1997 Lexus ES300 cooling

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
199
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
the 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.

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.