tuohylaw

Very perplexing problem in 95 es300 with 200K Starts and runs great except for, when starting from start until it reaches app. 40 mph. Until then it jerks and hesitates violently. ,Runs through gears full throttle on highway and runs great in reverse without any hesitation or jerking., Only problem is starting from stop., Also will not go up steep hills in forward and difficulty starting when facing up hill. I can go up the same hill in reverse without any effort.. For whatever reason when in forward and starting from stop it seems starved for full. Had a leak in full line to gas tank and another in pipe to gas tank. Thee have been repaired. Fuel and air filters replaced and plugs replaced. I am told by mechanic the fuel pump is working. Mechanic says it may be hit and miss trouble shooting based upon age of car and limited diagnostic tools available.
Anyone have a similar problem a place to start trouble shooting?
First time I replace fuel filter I had some improvement. After fixing gas line to gas tank and replacing again there was o improvement.
Truly puzzled and hoping some experience long time lexus mechanic will recognize these symptoms and have quick fix. Thank you.
This is my firs post ever so if in wrong forum i apologize and please re direct.
John

PFB

Remove the large rubber snorkel hose(s) in the back of the air filter box, flex them a bit and look for cracks.

(Can't remember if your model year has one or two such hoses.)

This can cause the exact symptoms you described.

Phil

repairmatt

Yep, that is most likely the cause, the main air intake tube coming from the airbox. Also, if it does have cracks or is even broken in half like mine was, check your engine mounts and torque strut, they are likely bad or going bad.

PFB

If you do find craks, you can fix it temporally with electrical tape till you replace them

Phil