When not to use synthetic oil

[cvc42]

I just bought a 2005 Tacoma 4x4 73000 miles, is this to many miles to start using synthetic motor oil ?

Thoughts ?

Thanks
Steve-

[troyboy162]

I dont think there is anytime thats not ok to switch. ive read some people say that synthetic will potentialy clean gunk away from worn seals causing leaks, but at the same time ive read synthetic does not contain much cleaning agents because it dosnt ever sludge.

the only thing id think about is if its worth the investment and seeing as your motor is just breaking in...it makes more sence to me for you to switch rather then me at 207k and on the tail end of my motors usable life

[Scuba]

Switch to synthetic and don't look back. You won't have any issues.

I switched over from god knows what (bought the truck used) to synthetic 10-40 in my 99 2.7L and have not had one issue.

[cvc42]

what weight should I use and why, since it calls for 5-30 dino oil do I use the same in synthetic ? How many miles do I run before an oil change.

Thanks-

[MTL_4runner]

what weight should I use and why, since it calls for 5-30 dino oil do I use the same in synthetic ? How many miles do I run before an oil change.

Thanks-


Just run 5W-30 synthetic year round unless you live in a very hot climate like AZ (over 100 daily).
In that case you can just use 5W-30 for winter and 10W-30 for summer.

[Seanz0rz]

i run 5w30 in the winter, and 10w40 in the summer both synthetic, and usually mobil1, as walmart usually has it on sale.

depending on the driving i do, i change between 3,000 and 7,000 miles (the lower range for harder working, more idling, etc., and the upper range for long stints on the freeway) typically that means about every 5k.

also very important is the filter. i always buy the top end napa oil filter for a 95 3.0L ford taurus. it is 50% bigger than the stock filter, but otherwise fits the threads and sealing surface. and change it every oil change.

proper maintenance with these engines will see them into the 300k miles! by far the easiest thing you can do is change the oil regularly with quality products!

[MTL_4runner]

Running 10W-40 you may be losing some MPG. I don't ever suggest more than 10W-30 synthetic even for the most extreme conditions. I do agree with the filter changes and the Taurus filters works great on these trucks (been running one on mine for many years now).

[Seanz0rz]

yeah but i frequently see temps above 120 here, and i have seen what a hot engine will do to oil. it completely breaks down. synthetic is better about it, but it still can happen. i honestly dont mind losing 1-2mpg for the greater protection.

[MTL_4runner]

Sean, I completely overheated my engine with synthetic 10W-30 to the point of destroying my head gaskets (much hotter than any engine even in severe service would see) and the oil was still completely fine. I was totally shocked and would not have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. Synthetic definately proved its value in my book. I used to live in Phoenix (110-120+ daily in summer) and I also ran 10W-30 out there with no issues either. You're certainly welcome to use whatever you feel is best but I'm just suggesting you'd probably be fine with 10W-30 even if you were running it in the desert (as long as you weren't racing). You should also gain a bit of fuel economy to boot since the thicker oil will likely cause some engine efficiency losses. Just my $0.02 anyway. :D

[93yotasr5]

i just started runniong shell rotella 5-40 in my fzj, and it seemed to like it alot. no drips, no knocks, and so far the mpg is a bit better. need to drive a couple more tanks to confirm this though.