Anybody running 5W-30 in 2n gen. 4 banger?

I know that 2nd generation 4 cyclinder engines call out 20 grade oil, but was wondering if anybody running 5W-30 oil in their engines and if they had any problems or benefits associated with it versus 5/0W20 oils?

 

I run 5w-30 in my 05. It's also the recommended viscosity in my manual. Maybe they changed it somewhere between 05 and 08?

I can't say that I've had any problems or benefits from it.

 

I have run both in my '08 4-popper. So far the mix has been 50-50. It's still runnin'.

 

I would not run a thicker oil than it calls for. The engine and the oil controlled VVTi system are designed to run on 0w20 or 5w20. JMO.

 

run the 5w-20 or 0w-20 read the manual man

 

X2 its 5w20 for me

 

its on the oil fill cap as well

 

I run 5W-30 with no ill affects. If you "read the manual", it also has wording that allows you to make a judgement call to go to a higher weight if needed.

Nothing wrong with the 0W-20 or 5W-20 call outs but that is mainly to meet CAFE requirements here in the USA. Like or same engines outside the USA in ASIA and elsewhere, still call out heavier weight oils.

Truth be told, most 30 weight dino oils actually shear down to a 20 weight within 500-1500 miles. What makes 5W-20 and 0W-20 oils excellent in most regards, is that they will not shear as much and maintain within the spec of a 20 weight oil.

Baby Jesus does not cry if you are using either a 5w-30 or 10W-30 in your Tacoma.

 

I'll be using M-1 0w20 when I hit 5k.

As far as CAFE requirements, yes the 5w and 0w are going to give you slightly better mileage. I consider this a bonus And like Hootbro said, you DO have some leeway in what you add to the crankcase... but why stray from manufacturer's recommendations?


Remember to check out Advance's sale this month- 5 qts. Mobil 1 plus Mobil filter for 29 bucks

 

EXACTLY! I took advantage of this deal last weekend (had to buy the 6th quart at regular price though). Mine's full of Mobil-1 0w-20 now.

 

I was talking with the service manager at my local Toyota dealership yesterday and he was telling me that they are seeing noticeable improvements in fuel mileage using Mobil 1 0W20 in the 4 cyl Tacos. They see a slight improvement in other vehicles/ motors, but the 4 cyl Taco is very noticeable. I am going to try it next oil change.

 

I'm pretty sure the dealership puts 5w-30 in when they change to oil, since it's been written on the little sticker they put on the windshield a couple of times.

 

remember though that a 20 grade oil offer less protection than a 30 grade oil. It's been proven in various tests. The protective oil film breaks up easier.

 

I use AMSOIL 0W-30 in mine. No problems.

 

im doing 5w-30 and i love it

 

What tests? Links? Please do not reference some "4 ball wear test" that is not relevant to automotive engine environments.

 

It really does not matter too much. You can talk about various tests, etc, but there is really not much of a difference. You may lose some ponies/mpg with 30 compared to 20.

However using a weight that is not listed in the manual could lead to troubles getting things repaired under warranty.

 

I don't know what they recommend for years other than 05. I'd think it would be the same for all of the 2TR-FE engines, but maybe not. Here's a couple of pics from my owner's manual AND oil cap. They both say 5w-30. I've considered running 0w-30, but figured I'd stay with what is recommended for now because I already had a crap load of it.

Bottom line: I don't really care what you run, but a great recommendation is what is in your owner's manual and marked on the oil cap. Here's what's on mine. Seemingly from above posts, yours may be different.

 

My 06 is the same as the above post -- 5w30 recommended both in the manual and on the oil filler cap. I have not run anything else and of course it seems to work just fine, so I cannot comment on any difference from the 0w20 oils. Running 0w20 will allow slightly better oil flow on cold/dry starts and probably give slightly better fuel economy but not much. It might help some vehicles to use the lighter weights in colder climates because of the added flow on cold start, but then it does not matter so much once the engine and oil are up to temp. Just use whatever oil is recommended in your manual and change it regularly, that's what I always say.

 

Well, you're right --sort of.

The idea that viscosity equals protection is/was mostly true with dead dinosaur lubricants.

High-end synthetics are engineered to produce certain results.

I use AMSOIL 0W-30 in my two-dimensional travel vehicles. I use AMSOIL Racing Oil 15W-50 in my three-dimensional vehicle. The 0W-30 actually performs BETTER than the 15W-50 in the ASTM three-ball wear test.

Does that difference mean that I should run the 0W-30 in the airplane? NO! The aircraft runs constantly at 75% power and is air/oil cooled. Does ANY automotive engine run constantly at three-quarters' power for three to four hours per cycle? Some commercial diesels might but, generally, no. Even though that 0W-30 can protect, say, the piston pin bearings, better than the 15W-50 in the test, it won't endure the heat and high power requirements of the aircraft engine.

That's why all vehicle makers have separate oil drain interval suggestions for severe service. If you actually run your engine at, say, 50% power while towing a trailer at maximum combined vehicle weight rating, the increased stress on the engine lubricant demands a shorter drain interval.