How to make my engine last 400,000 miles or more?

Not needed it is the oil that has improved, so by going on that theory an older filter would be even better if that were the case.

 

Factory filters are what I run without issue in my
Extended oci

 

Been using the "orange can of doom" for decades. Actually use the gray ones now they are easy to get off by hand.

 

Probably exposing more contaminates and variation into your system from changing your fluids so dang often!!

Every time you pop that oil lid I’m sure a few little pieces of particle dust or debris just drop right on in there

 

Shouldn't really be a problem though with a good oil filter?

 

In my 3.4 I use the Sam's club 5/30 syn-blend its $21.?? a case of 12 quarts! and a factory oil filter I think it $6 on Amazon. I change it about every 5000 miles. Wont use a Fram seen them blow off a few motorcycles in the past and they really aren't any cheaper now because of Amazon.

 

Well, I’d say 250 k on an old Chrysler product I had defeats.
that....we’re not talking 50 years ago....
Regular non synthetics have improved dramatically.
There is nothing wrong and little difference between synthetics and non synthetics certified for use in non synthetic engines when used in the correct weight range. I’m not talking about the early 70s. There are a plethora of the second gen 4.0 and 22 r certified and used non synthetics that lasted well enough to give us their reputation. Lang lasting Toyota certified engines using non synthetics was and still is the norm using the older engines. The biggest impetus is the closer tolerances requiring lower viscosity more easily attained using synthetics and decreasing pollution from too short oil changes.
Generally speaking, using synthetics when not required and changing the oil way too early is a waste of money, especially when Tacos rust far earlier then they should.

In my humble opinion, Too many people are into the fake idea that changing your oil too early means you care for your car. It’s following automakers recommendations and servicing everything that matters.

 

Sounds like what you're doing is working fine...though 5k OCs are probably more in order.

I would suggest switching to Mobil1 High Mileage synthetic. It's on the heavier side of the 5w-30 spectrum and it contains seal and gasket conditioners.

And personally I use Valoline Zerex pink in all of my Toyotas and extended family's Toyotas too. It's premixed and is a silicate free P-HOAT formula. $13 a gallon at your local Wal-Mart.

 

I have heard that a thousand time and have never see one in 38 years in the auto repair biz. Here is a little clue Fram is the largest selling manufacture of oil filters worldwide they did not get that way from exploding oil filters. If you buy from Amazon and it's cheap money chances are it's a fake, Amazon is a reseller they don't make any thing but money. You'll buy oil of unknown origin for $1.75 a quart when brand name plain vanilla oil runs over $3.40 a quart and not use a fram filter?

 

My past experience, from both owning/operating a chain of auto parts stores for over 16 years and typically getting many trouble-free miles out of my vehicles is that "feel-good" or "over-maintaining" your vehicles is not necessarily a good thing.
For example my '96 Tacoma 4x4 with 414,000 trouble-free miles still has original rear-end, manual trans, brake, clutch, PS fluids and anti-freeze in it, though I have always changed oil/filter at 5000 miles.

Also have a 32 year old Wheel Horse lawn&garden tractor that I've only changed oil and filters and drive belt once and still operates as good as when new.

Buy good quality vehicles and equipment and take care of your them, however you don't need to be constantly adjusting, changing fluids, changing components that don't need to be changed.

 

You've seen a few Fram filters blow off motorcycles? Interesting as I've literally sold hundreds of thousands of Fram filter while owning my auto parts stores to DIY's, shops, car dealerships and fleets and Never had a filter blow off a vehicle. In fact I can't ever remember having an issue with a Fram filter that was actually in fact a filter issue and not found to be an equipment and/or installation issue.

I also sold Wix an AC filters as well without any trouble. As long as you stick with a quality name brand filter you will be OK. Changing your oil regularly is most important.

 

Ah yes, the "Orange Can of Death". We've all heard of someone's sister's, cousin's, brother whose Mustang blew up using a Fram filter.

For the 13 years that I've maintained my FIL's '03 Dakota and 15 years on his '04 Sienna, I've used almost exclusively a Fram TG filter because that's what he wanted. Never an issue in any way.

Hang out on Bobistheoilguy site and you'll find that the Fram Ultra is considered the best filter you can buy.

I don't hesitate to use the Ultra on my Taco one bit. Have one on my daughter's '10 Yaris right now. I use either the Ultra or a Mobil1...whichever is available and/or on sale

 

you have never changed the anti-freeze radiator coolant in 23yrs / 414k miles?
or the differentials and transmission fluids?

 

Nope, I have 'added/topped-off' antifreeze, brake fluid, PS fluid a few times over the 24 years. Trans shifts easy, and no noise from the rear.

Hope to get same trouble-free service out of my 2018. So far so good after 17 months.

 

it would be something to see a fluid sample of those on a white card or whatever would show up best
you are likely the only one that has never changed those!

 

Yep, I purchased it new (at least my auto parts company did), so no work has been done to it that's I'm not aware of. It was used as a delivery vehicle for years. When I sold the company
the Tacoma had been such a good vehicle that I excluded it from the sale.
At this point, I'm reluctant to change fluids.

 

have you ever contacted Toyota Motor Corp to tell them about this?
it might amaze them!

 

I probably will when/if it hits the 1/2 million mark.

When I purchased my 2018, the salesman said "I assume you will be trading your '96", I told him, "not unless you trade me even". He thought I was joking.

 

FWIW....Amazon Basics synthetic is actually a quality product. It's produced by Warren Distribution....same folks that make SuperTech for Walmart. Pretty much the same oil. Both are excellent oils and a great value.

But I completely agree with you on the filter.

 

My 1997 had around 300K when I sold it never change the diff or the manual trans always check them.