2009 1gr 5w20?

Can I run 5w20 in my 136k 1gr in the winter?
Will it hurt it?
Would it be better? I bought it with 96-97k on it, and read where the dealership put 5w20, and it has a rough shut down, BUT IS THAT NORMAL?
Anyway, comments?
Will the truck start better? I might be moving where there are severe negative temps. Maybe mix 20 and 30?

 

I stick to 5w-30 if I can.
That said, read below.

.

I have run 5w-20 synthetic blend

If it hurt mine, I don’t know about it.
That was 70k miles ago.

No. The number before “w” is what affects cold temperatures.
5w-30 and 5w-20 should act the same at a given COLD temperature.

No, a rough shut down will not be caused by oil.

5w vs 5w, again. Nope. It will start the same.
Your battery will have more play than the oil.

How cold?

@Bishop84 probably knows what’s best for cold starts.

 

Be aware the "20" & "30" is the equivalent viscosity index at operating temperature. Here's some reading on how the SAE defines oil viscosity and what those numbers mean from a technical standpoint.

https://chemistry.stackexchange.com...hen-heated-what-is-the-meaning-of-the-sae-mot

In short, the 20 vs 30 number in the oil are indicators of how viscous your oil is at operating temperature. While it is true that 5W-20 & 5W-30 oils will behave the same when cold, they will not behave the same when they inevitably heat up to 200-ish degree operating temp of your typical IC engine, regardless of ambient atmospheric temperature...

That said, I'm willing to bet the 1GR can handle the difference, but I personally wouldn't sub 5W-20 into my truck often. $0.02 of opinion

 

Oil thread!

5W20 was approved for the GR V6 engines, all dealerships use 5W20 bulk for non-synthetic engines now. It's just the way it is.

The only time it would be a poor choice is ultra hot climates. Those dealers use 5W30 still on 5W20 models.

I would use 0W20 on a 2nd gen tacoma personally, but 0W30 would accomplish the same.

I 100% endorse a 0W20 or 0W30 to anyone that sees severe cold weather.

Thinner oil in winter means less starter drain, less oil pressure spikes and quicker operation. Better for everything. 0W makes a difference around -10C or colder vs 5W

 

Frrrriday oil thread yay

 

Yes, that’s why I said number before “w”.
OP was concerned about cold temperatures.

FWIW, the 1GR w/ Dual-VVTi is approved for 0w-20?

(And no. I’m not saying use 0/5w-20.)

 

Sucked into another one.
Dang it, when will I lean?

 

Dual VVTI 1GR requires 0W20

 

Thanks man

 

Rock 5w-30 and never worry regardless of ambient temps (unless we are talking DEEP into the negatives - like consistent -20*F and below)

 

I wasn’t sure.
I haven’t kept up with DVVT

I bought the Tacoma because I couldn’t find an FJ I could afford at the time.

 

I almost bought a 2014 4runner back when the refresh came out. They wouldn't allot me one at my employee price.

FJ's suck to drive, amazing offroad, but they have huge blind spots, and the back door is a pain in garages. I'd sooner have a honda element haha.

 

What I have never seen is, why a towing package would change the oil recommendation?


2010 Highlander w/2GR
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/MC-10132131-9999.pdf

NOTE 1. With Towing Package - 5w-30 / Without Towing Package - 5w-20

 

Im going to bet toyota saw too much wear under "extreme conditions" that would be used while loaded towing on the highlander using the 5w-20 (more engine load, more engine heat 20 weight wasnt doing the job that they wanted for).

 

Makes sense.

I have to admit. I’m not one to be picky on oil type.
I like to stick with, or close to, manufacture recommendations.

However, lack of lubricant will kill an engine faster than the “wrong” lubrication.
If you know what I mean?

Check it, Fill it, Drive it

 

These engines aren't known for being picky

Isn't that why we all drive these things?

 

Yes. That is exactly the reason I bought my 4th Tacoma

 

I have to admit I thought this would have evolved into a shit storm by now. Kinda disappointed guys. Props for keeping it informative and on topic……

Time for the real fun though.



Best 5w20?
What about orange filters?

 

Thanks guys, AND, the area I'm moving to might see those -20 or lower rather consistently. I'll be close to Canada.

 

Don’t forget to check the coolant.
With those temperatures, I’d probably change it every 5 years at a minimum.