service lexus LS400 1994 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / 1994 LS400: ENGINE

SECTION 6 – 2
191
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air cleaner filter201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
197 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.
Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.
High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to
lubricate the exhaust valve stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high
speeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
Importance of engine oil level check
One of the most important points in proper vehicle
maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential
that the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends that
the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to
serious engine troubles due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 198.
USED ENGINE OIL
CAUTION:
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful
contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as
inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to
avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To
remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters only in a safe and
acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and
used oil filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service station for
information concerning recycling or disposal.

ENGINE
199
Engine oil selection
Use API SG or SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. Recommended viscosity is as
follows with SAE 5W-30 being the preferred engine oil for your
vehicle.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
10W-30
5W-30 Preferred
If you use SAE 10W-30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Oil identification marks
API Service SymbolILSAC Certification Mark
Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil
containers to help you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outside
of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API
(American Petroleum Institute) designation such as SH.
The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity
grade such as SAE 5W-30. “Energy-Conserving II”, shown
in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-saving
capabilities. Oils marked “Energy-Conserving II” will have
higher fuel-saving capabilities than oils marked
“Energy-Conserving”.