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ENGINE
169 − COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
Coolant type
8.7 L (9.2 qt., 7.7 Imp.qt.)
Ethylene − glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)
− FUEL
Fuel type
Research octane number
Only UNLEADED
91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher
− IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug− Make NIPPONDENSO
NGK
− Gap
PK20R11
BKR6EP11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
− ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery− Specific gravity reading at 20C (68F):
− Charging rates
1.280 Fully charged
1.180 Half charged
1.080 Discharged
5 A max.
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ENGINE
171
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
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 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.
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.
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ENGINE
175
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”.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Look at the see-through coolant reservoir. The coolant
level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
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 “LOW”
line, add coolant to bring the level up to the “FULL” line.
Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. For information on
ethylene-glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection”
described below.
