1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Switch to synthetic for my 1st gen?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Flamingskull, Aug 7, 2020.

  1. Aug 7, 2020 at 2:42 PM
    #1
    Flamingskull

    Flamingskull [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #332028
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.7
    Should I switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil in my 2002 Toyota Tacoma.
     
    GSDLVR123 likes this.
  2. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:17 PM
    #2
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #285037
    Messages:
    19,808
    Vehicle:
    2000 reg cab 4x4 flatbed MT
    Do or don't, just make sure you change it regularly at the recommended service interval.

    Just avoid the high mileage stuff unless you've got a leak,
     
    suaveflooder likes this.
  3. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #3
    frenchee

    frenchee Favorite Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2015
    Member:
    #161024
    Messages:
    2,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Oceanside CA Area
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma TRD Double Cab 4x4
    Converted to 4WD DD VW MK6 TDI
    Didn't know about this.
    I usually get the mobil1 high mileage full synthetic
     
  4. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:23 PM
    #4
    suzuguru

    suzuguru Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2020
    Member:
    #336859
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Tacoma 4WD, 1996 Land Cruiser HDJ80, 1985 Pickup 4WD
    what kind of oil have you been running? If it's good quality stuff, just stay with it and keep your oil and filter changed as recommended. Synthetic really pays for itself when you regularly push the mileage between oil and filter changes, and when your engine is regularly pushed harder than the typical would be. I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic and Mobil 1 Filters since my first car.
     
    Hamer95USA and frenchee like this.
  5. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:23 PM
    #5
    frenchee

    frenchee Favorite Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2015
    Member:
    #161024
    Messages:
    2,127
    Gender:
    Male
    Oceanside CA Area
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma TRD Double Cab 4x4
    Converted to 4WD DD VW MK6 TDI
    Same. Its incredibly priced at walmart. The only time I go there is for oil.
     
    cruiserguy and suzuguru[QUOTED] like this.
  6. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:26 PM
    #6
    suzuguru

    suzuguru Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2020
    Member:
    #336859
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Tacoma 4WD, 1996 Land Cruiser HDJ80, 1985 Pickup 4WD
    lol... Same here! The price at Autozone is ridiculous.
     
    cruiserguy likes this.
  7. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:29 PM
    #7
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2010
    Member:
    #35468
    Messages:
    17,213
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Buffalo NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 RC 2.7 4x4
    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Id run a tank or two of some Lucas oil in the fuel tank and a throttle body cleaner then change the oil and plugs and clean the maf sensor and see what happens
     
    SouthernYoder likes this.
  8. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:35 PM
    #8
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2014
    Member:
    #140097
    Messages:
    24,641
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Billy
    Largo Florida
    Vehicle:
    '13 5 lug AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Maybe.

    Do you know the history of care?

    Is compression good, and is it relaively leak free?

    Does it consume oil between changes?

    Are you willing to spend the bucks for a lab test of the current oil then again after moving to syn? This isn't a forever testing, just a baseline comparison.

    If the lab results come back in favor of the syn, and extended OCIs, will you follow the recommendation?

    How you use the truck plays in as well. Is it worked hard, or is it driven 'normally'?

    Have you put thought and effort into all the other fluids in the vehicle? Those are important too, and typically paid less attention too.
     
  9. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:41 PM
    #9
    Flamingskull

    Flamingskull [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #332028
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.7
    person that owned it before me didn't really take good care of it but they only drove it once maybe twice a month, it set in their driveway forever.
    I put a crapload of money into it I had to take it apart and put a new oil pan on it because it was leaking bad.
    I put around 8000 miles a year in it and it just hit 200,000
     
  10. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:48 PM
    #10
    Flamingskull

    Flamingskull [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #332028
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.7
    I was always having Walmart change it for me with high mileage oil then with how ridiculous price they charge for that $35 I decided to start changing it myself and I've been putting Pennzoil high mileage oil into it by myself.
     
