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

10W-30
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change
ENGINE
193 Oil capacity
Drain and refill
with filter
without filter
Oil grade
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5.1 L (5.4 qt., 4.5 Imp.qt.)
4.8 L (5.1 qt., 4.2 Imp.qt.)
API grade SG or SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine
oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
− COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
10.8 L (11.4 qt., 9.5 Imp.qt.)
Ethylene-glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
− FUEL
Fuel type
Research octane umber
Only UNLEADED
96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher
− IGNITION SYSTEM

ENGINE
196
Gasolines containing alcohol
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you use
gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has an
octane rating no lower than 87 and does not contain more
than 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend the use of
gasolines containing methanol.
If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasoline
meeting the requirements above and also containing less than
5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for
methanol.
NOTICE:
Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will
cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems.
If drivability problems are encountered (poor hot
starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinue
its use.
Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.
Gasohol may cause paint damage.
Fuel tank capacity
85 L (22.5 gal., 18.7 Imp. gal.)
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OIL
CONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling
the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine
oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders.
A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure
generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of
this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as
some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by
the high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.

ENGINE
200The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Reservoir cap
Upper line
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” on this
page.)
If 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 no leak can be found, have the cap pressure tested at your
Lexus dealer.
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 193. 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.