1997 Lexus ES300 oil temperature

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
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
203
Engine oil selection
Use API SH, Energy±Conserving II multigrade engine oil or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W±30 is the best choice for your vehicle, for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W±30 engine oil in extremely low
temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start,
so SAE 5W±30 engine oil is recommended.
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. ªEnergy±Conserving II,º
shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel±
saving capabilities. Oils marked ªEnergy±Conserving IIº
will have higher fuel±saving capabilities than oils marked
ªEnergy±Conserving.º
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the
front of the container.