Oil

I want to do my first oil change by myself I stay in Houston Texas and owned a 1999 Tacoma Prerunner 3.4 what preferred oil should I use? 5w-30, 10w30 etc?

 

That engine calls for 5w30 for all temps and you can use 10w30 if the temp is above 0.

 

Hey thanks a lot for the reply! What about a specific oil brand. Also what oil filter?

 

It's hard to buy a bad oil now that all oils in the U.S. have to meet the GF5 oil standard. As far as oil filters go, I prefer Toyota OEM, Napa Gold (made by Wix) or Purolator. I have heard some horror stories about Fram, so I stay away from those. I'm sure some other members will chime in on suggestions and they will probably all be good ones.

 

Have to agree with NAAC3Taco..... as far as oil, its hard to get a "crappy" one nowadays... but I always find myself going back to Mobil 1. I have used Mobil 1 in all of my cars over the years with no issues.... that is convincing enough for me. Also with filters, I too have heard bad things about Fram, but Toyota OEM, Bosch and Purolator are all good ones.

 

mobil 1

I can tell from 18 years experience with my 4runner
you feed a 5vz mobil 1 like I have from day one,
engine will last forever and generate more horsepower at age 18
than the first month from when it was new

true story, my engine is absolutely fabulous and have never
been opened ...just timing belt, plugs, and hose changes every 70,000
and mobil 1 every 10,000 miles.

241,000 miles. motor is 100%,

--->minor valve cover oil weep now...very minor, just dirt spots on motor
no 'wet' spots

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply I appreciate the responses and Mobil 1 is the best option for me as well I've been using it and I'll stick with it thanks guys!

 

I've been thinking of switching from standard-type oil to Mobil 1 (my 2.7L has 150k on it now and runs great).
Does this have any noticeable 'seat of the pants' feeling afterwards?
Any issues with simply draining the old, and adding the new?
OK to use OEM filters with Mobil 1, or is recommended to use something different?

 

I use Royal purple HMX 5w30 which is their high mileage oil on my 3.4V6. With a Toyota OEM filter. I got 10 OEM filters for a really good price off of Amazon. I also bought a bag of 10 oil plug gaskets too! Engine runs better than new! I barely touch the gas and it chirps the tires!

 

Yes it's ok to use OEM filters with Mobil 1, but you won't notice any difference driving.

 

1) No.

2) No.

3) Yes.

 

x2. I also like Mobil 1. I find the Euro spec stuff, 0w-40, to be the top stuff for my use. Mobil 1 in this specific weight is what Porsche uses from the factory. I buy it by the jug at Walmart and it ends up around 4-5 bucks a quart. The real benefit with using a top notch synthetic oil are the longer oil change intervals allowed. Also better protection in the event the engine overheats, etc.
The oil filters mentioned also seem the way to go.

 

https://mobiloil.com/en/promotion/mobil-promotions/up-to-15-dollars-off-with-mobil-1-and-mobil-super

Now there is no excuse not to get it!

 

And there's thousands of 3.4's that go that long running bargain oil and filters from Dollar General... The point is, any engine can last longer than average with little issue if it's maintained correctly and frequently.
The big advantage synthetics offer over regular oils are extended drain intervals, better high and low temperature performance, and that's about it. At the end of all that, oil's job is to lubricate and help the engine stay cool.

OP, the only difference between a 10W-30 and 5W-30 is the first number, and that dictates how easily it flows on startup at below freezing temperatures. The 30 is the viscosity it maintains at operating temperature. It used to be that 10W-30 was more shear stable than 5W, and would stay in grade much longer, meaning that oils shear down over time and mileage and that 30 would break down to a 20 after a few thousand miles.
Oil today is much better than it was even 10 years ago, and while shearing does occur to an extent, it's not nothing to really worry about. It's best to go off of where you live, if you live in a moderate to cold climate like I do, 5W-30 is your best bet for year round. Since you live in Houston, TX, you can safely use 5W or 10W, go with whichever's on sale at that point! Good luck and welcome to the forums!

 

Mobil 1 and Toyota or Wix filters here.

I think if one changes oil often (3000 miles or so) the good quality oils will work just fine. I have had several cars with over 150K miles with good regular oil.

I would buy the below, one less thing to worry about (stripping) and crush washer etc. And less mess, put a hose at the end, open the valve and drain it. Nice and clean

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fumoto-valve-oil-change-drain-plug.301549/

 

Since we're on the topic of oils and the V6 Tacoma... I cant stand the location of the fill cap. I have a funnel similar to this for my motorcycle and it helps immensely

Oil Funnels Yosoo Plastic Fuel Funnels for Water, Car Oil, Gas,Gas Additives, Lubricants and Fluids Funnel for Fuel Car Funnel for Fuel Car

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B4GOH52/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8

 

Yeah the filter location is worse!

 

Try a filter on a Toyota 3.0 or an older Nissan hardbody pickup, or 2.8 S-10, or 3.0 Ranger and you'll love the 3.4 Tacoma filter, haha! I could do my 3.4's filter in my sleep anymore.
Best way to get it is through the top, under the alternator and twist it off by hand and then when it comes off, move it forward so the top of the filter is in your palm and carefully lift it back out. Doesn't make such a big mess this way and you wind up with less oil on you. I always make sure my filters are able to be removed by hand, never had an issue with one leaking as of yet, spin her on until the gasket makes contact with the block and then a half to three-quarters turn and that's it. Best to do it when the engine is cold or semi warm, if it's hot, you'll have to place a rag between your arm and the alternator because that S.O.B gets pretty dang hot sometimes.

 

I go through the wheel well w/ a plastic bag over my hand, grab the filter and drop it in the bag and it comes right out. I dab some oil on the gasket before I hand tighten it and it works fine. Never had a leak. I usually take it to my college auto shop now and put it up on the lift. Way easier that way but before that I learned the hard way.

 

In terms of which oil to use, it's been beaten to death and said many times over, but any oil that has the correct API rating will do fine. This is not based on feeling or seeing the color of the oil but scientific analysis from labs like Blackstone. Shearing is a real thing, but keep your intervals within a reasonable mileage and don't worry about it or send it in for a test. Ezpz