  11. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:49 PM
    #11
    Flamingskull

    Flamingskull [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #332028
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.7
    I've actually been putting Pennzoil high mileage oil into it
     
  12. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:56 PM
    #12
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2019
    Member:
    #285037
    Messages:
    19,808
    Vehicle:
    2000 reg cab 4x4 flatbed MT
    From what I've heard, the hi milage oil has seal swelling additives, so if you switch to an oil without it, you might get leakage. Probably worth researching though,there's a ton of hearsay on the internet.
     
    suaveflooder likes this.
  13. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:01 PM
    #13
    CrippledOldMan

    CrippledOldMan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2019
    Member:
    #280651
    Messages:
    2,566
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salisbury North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2003 TRD Crew Cab
    None
    I want to know what's the difference is between full synthetic and high milage full synthetic. is there magic crystals in it to bond and fill in imperfections within the combustion chamber. will it heal worn rings and leaky valve stem guides. I just run Walmart brand full synthetic with Toyota filters. change the oil every 7500 miles which is what my owners manual says. Funny thing is the oil looks pretty dam clean every time I change it. I had a 2007 Mini Cooper S, before I traded it in on my 2003 Tacoma. Badddd Assss little car. BMW pushes the oil changes on their cars anywhere from 15K to 18K miles according to a computer in the car. I think if they can do that without any longterm damage, then pushing my truck to the recommended 7500 miles shouldn't be an issue. Motor oil has changed quite a bit from the 30 or 40 weight oil from the 1960's. Use whatever you like the best, and use a good oil filter. You'll be good to go.
     
  14. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:17 PM
    #14
    RedManRocket

    RedManRocket Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2015
    Member:
    #151238
    Messages:
    2,297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Red
    Sonora, Central Cali
    Vehicle:
    2002 Double Cab LT
    Esb 5.5 with Kings Mcneil 6.5 fenders Other stuffs
    Just go for Pennzoil Platinum, was tested and came in second place behind Lucas oil which is very expensive. And I've been using it for years, every 5,000 miles
     
  15. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:22 PM
    #15
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,386
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Ive heard that with an older engine the synthetic oil will create oil leaks with the old gaskets.
     
    Buck Rogers likes this.
  16. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:33 PM
    #16
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2014
    Member:
    #140097
    Messages:
    24,641
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Billy
    Largo Florida
    Vehicle:
    '13 5 lug AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    In about 1982 that was pretty common.
     
    goldentaco03 likes this.
  17. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:42 PM
    #17
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2016
    Member:
    #180213
    Messages:
    69,620
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Azusa, CA
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD 3.4l 4x4 5sp manual Xtraca & '96 4runner 4x4 5spd manual
    I've only heard of that being an issue if you switch from a high mileage blend to a regular blend...the high mileage blends have additives to help swell up the seals to prevent leaks, if you switch to one without the additive the seals might start leaking.

    Again..only heard of it happening, for all I know that's a wives tale too.

    I switched to synthetic on my 04 about 2 years ago and have had no issues, then again it only had about 50k on it when I did the switch. But the seals and everything are original to 2004
     
  18. Aug 7, 2020 at 6:13 PM
    #18
    Tacoma1997White4x4

    Tacoma1997White4x4 America First

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #305397
    Messages:
    1,031
    Gender:
    Male
    West Covina, California
    Vehicle:
    1997 white 4x4 auto 4cylinder Singlecab, 2001 auto rwd 2.4l single cab flatbed
    Km3’s 31’s,Lift,Sliders,rear ARB air locker,on board air, armor, hi shell
    yes
     
  19. Aug 7, 2020 at 7:23 PM
    #19
    suzuguru

    suzuguru Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2020
    Member:
    #336859
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2001 Tacoma 4WD, 1996 Land Cruiser HDJ80, 1985 Pickup 4WD
    I run Mobil 1 fully synthetic and Mobil 1 filters in all my vehicles. I change the oil and filter every 8,000 miles. If I happen to run over, I don't worry about it. Several years ago, I had a Honda Civic with 250,000 miles. I ran mobil 1 from day one. I gave the car to my step-son. He ended up doing something to the car (can't remember what it was) and he said the inside of the engine was clean as a pin.
     
    frenchee and cruiserguy like this.
  20. Aug 7, 2020 at 7:44 PM
    #20
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2018
    Member:
    #276677
    Messages:
    1,217
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Odessa FL
    Vehicle:
    ‘04 4cyl SR5 AT Pre-runner Garage Queen
    SCS Cruise Westin step bars Lund tonneau Jensen HU
    PO of my truck changed oil religiously every 3 months whether he drove it or not. Problem was he had it changed at whatever oil change place he was near at the time. Sometimes it was at the dealership, or Walmart, or a local garage using whatever oil du jour they felt like serving up. I drive the Taco less than 1000 miles per year and I use Mobile 1 High Mileage. Didn’t have leaks before and I don’t have leaks now.
     
    CS_AR likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top