sp80

Hey everyone...

This is my first post here because this is the first time I have run into problems with my Lexus... Ok here it goes...

I have a 1993 Lexus ES300 with a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought her for $2700 two years ago with 185,000 miles. She has been running great the past 2 years. The only thing I have had to do was to replace the tires. She had a few minor problems before I had this problem. The only one related to the way it drives was it bucked going up the hill to get out of my neighborhood when I would 1st start it up, but it would stop after I made it up the hill. She now has about 209,000 miles.

So about a month ago, I was driving it out of my neighborhood when it died at the top of the hill. It just completely cut out. My power steering was gone, my brakes lost their power. I just completely lost power. My radio was still working though. I tried to start it back up. It gave it a few good attempts (but no luck) and then the battery went dead.

So I picked up a new battery and installed it... Jumped it with my friends Land Rover and she started up right away...

I let the car run for about 20 mins and then drove it to the gas station and filled the tank...

On my way out of the gas station the car decided it didn't want to drive anymore

The car doesn't die... it just loses all power to the wheels after about 10ft when I try to get her going in 1st gear. When it loses power the RPM needle drops to the idle range even though I am pressing on the gas. Also it seems to rev fine in neutral. It has the problem when I put it into gear.

The engine felt really hot but according to my gauge on the dash it was at the right temp.

Its currently sitting on the side of the road. I'm hoping letting it sit for a couple hours will allow me to drive it home.

*UPDATE* Went back to my car and was able to drive it home with no problems... I took it slow though. I am worried to take it anywhere else for fear of being stranded.

There is a weird smell coming from the engine compartment... smells kinda smokey... Any input on that?

Could this be because the car sat for so long? What do you recommend I do in this situation?

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

-Spence

Pheonix

Check the intake for vacuum leaks. Make sure the alternator is charging the battery (if you have continued problems with that).

Check compression / leak down test & make sure an injector isn't stuck flooding a cylinder. I'd most definately start by checking for vacuum leaks myself.


The engine developes peak torque at 2500rpm, and has >90% of that from just a high idle. Unless you're doing some silly off-road driving, there's no excuse for the engine ever bucking.

mcelligott

Change your spark plugs, too.

sp80

I know my spark plugs haven't been touched since I got the car... Those def need to be changed.

The car is sitting in my driveway right now. I think I am going to start her up and drive around my neighborhood for a while and see if it will die on me again... I hope not. If not then I will take her on the highway and see what happens.

I read a post on here about someone having the same bucking problem as me and she said that the timing belt needed adjustment. Does that sound right?

I can live with the minor bucking when I first start it up but I would really like her to be reliable again.

mcelligott

Get some spark plugs today.

sp80

Alright... I can do that.

What kind of socket wrench do I need to change them out? I think I am going to have to buy one of those too... What should I be looking to spend on one?

mcelligott

I forget the size offhand, but it should be a few bucks for a good one. The plugs are like a buck and change a piece for some platinum ones.

92ES5sp

5/8" is the size for the plugs
Only use Denso or NGK plugs