SECTION 6 – 2

185

SERVICE PROCEDURES ANDSPECIFICATIONSEngineSpecifications (SC400) 186. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifications (SC300) 188. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel 190. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facts about engine oil consumption 191. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used engine oil 192. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the engine oil level 193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the engine coolant level (SC400) 195. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the engine coolant level (SC300) 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the engine fan fluid 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE

5W-30 Preferred

10W-30

Temperature range anticipated before next oil change

186

SPECIFICATIONS (SC400)− GENERAL

ModelTypeBore and strokeDisplacementValve clearance (engine cold)

IntakeExhaust

Drive belt tension

1UZ-FE8 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline87.5 x 82.5 mm (3.44 x 3.25 in.)3969 cm3 (242.1 cu.in.) 0.15 − 0.25 mm (0.006 − 0.010 in.)0.25 − 0.35 mm (0.010 − 0.014 in.)Automatic adjustment

− LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Oil capacityDrain and refill

with filterwithout filter

Oil grade

Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):

4.8 L (5.1 qt., 4.2 Imp.qt.)4.5 L (4.8 qt., 4.0 Imp.qt.)API SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil orILSAC multigrade engine oil

ENGINE

187

− COOLING SYSTEM

Capacity

Coolant type

10.8 L (11.4 qt., 9.5 Imp.qt.)

Ethylene − glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)

− FUELFuel type

Research octane number

Only UNLEADED

96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher

− IGNITION SYSTEM

Spark plug − Make NIPPONDENSO

NGK

− Gap

PK20R11

BKR6EP-11

1.1 mm (0.043 in.)

− ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery − Specific gravity reading at 20�C (68�F):

− Charging rates

1.280 Fully charged

1.180 Half charged

1.080 Discharged

5A max.

ENGINE

5W-30 Preferred

10W-30

Temperature range anticipated before next oil change

188

SPECIFICATIONS (SC300)

− GENERAL

ModelTypeBore and strokeDisplacementValve clearance (engine cold)

IntakeExhaust

Drive belt tension

2JZ-GE6 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline86.0 x 86.0 mm (3.39 x 3.39 in.)2997 cm3 (182.9 cu.in.) 0.15 − 0.25 mm (0.006 − 0.010 in.)0.25 − 0.35 mm (0.010 − 0.014 in.)Automatic adjustment

− LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Oil capacityDrain and refill

with filterwithout filter

Oil grade

Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):

5.2 L (5.5 qt., 4.5 Imp.qt.)4.9 L (5.2 qt., 4.4 Imp.qt.)API SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil orILSAC multigrade engine oil

ENGINE

189

− COOLING SYSTEM

Capacity − With automatic transmission

− With manual transmission

Coolant type

8.4 L (8.9 qt., 7.4 Imp.qt.)

8.5 L (9.0 qt., 7.5 Imp.qt.)

Ethylene − glycol coolant (Do not use alcohol type.)

− FUEL

Fuel type

Research octane number

Only UNLEADED

96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher

− IGNITION SYSTEM

Spark plug − Make NIPPONDENSO

NGK

− Gap

PK16R11

BKR5EP-11

1.1 mm (0.043 in.)

− ELECTRICAL SYSTEMBattery − Specific gravity reading at 20�C (68�F):

− Charging rates

1.280 Fully charged

1.180 Half charged

1.080 Discharged

5A max.

ENGINE

190

FUEL

Fuel typeYour vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline.

To help prevent gas station mixups, your Lexus has a smallerfuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleadedfuel will fit it, but the larger nozzle on pumps with leaded gaswill not.

NOTICE:Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline willcause the three-way catalytic converter to lose itseffectiveness and the emission control system tofunction improperly. Also, this can increasemaintenance costs.

Octane numberSelect premium unleaded gasoline with a ResearchOctane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher foroptimum engine performance. However, if such premiumtype cannot be obtained, you may temporarily useunleaded gasoline with an octane number as low as 91.

Use of unleaded fuel with an octane number or rating lowerthan stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. Ifsevere, this will lead to engine damage.

If your engine knocks ...

If you detect heavy knocking even when using therecommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking whileholding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Lexusdealer.

However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for ashort time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is nocause for concern.

Gasolines containing detergent additivesLexus recommends use of gasolines that containdetergent additives to avoid build-up of engine deposits.

For further details, ask your Lexus dealer or a local gasolineretailer.

Gasolines containing MTBEGasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether)are available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixedwith MTBE, make certain that it does not contain morethan 15% of MTBE.

If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor drivabilityand/or poor fuel economy, you should stop using them.

ENGINE

191

Gasolines containing alcoholGasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. If you usegasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it is unleaded, has anoctane rating no lower than 87 and does not contain morethan 10% ethanol. Lexus does not recommend the use ofgasolines containing methanol.

If you use gasoline containing methanol, use only gasolinemeeting the requirements above and also containing less than5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors formethanol.

NOTICE:� Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will

cause fuel system damage or vehicle performanceproblems.

� If drivability problems are encountered (poor hotstarting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinueits use.

� Take care not to spill gasohol during refueling.Gasohol may cause paint damage.

Fuel tank capacity78 L (20.6 gal., 17.2 Imp.gal.)

FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION

Functions of engine oilEngine oil has the primary function of lubricating and coolingthe inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintainingthe engine in proper working order.

