check engine Lexus ES300 1997 Service Procedures And Specifications: Engine

195
SECTION 6 ± 2
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Specifications 196
Fuel 198
Facts about engine oil consumption 199
Used engine oil 201
Checking the engine oil level 201
Checking the engine coolant level 204

ENGINE
197 ±COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity 9.2 L (9.7 qt., 8.2 Imp.qt.)
Coolant type Ethylene ± glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
±FUEL
Fuel type Only UNLEADED
Research octane number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher
±IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug ±Make NIPPONDENSO PK20TR11
NGK BKR6EKPB11
±Gap 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
±ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery ± Maintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 205C (685F): 1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
Charging rates Quick charge 15A max.
Slow charge 5A max.
± Non±maintenance battery
Open voltage at 205C (685F): 12.7V Fully charged
12.3V Half charged
11.9V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is
removed with all the lights turned off]
Charging rates 5A max.

ENGINE
200The 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 point 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 ªChecking the
engine oil levelº on page 201.

ENGINE
201
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 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.
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.

ENGINE
202

Add oil O.K. Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.
If it is between the full line ( ) and the low line ( ), it
is O.K.
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low
level mark, add engine oil of the same type already in
the engine.
Remove 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 oil.

ENGINE
204
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL

Resevior cap Upper lineLower 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 above 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 the engine
coolant temperature. However, if the level is on or below the
lower line, add coolant to bring the level to the upper line.
Use only ethylene±glycol type coolant. For information on
ethylene±glycol coolant, see also ªEngine coolant selectionº
described below.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after
replenishing, there may be a leak in the system. Visually
check the radiator, hoses, radiator 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
radiator 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 197. We recommend 50% solution
be used for your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide
protection to about ±355C (±315F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.