land Cruiser! It's a dream come true.

 

[RicksAdventures]

See if you can spot it!

 

[94SRUNNER]

Wow!

Great to hear it was a simple fix.

 

[RicksAdventures]

Right, and since the timing belt was so new, i can use the kit I bought on my tundra!

 

[nissanh]

Glad it was that simple.

That tech should not be in an auto shop anymore. Send that picture to the dealer who did the T-belt job.

Why did he close the radiator upper intake? No hose comes with a cap. Wonder what that is. Can we see a closeup picture?

 

[RicksAdventures]

I plan to send them pics. That crap bugs me.

Well I checked the service records (thank you lexus!) And the radiator was replaced like September 26th. I'm guessing the people traded it in because even after the new radiator, it still overheated.

I'm not sure if you've ever installed or bought a radiator out of the box, but they come with those disposable little rubber caps to keep dust/dirt dobbers/etc out of the system. Some tech was in a hurry to go get lunch and skipped removing it.

 

[RicksAdventures]

How's this?

 

[nissanh]

Yes, right. New radiators come with that cap specially OEM radiators.

 

[SWUtah]

That dealer needs to cough up some cash. I would ask for $$$ if not given send to Lexus.

 

[RicksAdventures]

The only thing is that I'm not sure it was a legitimate lexus dealer.
Here's the information I have.

Is it possible to do a search by that repair number?
Also, my window DOES work. Some dealer has a bad mechanic.

 

[tabraha]

LOL, there's your problem! Good find.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Here comes the posts saying you should demand a lifetime engine warranty and a new truck . . .

 

[RicksAdventures]

Yeah I'm not about all that. I just really wish people would take pride in their jobs. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but sloppy work is unacceptable.

 

[bctlex]

The only thing is that I'm not sure it was a legitimate lexus dealer.
Here's the information I have.
Is it possible to do a search by that repair number?
Also, my window DOES work. Some dealer has a bad mechanic.

hmm... not sure if it is from Lexus or if the PO added the info just so it is recorded. Is the radiator and the radiator cap OEM or maybe Denso? If it is serviced at Lexus, I doubt they will install some generic parts.

If the radiator is OEM, I would reported to Lexus, maybe saying something like "Hey, I am the new owner, not sure where this was done, but the car over heated, and when I started working on the car, this is what I found. Just thought you should know." I am sure Lexus would be very happy for you to provide feedback like this, but I would not expect anything in return, but that's just me.

 

[RicksAdventures]

I'm pretty sure it's Denso. Regardless, I don't expect anything out of it. I accepted that it had problems when I got it. I just wish they were mechanical and not human...

 

[tarbe]

The bigger problem is your dipstick is in upside down!

Just imagine what that is doing to your oil flow.

 

[ITRJ]

Whoops. In all fairness. That's a stupid mistake but I can see how that could easily be overlooked when doing a bigger job.

 

[bucfl]

Im glad it didn't turn into a bigger problem for you. Well done.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I def. would let the service manager know so they can coach the tech and maybe they'll offer up some free services or something if they have any sense of the bullet they dodged.

 

[ITRJ]

I def. would let the service manager know so they can coach the tech and maybe they'll offer up some free services or something if they have any sense of the bullet they dodged.

I doubt they would do much as he didn't own the vehicle when the repair was done, doesn't have an invoice for that repair, and doesn't even know specifically which dealer serviced the vehicle. If anything he could go back to the place he bought it from but since he fixed the problem himself, what type of compensation could you really expect? I'm betting it would be something like "sorry for the inconvenience". Personally I would be content with the fact that it was an easy and cheap repair.