Northern Virginia Roll Call

That truck sat there a while. A buddy of mine went and pulled him out. I’m not going to elaborate but the moral of the story is don’t be a dick.

 

Bonjour everyone. Been a minute since checking in on the NOVA thread. I’d like to go ahead and open this can of worms and get some info/input from you fine folk. So here goes:

The 4Runner (5VZ) has 314,595 miles on it as I’m writing this. I’ve ran full synthetic 5W-30 ever since my ownership (bought with 191,586 miles) and nothing else. Used AMSOIL signature series from 200K-273K, then Pennzoil Platinum for two oil changes, then Pennzoil Ultra Platinum from then on until my last oil change, which was at 314K.

As you can tell, I’ve been a bit of an oil snob/purist over the years. Well it all changed recently when I discovered that Costco has their own line of oil— Kirkland Signature full synthetic. It’s made by Warren Distribution, who also produces Walmart’s SuperTech as well as the AmazonBasic’s oil. Figured I’d give it a shot since I’ve been extremely diligent about oil changes over the time I’ve owned the truck. It should be noted that I’ve also ONLY ever ran 5W-30, nothing else.

So recently, I’ve noticed more wetness on and around my oil drain pan. Yesterday I crawled beneath it and wiped everything off that I could see was wet/damp with oil. I’m planning to extensively monitor this over the next few months, checking it daily/weekly/as regular as possible.

My question, after some deep thought and lots of research, is, would you suggest running a full synthetic high mileage oil OR bumping my regular full synthetic up to a 10W-30 offering? Again, 314K on the ODO, all original everything, engine/trans/etc.

I have my personal reservations about running a high mileage oil. I’ve read that they’re a crock of shiz, but have also read that they’re like slapping a bandaid on a larger problem, like leaking rear main seals, etc. I also don’t know where thiswetness/dampness of oil is coming from, so that may be my next big investigation.

I’d like to stay with the Kirkland Signature full synthetic as long as I can help it. From my understanding, the HM oils tend to cause seals to swell, resulting in the slowing/stopping of oil leaks. So I’ve got some decisions to make and would love your guys’ input on the matter.

 

Whudd I do now?

 

Fun day at work.. pull out two different guys at work that were stuck. Nothing bad just a tug. One pull was 90 feet of tow strap. 3-20’s and a 30 footer. Sorry for the no pix. All work and no play.

edit: a nice easy crease in the front license plate.

 

@Mojo Jojo my friend is selling some shop parts. Maybe you need?

 

If only I had more space....

 

That Cutlass would look great in any garage.

 

If anyone should happen to find a nice spare tire on the side of the trails around Flagpole, it belongs to @Mojo Jojo .

 

I was hoping it was that car!!!

 

Sounds like an Easter Egg hunt is in order.

 

Tried something fun in Shendoah this weekend

 

If anyone is interested in coming over to our property to camp and wheel July 2nd to 3rd, shoot me a message.

 

I have a feeling it rolled down the mountain but you never know. It fell off the last mile of the trail right before you get to the place we normally air up and go home.

 

An actual campground? Or parking lot? I need to get back out camping

 

It was in the group spot at the Matthew Arm's Campground. I liked it a lot. Right on the trail head.

The area overall was good, I normally use Big Meadow. But liked this one to do again.

 

Mornin Troops!

 

Morning!! Almost to the Independence Day Holiday weekend!!

 

Whoa! Easy there, turbo. Too much motivation for a Thursday...