Rear heater by-pass tube LX470

[ccasteel]

So after replacing my heater T's, I now have a leak in the rear heater by-pass tube. I've been adding a little coolant every couple days to stay on top of it. I have too many other projects to want to dig into this at the moment. Any idea what it would cost for Lexus to do it? I have called multiple times, but no one seems to have the time to talk to me or call me back.

Also, those of you that have had to fix this same leak, are you replacing the entire part, or just replacing the gaskets. If I have to do it myself I'm planning to get the part from Toyota because Lexus dealer parts department doesn't seem to have the time to field my calls either. I could use confirmation that it's the same part. (Sure wish I had waited for the right land cruiser rather than settling for an LX470)

Picture is crappy, sorry.

 

[LBridges]

You could look at the LX and LC part numbers on toyodiy to confirm same part number. I do it since the Toyota dealer is both closer to the house and cheaper than the Lexus dealer in my area.

 

[2001LC]

LC & LX parts are the same. Can't tell from picture if; hose, rear bypass joint or gasket. Cleaning and watching very closely may be revealing. IIRC, the rear bypass can be removed without pulling intake manifold off, saves time $ and parts $ (intake gasket).

Search mud for those that have posted this procedure.

 

[Rolocado]

I just completed this and to say it's a huge ass pain is a gross understatement. I didn't take the manifold off so I had to work around the heater hoses and electrical connections. If you haven't done your starter in a while, it would probably be worth it just to take it all apart. It's a terrible awkward part to get to on top of trying to get light deep in the engine bay and hitting your head on the hood while balancing on the intake... NOT fun. Hopefully mine doesn't leak any more.

 

[2001LC]

It is a pain reaching to back of engine.

It's easy to get at if you remove the body and frame from around the engine: