1998 Lexus ES300 check oil

ENGINE197
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 b\
y 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 i\
s
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 cyli\
nder
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 t\
he
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
trouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check, see ºChecking the engine\
oil
levelº on page 198.

ENGINE
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 pr olonged 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.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
62E001±1
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 turni\
ng
off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the bott\
om 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.
62E002

ENGINE199


1
Add oil 2O.K. 3Too full
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If it is between
the full line (
5 ) and the low line ( 4 ), it is O.K.
62E003±1
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low line, add engin\
e oil
of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little 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 for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler cap and t\
urn
the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
Oil quantity. L (qt., lmp. 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.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS219
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Precautions
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark by contacting the battery terminals
with tools.
 Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
 Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothes.
 Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
 Wear protective safety glasses when working near the
battery.
 Keep children away from the battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
 If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean
water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while traveling to the medical office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the contacted area.
If you feel a pain or burn, get medical attention immediately.
 If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediately take off the exposed clothing
and follow the procedure above, if necessary.
 If you happen to swallow electrolyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emergency help.