renepaloma

I was driving down the highway and my car ('91 LS 400) hesitated a bit then lost tons of power and i think maybe compression. It will get up to 85 on flat highway, (used to do 100 and it felt like 65). Has big trouble on steep inclines and hills. no power, sputtering exhaust - not steady flow. no problems with leaking oil or overheating engine, but i think there is a problem with the exhaust system. the exhaust manifolds or couplings are very very hot under the car. the whole frame of the car is getting hot. i went to get groceries out of the trunk 2 nights ago and they were hot. i felt under the carpet in the trunk and it was hot. i removed the cardboard cover above the spare tire well and the metal was very hot. It's been very warm here in Austin so i've been driving with the windows down and i can smell the heat. It is like if u leave a cast iron skillet on the stove with no oil and forget about it. you can smell it after a while even from another room, just smells like hot metal - no smoke 'cause there is no oil, but u can smell the heat - i hope this analogy helps. if u can give me an idea where to look or have heard of a similar situation please lemme know. Thanks

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

any check engine lights? is your cats red after a 15-20min ride?

renepaloma

hey joe, thanks for the response. not sure what cats are

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

catalytic converters, its basically the can behind the wrench in this picture. http://www.lexls.com/images/EX/P6210002.jpg and the can to the left of this picture, http://www.lexls.com/images/o2sensors/os02.jpg and its directly under the engine between the front axle.

trukn1

Joe,, you slippin. LOL!!! exact same symptoms ars my car when the coil pack died on me. HIs car is a 91, and probably still the original ones like mine were. I was not at highway speed though when mine went. Check here,,,
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-ned-help.html

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

eh i gave it heavy thought it coulda been the coils lol. i should probably order some new ones since theyre prolly on their way out.

19psi

most likely ignition misfires as mentioned above. pull your plug covers and checkthe spark.