PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

So if I use 5W-30 the worst that could happen is worse gas mileage than what I’m getting now?

Also, your ‘09 is the one that was identical to mine except it was a stick shift, right?

 

From now on I am going to check it every 1,000 miles or every month, whichever comes first.

 

That's an improvement. Personally, I check mine weekly.....typically on the weekend

 

The 5w-30 will have better protection in your motor. You won’t notice a reduction in fuel economy. When I had my 4banger taco I switched to 5w-30 from 0w-20 and it made no noticeable difference in mpg.

 

Yes on the stick shift. And I willing to bet my life savings you couldn't measure the difference in you MPG.

Now stop being paranoid and over thinking this. And tell your mechanic he needs to spend some time on Bobistheoilguy site and learn a thing or 2.

 

I just stocked up on a Mobil 1 0W-20 and that ain’t cheap; I’ve got enough for two more oil changes, and I also don’t want to mix 5W-30 with the 0W-20 that’s in there now if the truck does use oil again.

 

Mixing will not hurt anything.

 

I can tell you have older men in your life. They love dispensing dated ideas about oil.

 

I’ll address this at 120K miles; I’ve got my dad, one mechanic, and an uncle who used to be a mechanic saying I should stick with what the manual says. Also, shouldn’t I use a thinner oil in the winter?

 

Yup, dad is 59, my uncle and my mechanic are in their early 60s.

 

Predictable

 

Also, I don't want to be like one of my favorite cartoon characters with regards to changing oil...

 

I am going to throw this chart out there for reference. This chart is for the 1GR-FE and the 2TR-FE motor in your tacoma. This is from a Toyota Hilux which is not sold in the US. This is from a 2014 model year hilux.
Take this info for what you will, but if the temperatures are right you could technically run a 20w-50 oil in your 2tr with no issue.

You can continue to use 0w-20 also. You may as well use it since you have it. But with this chart I posted and also the one I posted earlier in this thread there is no doubt thicker oils will protect your motor better than thinner oils. I’m not saying go buy 20w-50 and only run that, but you can with out a doubt run a 5w-30 with no fear of hurting your engine. You will actually be helping it last longer.

 

@Plain Jane Taco

I think I'll run through my current supply of 0W-20 and revisit this then...

I have to admit that I was very skeptical before, but with this chart and what Bill told me I am feeling a lot more confident!

 

http://toyotamanuals.com.au/docs/hilux-owners-manual-aug-13-aug-14/
page 466 is the chart if you want to check it out.

 

One of my biggest motivations for holding onto my truck is that it's paid for; It was a gift from my parents when I got my learner's permit, purchased brand new by them September 2009. I am saving up to buy a condo and want to continue driving my truck until it is no longer economically feasible to do so! As of right now, my truck runs great!

 

That truck will last a lifetime as long as it’s properly cared for. Just make sure you change your oil on time and monitor it for burning oil. I have a subaru that burns oil, I usually have to add some every 750-1000 miles. The problem is it only holds like 3.4 quarts. So if I don’t check it often enough it is going to grenade from lack of oil. I have made a good habit of checking the oil every other fill up. I usually do it before I go to the gas station so I can minimize the amount of time I have to possibly interact with the tweakers and beggars that hang around the stations out here.

 

Two of the most obvious signs that a vehicle is burning oil are excessive blue smoke at the tailpipe, and an obvious smell; My truck has never had either!

 

Before, yes, I was able to, as I was a certified smog tech by the state, now? No. I dropped my license and am no longer a smog tech so I can't do it.

 

If I ever moved out of the state, one of the things I'd look at is how strict the vehicle inspections and emissions testing are; Bonus points if the state has no such inspections or tests! When I was in Oklahoma (where they have no inspections of any kind) almost six years ago, I didn't see anymore shitboxes on the road there than I would have seen in Pennsylvania or New Jersey!