Engine oil consumptionIt is normal that an engine should consume some engineoil during normal engine operation. The causes of oilconsumption 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 pistonmoves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressuregenerated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some ofthis oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well assome part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned bythe high temperature combustion gases during thecombustion process.

� Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chambertogether with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used tolubricate the exhaust valve stems.

ENGINE

192

The amount of engine oil consumed depends on theviscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way thevehicle is driven.

More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as highspeeds and frequent acceleration and deceleration.

A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston ringsand cylinder walls have not become conditioned.

When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep inmind that the oil may have become diluted, making itdifficult to judge the true level accurately.

For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips andconsumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not showany drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming dilutedwith fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has notchanged.

The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is thendriven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appearthat oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.

Importance of engine oil level checkOne of the most important points in proper vehiclemaintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level sothat oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essentialthat the oil level be checked regularly. Lexus recommends thatthe oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.

NOTICE:Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead toserious engine troubles due to insufficient oil.

For detailed information on oil level check, see “Checking theengine oil level” on page 193.

USED ENGINE OILCAUTION:� Used engine oil contains potentially harmful

contaminants which may cause skin disorders such asinflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken toavoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. Toremove used engine oil from your skin, washthoroughly 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 andacceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil andused oil filters in household trash, in sewers or onto theground. Call your Lexus dealer or a service station forinformation concerning recycling or disposal.

ENGINE

193

CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL

SC400 SC300

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 todrain 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 thereading will not be correct.

Low line Full line

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If itis between the full line and the low line, it is O.K.

ENGINE

194

SC400

SC300

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 a little at a time,checking the dipstick. The approximate quantity of oil neededto fill between the low line and the full line on the dipstick isindicated below for reference.

When the level reaches within the correct range, return thefiller cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.

Oil quantity. L (qt., Imp. qt.) SC400, SC300 − 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)

NOTICE:Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.Check the oil level on the dipstick once again afteradding the oil.

Engine oil selectionUse API SH, Energy-Conserving II multigrade engine oil orILSAC multigrade engine oil. Recommended viscosity is asfollows with SAE 5W-30 being the preferred engine oil for yourvehicle.

5W-30 Preferred

10W-30

Temperature range anticipated before next oil change

If you use SAE 10W-30 engine oil in extremely lowtemperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, soSAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.

ENGINE

195

Oil identification marks

API Service Symbol ILSAC Certification Mark

Either or both API registered marks are added to some oilcontainers to help you select the oil you should use.

� The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outsideof 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 viscositygrade such as SAE 5W-30. “Energy-Conserving II”, shownin the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel-savingcapabilities. Oils marked “Energy-Conserving II” will havehigher fuel-saving capabilities than oils marked“Energy-Conserving”.

� The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization andApproval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on thefront of the container.

CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANTLEVEL (SC400)

Arrow

Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see-throughcoolant reservoir when the engine is cool. The coolantlevel is satisfactory if it is above the “ARROW” on the tank.If the level is low, add ethylene-glycol type coolant.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolanttemperature. However, if the level is on or below the“ARROW”, add coolant until the level reaches the bottom of thereservoir tank.

Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. It will prevent freezingand corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor additivesare needed nor recommended. (For information onethylene-glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection”described below.)

ENGINE

196

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 no leak can be found, have the cap pressure tested at yourLexus dealer.

CAUTION:To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.

Engine coolant selectionYour coolant must contain ethylene-glycol antifreeze. Inaddition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to theengine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplementalinhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.

Read the antifreeze container for information on freezeprotection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how muchto mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system isgiven on page 187. We recommend 50% solution be used foryour Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection toabout −35�C (−31�F).

NOTICE:Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANTLEVEL (SC300)

Upper line

Lower line

Look at the see-through coolant reservoir tank. Thecoolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and“LOW” lines on the tank. If the level is low, addethylene-glycol type coolant.

The engine coolant reservoir is located in front of the radiator.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolanttemperature. However, if the level is on or below the “LOW”,add coolant to bring the level up to the “FULL” line.

Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. It will prevent freezingand corrosion. Neither supplemental inhibitors nor additivesare needed nor recommended. (For information onethylene-glycol coolant, see also “Engine coolant selection”described below.)

ENGINE

197

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 no leak can be found, have the cap pressure tested at yourLexus dealer.

CAUTION:To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.

Engine coolant selectionYour coolant must contain ethylene-glycol antifreeze. Inaddition to preventing freezing and subsequent damage to theengine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplementalinhibitors or additives are neither needed nor recommended.

Read the antifreeze container for information on freezeprotection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how muchto mix with water. The total capacity of the cooling system isgiven on page 189. We recommend 50% solution be used foryour Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection toabout −35�C (−31�F).

NOTICE:Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

CHECKING THE ENGINE FAN FLUID(SC400 ONLY)

Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see-throughreservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluidDEXRON®-II

ENGINE

198

If hot O.K.

If hot addIf cold O.K.

If cold add

If the fluid is hot (70�C − 90�C or 158�F −194�F), the levelshould be in the “HOT” range. Similarly, if it is cold (10�C −30�C or 50�F − 86�F), the level should be in the “COLD” range.If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatictransmission fluid DEXRON®-II to bring the level within therange.

CAUTION:The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burnyourself.

NOTICE:When adding the engine fan fluid, avoid overfilling.