I posted a message somewhere in the forum asking if anyone knew why my engine surges when in traffic. I have found the solution and maybe a good tip for those who have a 92 model.

I Just got back from the garage where my ES was having a tune up and service and the mechanic noticed something strange with the way the car accelerates. It was due to the top engine stabilizer rubber was totally worn and broken up inside the arm of the stabiliser. As a test the mechanic reved up the car whilst in drive with the brake on slightly and the engine must have moved over 6 inches... i could not beleive it.. it looked like the engine was just sat in the engine bay with nothing to hold it in.

This also caused a problem on my air intake. Because the engine moved in such a harsh banner it made the flex on the air intake to split. When this splits the car just stalls. In reverse the engine does not move but as soon as you put it into drive the whole engine and gearbox just flopped about!

I will post some pics on here tommorow... and i must say it was frightning to see the engine to move about that much... luckily i just need a new rubber gator for the stabilizer and a new air intake hose.

Next time your in the engine bay.. check that rubber gator on the stabilizer and if it is split.. i suggest change it ASAP

 

here is a picture of the split stabilzer rubber...

 

the air intake that has split caused by the slit engine stabilzer causing the engine to move around when driving

 

Hey,
thats the exact same problem I have on my 92 es300. Is this the reason why my car runs rough out of first gear but is fine after in every gear?

 

actually this is quite a common problem in older es300's.. the times i have seen the same symptoms and all because of the work engine mount

 

Yup, I went through this with mine too, replaced the motor mount, still haven't done the intake, but I stuck some black silicon on it which maybe helps for now.