question for oil change interval at high stress driving

hey there everyone i have a 2.7l taco that i regularly load at max payload or a bit over :S
also i am in hot dusty environment

i would like to know what is a recommended interval for oil changes? in high stress usage i run 0w-20 full synthetic
last oil change was at 5000 or a bit lower. 4600- give or take

also is running at max payload the same stress as running at max towing capacity? i couldnt find any info online about this. thank you.

 

Max payload is ~1300 lb. Towing capacity is 3500 lb. So no, max payload isn't as stressful on the powertrain as max towing.

Toyota Tech Tip T-TT-0262-13 lists models where 0W20 could be used and the intervals therein. Latest rev filed with the NHTSA is rev4, dated April 2015: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10111400-9999.pdf It still shows 5000-mi interval for your engine.

 

i see. on there it mentions how the vehicles with 10k mile intervals under heavy load the oil should be replaced every 5k, with the exception being the 2tr-fe engine. so in my case with the high stress conditions my engine is under would 5k still be out of the question?

also. i understand the weight rating is different, but with towing the weight being on wheels and pulled in a certain way to reduce stress in certain cases. just wonder how this factors in.

 

I would change every 5000. New oil and filter. Or 3000 if you feel you need to?? Oil and filters are cheap compared to a new motor

 

I hear you i dont ever plan on going over 5k I wholeheartedly agree with that. my main concern is how often under high stress the factory suggests. last post was a bit vague. sooner than later would be best of course but just curious!

 

If the owners manual has a 'severe duty' rating that would be reasonable to use.

 

ive checked the manual i couldnt really find anything. or i skimmed over it. was hoping some expert on here had some info about it

 

Oil change interval is covered. The end PLEASE.

Hot dusty environment, look at replacing the air filter more often. Perhaps adding a transmission cooler and temperature gauge if it’s an auto.

 

if you insist. the post specifying the interval didnt go into detail about high usage interval change on the 2tr-fe. and ive got a 5 speed.

appreciate ur input none of this is vital info to me ill change every 2500 if i have to- just bored on a sunday wondering if anyone had any factory spec info!

 

The interval for your engine with 0W20 is 5000 miles, period. A lot of these trucks are at or over GVWR on a constant basis.

Stress to the engine is the same between towing and hauling. The difference is in handling - all the government handling tests and stability control calibrations are done at GVWR (GVWR being curb weight + max payload). The same handling tests don't apply when towing a trailer.

 

Regarding vehicle stress from weight, you should load up a 'typical' load (of known weight) and then go to a truck weigh scale. Compare that total weight number against your GVWR (printed on the sticker in the driver side door jamb).

GVWR can be thought of as "how much weight can the frame of this vehicle safely carry while its components remain in functional and safe condition". In other words, you may be able to put 2500lbs of weight in the bed of your Tacoma and drive around, but you're going to be putting a lot of undue stress on your axles, suspension, brakes, driveshaft, etc.

The truck weigh scale will also factor in the weight YOU add along with your stuff, and then you know exactly how much additional payload you can safely haul.

 

I regularly take stuff to the dump and use their scale. the most ive ever done with it is 2k pounds but it did not like it at all. i try to be within payload.

i appreciate everyones responses i want to keep this baby going as long as possible has been the most reliable vehicle ive ever owned thusfar!!

 

Well the maintenance guide doesn't make any difference it just says 5000 miles. If you are having an issue believing this you can always send an oil sample to Blackstone Labs to get a true reading of your oil condition at 5K miles and make a decision based on real world numbers.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/tests/standard-analysis/

 

Change it at or before 5,000 miles.
There has been accounts of the 2.7 burning excessive oil.
IMO, this is due to extended OCI and the use of low tension piston rings.

FWIW, I tow quite a bit. I check the oil level and change oil at 5,000 miles.
I’d be looking at my differential oil if you have not yet. Towing is hard it too.

 

I think that it wouldn't be too soon to change the oil at 5000 miles. Heavy towing and quick, short trips will justify shorter oil change intervals. All the more reason when you factor in variable timing cams ie cam phasers in the newer models.

 

"IMO, this is due to extended OCI and the use of low tension piston rings"
Must be one hell of a piston ring gap to "lose tension"

 

Piston ring tension is modified by the geometry of the ring cross section and the material. End gap has little impact on the ring tension.

OP. Suggest to run the 5K OCI and consider a heavier multi-viscosity oil, like a 5w30. You should also check/change the fluids in transmission, xfer case and diffs on a shorter interval.

 

Regular hauling and/or usage in hot dusty environments... that definitely qualifies as severe service. 5,000-mile oil change intervals for you. Also I would run higher viscosity oil if the manual says you have a choice.

 

From my 2015 manual:
● The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle isoperated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
I tow quite a bit and use 0w-30 in my 2.7 5 speed.
Overseas they allow for a wider range of viscosities in the 2tr-fe which lends weight to the argument that 0w-20 is about CAFE requirements.