check engine lexus LS400 1995 Engine / 1995 LS400: ENGINE

SECTION 6 – 2
197
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oil202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE
202The 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 by high−speed driving 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 trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking the
engine oil level” on page 203.
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
203
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off,
check the oil level on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick and push it in as far as it will go, or the
reading will not be correct.
 1
Add oil 2
O.K. 3
Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it
is between the full line (
5
) and the low line ( 4
), it is O.K.
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.

ENGINE
204Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of oil needed
to fill between the low line and the full line on the dipstick is
indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the
filler cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., Imp. qt.) 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API 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
If you use SAE 1OW−30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so
SAE 5W−30 engine oil is recommended.

ENGINE
205
Oil identification marks
API Service Symbol ILSAC 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”.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
 1
Reservoir cap 2
Upper line 3
Lower line
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see−through
coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. The coolant
level is satisfactory if it is between the upper and lower
lines on the tank. If the level is low, add ethylene−glycol
type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolant
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the lower line,
add coolant to bring the level up to the upper line.
Use only ethylene−glycol type coolant. It will prevent freezing
and corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor additives
are needed nor recommended. (For information on
ethylene−glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection”
described below.)

ENGINE
206If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there may be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, reservoir cap, drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap
pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Engine coolant selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene−glycol antifreeze. In
addition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental
inhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for information on freeze
protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system is
given on page 199. We recommend 50% solution be used for
your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection to
about −35
C (−31
F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.