canucklehe

I have 2 1993 ES300 models. One is sluggish compared to the other. When I hammer gas pedal hard to pass, just doesn't seem to have same response compared to the other car. It's flat and sluggish.

My first instinct is throttle body needing cleaning. would this make that much difference to my symptom? Changing spark plugs???

I also have CEL for knock sensor. I was told knock sensor is for ping issues to advance/retard timing. Would this cause this sluggish symptom?

otherwise, engine seems to start, run, and perform well, just not the same power/response as the other one.

lexus4all

I recently had the same issue. Unfortunately for me, it was a blown head gasket. Fixed it up right good. Though still not as peppy as I want. I should find another es300 to compare to.

I would use a block test and check for head gasket failure. If that passes then I would do a back pressure test to see if your catalytic converter is clogged. These are probably the two big ticket items you should be on the lookout for.

Next big ticket items would be, if you haven't changed the timing belt for awhile....make sure it's still adjusted properly. Having it off by a tooth or two is detrimental to engine performance and eventually it's life span.

After that, check your transmission. Is it shifting properly? How long has it been since your last tranny fluid drain and fill?

Now if you've eliminated all these big ticket items, you can calm down a bit, it's probably one of the following

1. Dirty fuel injectors
2. Dirty throttle body
3. Dirty or clogged fuel filter
4. Old and weary spark plugs

These are all low cost fixes, so shouldn't be too bad.

lexus4all

Oh one more, over time, the throttle cable can get really loose, tighten it up to the same level of tightness as the other es300.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I agree with lexus4all, but I would first address the trouble code. I don't know how it affects the car, but I suspect that it's not normal and it may reveal a hidden issue.

canucklehe

I adjusted the throttle cable. it wasn't that loose.

how hard is knock sensor to get at? Are there one or 2?

I'll try the simple stuff. do any of these snake oils actually clean injectors or throttle body the way they claim?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I believe you can test the resistance of the sensor(s), before you decide to replace them. It should give you an idea of whether they're still good or not. Not sure about the location.

canucklehe

I bought a can of seafoam snake oil today (no offense to seafoam.. I say that about all these products cuz I have never had any of them live up to their claims, or maybe I had other problems going on that they can't fix).

I'll run it through and see what happens. i will also clean throttle body and replace plugs.

what is good cleaner for throttle body crud? I was going to use solvent.

how ugly are those rear plugs to do?

dewso1

Honestly just go straight for the actual cans labelled "throttle body cleaner" they don't cost much more, if not at all than solvent, and are suited for the job. 1 Can will get you through several cleanings aswell.

Someone correct me if these are bad, but I've always had great experience with them.

canucklehe

so is carb medic carb cleaner the same thing? i have that already, and i already have solvent.