Question about a old car, need help!

[JiNuWiNe]

Hey guys,

My parents own a 92 Lexus ES300. I drove it the other day and it felt very sluggish, slow acceleration/pick up. Also, on the last tank of gas, it only got about 340km for 90% city. What can I do to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of this car? (As in anything that I can do in the maintenance wise and not by adding in performance parts.)

Also no smart ass comments like : "Get a new car." or "Scrap that junk."

Thanks guys.

[mleblond]

air filter, spark plugs would be my first try. Plugs could be rusted out/dirty depending on the last time they were changed.

[Fuman]

check the service history, and see if you think there is anything you should do
on top of what mleblond, you can try cleaning the fuel injectors.
if the shifting is sluggish as well, get a transmission service.

[JiNuWiNe]

Air filter and spark plugs had been replaced recently. Shifting is fine. Cleaning the fuel injectors would be new to me.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Fuman]

Air filter and spark plugs had been replaced recently. Shifting is fine. Cleaning the fuel injectors would be new to me.

Thanks for the input guys.
have a read =) http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/at_010626.htm

[JiNuWiNe]

Thanks Fuman, it was definitely a good read. Do you happen to have any recommendations for fuel injector cleaners?

[Fuman]

Thanks Fuman, it was definitely a good read. Do you happen to have any recommendations for fuel injector cleaners?
To be honest, not really. Have a look on a Lexus board to see what they are using.
Good luck man, sorry I can't be of much help

Another similar article
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/050302.htm

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Thanks Fuman, it was definitely a good read. Do you happen to have any recommendations for fuel injector cleaners?

Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner (http://www.redlineoil.com/products_fueladditives.asp) ...toss the entire contents of the bottle into a full tank of gas, repeat if necessary.

[Fuman]

Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner (http://www.redlineoil.com/products_fueladditives.asp) ...toss the entire contents of the bottle into a full tank of gas, repeat if necessary.
toss it in before fill-up =p

[TheProfessor]

When was the last time the timing was adjusted on the car? Also, are they using premium fuel of have they started using regular in the wake of high gas prices?

[JiNuWiNe]

Hey guys, I had time to buy some in CT the other day and I picked up the Pennzoil system cleaner. SHould i use that or get the redline one? The Pennzoil is the whole system cleaner compared to only the Redline injector cleaner. Which is better?

http://infinitypowerzone.com/images/fuel%20system%20cleaner.jpg

[x_o_k_x]

Air filter changed, spark plugs changed, oil changed, fuel filter changed,
transmission oil changed and yeah fuel injectors cleaned
Also filling up with premium once or twice might help

[McGuyver_3]

Injector flush
oil change
plugs
coolant flush (help keep it cooler)
tranny fluid flush
fuel filter
air filter/incabin air filter if applicable
brake fluid flush (who knows how old that fluid is haha)
p/steering fluid flush (may improve turning a little)

[Wild Weasel]

Air filter changed, spark plugs changed, oil changed, fuel filter changed,
transmission oil changed and yeah fuel injectors cleaned
Also filling up with premium once or twice might help

A car either benefits from premium or it doesn't. How would filling up with premium "once or twice" be of any benefit at all, considering that he's already run injector cleaner through the system so any trivial benefit from extra detergents and what not they put in it is moot.

[kaval]

Injector flush
oil change
plugs
coolant flush (help keep it cooler)
tranny fluid flush
fuel filter
air filter/incabin air filter if applicable
brake fluid flush (who knows how old that fluid is haha)
p/steering fluid flush (may improve turning a little)

To further that, make sure the spark plugs are gapped properly. Also ensure that the tires are inflated to spec. Change the thermostat as well while you're at it. Do a valve adjustment too. Every little thing makes a difference.

Oh yeah, and get the car detailed...less air resistance, hahahahaha