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The switch to Synthetic... What leaked?

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by boshak, Mar 31, 2012.

  1. Mar 31, 2012 at 12:46 AM
    #1
    boshak

    boshak [OP] Well-Known Member

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    AG
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    First of all: This is NOT a thread asking whether or not I should go to synthetic... I've seen too many.

    My 2003 5vz-fe is going on 150,000 miles and I'm thinking about switching to synthetic after I get through my list of maintenance projects. Most important to mention, since it relates to oil leaks, replacing the valve cover gaskets, cam plugs, and changing the gasket on the semicircular plugs.

    So for those of you that made the switch and complain about leaks... what leaked and how hard/expensive was it to fix? I want to know what I need to look out for and the POTENTIAL risk. I'll be going synthetic all around - engine, tranny, diffs, transfer case.
     
  2. Apr 2, 2012 at 11:03 AM
    #2
    boshak

    boshak [OP] Well-Known Member

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    TTT. In short... when switching to synthetic at 150k, what are some potential leaks that i can look out for or be concerned about?

    I'm swapping out valve cover gaskets, cam plugs, and FIPG on semicircular plugs prior to the change so those technically should be okay.
     
  3. Apr 2, 2012 at 12:12 PM
    #3
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Jandy
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    I switched my 96 over to synthetic when I bought it at 60,000 miles. I owned the truck for 5 years to 110,00 miles.

    I never fixed anything - as I never had a serious problem.

    Oil weeped out at the oil pan/gasket area. I also lost or consumed 1/2 quart of oil every 5,000 miles. No smoke or no signs of oil burning at the tailpipe. I changed the oil every 5K miles, so the oil level never bothered me.

    If the truck sat in the driveway for a couple days .....I'd get a brief lifter tap when I'd first start it up. That tap would eventually go away after the pressure built up again in the lifters - only a couple minutes.

    Other than that.... not a lick of problems anywhere else. I used synthetics in all the diffs, tcase, and transmission too.
     
  4. Apr 2, 2012 at 12:26 PM
    #4
    macgyver

    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    Your wallet will leak a little more cash on oil.

    I switched my truck over to everything synthetic after I bought it. I bought it used with 42k miles. No leaks here.
     
  5. Apr 2, 2012 at 12:36 PM
    #5
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    I switched my 98 3RZ over at around 80k. No leaks.

    Switch the 4.7L over at/around the same mileage. No leaks. It's got +150k on it now.
     
  6. Apr 2, 2012 at 11:17 PM
    #6
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Magnuson S/C w/12TRDTacoma's Qwikchange Hub & 2.5" RIP-Modded Pulley, Roostfactor's Pulley Wrap Mod; FPR Mod; JustDSM Tune via HPT MPVI2; mightytacoman Intercooler Tank; aFe POWER Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter; OME Suspension Lift (885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, NitroCharger Sports); TRD Quickshifter w/TRD 6-Spd Knob; TRD Exhaust; NSB-AGM27F Battery w/HKB Adjustable Voltage Booster & Coupe's TRD Battery Hold Down; Goodridge SS Brake Lines; Trident904's MT ADM; BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s on FJ SE Anthracite Rims; N-Fab 6-Step Nerf Bars; BPF TRD Skid, Tow Hook, & Cooling Panel; jsi's Locker Anytime, Up2NoGood's 2Lo Module; ramonortiz55's Always on Power Outlet Relay, ND4's Fog Light Anytime, & Crom's Speed Bleeder Mods; crashnburn80's Ultimate Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades; ThreatLevelMidnight's Wireless Charger; 4Runner 4X4 & FJ Fog Light Switches; redtaco2007-inspired LED License Plate Lights; AudioControl LC2i LOC, JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp, Focal PS165V1 Spkrs, Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub, Hushmat & Noico Sound Insulation; loginfailed-inspired Speedhut Boost & AFR Gauges in a Lotek Pillar Pod; Ltd Auto-Dim/Compass/Temp/Backup Camera/Homelink mirror on ImMrYo's Mirror Lift Bracket; TacomaBeast Glove Box & Console Organizers; Husky Floor Liners; UltraGauge EM; mesojdm's Ultimate LED Dome & Map Lights & GASSHOLE; Redline Tuning QuickLIFT Elite; Mobtown Offroad Locking Bed Storage Doors; Toyota Bed Mat; Cali Raised Led Bed Stiffeners; Pop & Lock Power Tailgate Lock w/TacomaTruckParts Support Bracket; ARE Z-Series Cap, SolarGard Tint; BlendMounted & MirrorTapped Uniden R3; CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna; Amsoil Lubricants; Adam's Detailing Supplies
    Switched mine to Amsoil about a year ago, with 55K miles on the clock. Now, sitting just over 65K with ZERO problems - no leaks.
     

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