IS220D intermittent sputtering at high speed

[SRW20040]

Hello, apologies if this is covered elsewhere. I recently bought my first Lexus an IS220D. Also my first diesel. At normal town driving speeds it's fine. Once I get to motorway speeds it has an intermittent sputter/chugging feel. Revs are around 2k and I'm in 5th or 6th gear. Can't determine whether it's a fuelling problem or clutch slip. I'm confused by why it's only present at higher speeds. Planning to replace the fuel and air filter. Any suggestions? Thanks 

[Texas]

Apparently 6th gear is only comfortable at above 75 mph so where you gonna be able to use that?

so your ‘problem’ is not too high a gear for the speed/revs is it? as it’s your 1st Diesel vehicle it may take some getting used to as the engine will Rev a lot lower.

[SRW20040]

Hi Texas. Thanks but it's still very noticeable in 5th gear too

[Texas]

Fuel filter is a bit of bugger to change apparently! ( derv is not my forte but just from what I have read around here)

[bongani]

Do not touch the fuel filter, it is the worst job on the planet. I don't use the 6th gear at 70, it's near impossible. I had the same problem, I cleaned out the EGR valve. It is easy to remove and clean and the performance has improved.

[Shahpor]

Welcome Simon.

Have you checked your EGR valve like Bongani suggests?  A lot of running problems are associated with it being clogged.

As for the fuel filter, it is a pain of a job, so I would suggest you get a garage to change it, ideally someone who has done it before.  It isn't a complicated job, just quite fiddly but the mechanic that did mine said he could probably do in half the time going forward now that he knows how its done.

Good luck either way. 🙂