oil dipstick lexus LS400 1994 Repair Manual Information / 1994 LS400: ENGINE

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
198
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
Low line
Add oilO.K.
Too full
Full line
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.
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 line,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil in small quantities
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.
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.