Synthetic in the 2.7

Does anyone use full synthetic oil in the newer 2.7. Read where some have had leaks but i can understand switching to synthetic on an older motor with alot of miles and getting leaks. What oil is best for the newer 2.7

 

I had a 98 RAV4 with a 2.0L engine. Toyota was using conventional oil back then. I switched to fully synthetic Mobil 1 on the first oil change and put 185K miles on the engine with no problems.

 

I had a 1984 Toyota celica lol, nobody was using synthetic. I would imagine the motors are built quite a bit different now don’t know how Toyota’s do with synthetic. I put amsoil in my honda and that thing ran great on it. This is my first Toyota since the Celica with the exception of a Geo Prism which was basically a Celica with a “GEO” emblem attached to it by GM in the 90’s

 

And it isn't even Friday.

As for the correct oil for the 2.7, per the Owner's Manual, if you are not using a full synthetic 0W-20, then you're using the wrong oil.

 

0w20 only comes in synthetic

my 2010 2.7 said on the oil fill cap and the manual to use either 0w20 or 5w30

I recon the 3rd gen 2.7 calls for only 0w20 because it’s dual vvti

 

Here is more discussion on oil for the 2.7L.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7-liter-oil-filter-question.714198/

 

Thanks guys the truck didn’t come with a manual and having hard time getting it from Toyota website.
Cap says 0-20 but didn’t think its only available in synthetic. Its very hot here very seldom below 40 degrees and very often over 90 degrees so seeing if there are better options for warmer climates. Im sure that little 2.7 works hard. Like to know more about that particular motor. Will check out that link hopefully has some details. For example does it have timing chain or belt?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7l-update-3rd-gen-maintenance-maps-get-300k-miles.789809/

 

Yup all 0w20 is synthetic, so nothing to worry about. You can run 5w30 in them, but honestly it calls for 0w20 just keep running it.

It's timing chain and has VVTI so thinner oil is best especially in cold climates.

Very little maintenance to worry about.

 

I’ve run synthetic oil in my 2017 four banger since it was new.

 

Also noticed that the 2.7 and 3.5 both have the same amount of oil capacity 6.2 quarts which surprised, me wonder how that became to be. The different configurations were interesting as well the 2.7 has a basic oil drain and filter whereas the 3.5 has a more complex oil filter set up. Also wonder why they are so different. Not sure which setup i would prefer lol although the 3.5 setup is cool seems like alot of extra steps to not use a rag unless there is another reason for it

 

Mine always takes 5 qts. even. One Mobil 1 jug from Walmart of 0W20.

Brings it to the full mark dimple on the dipstick.

Always go by the dipstick. Done & done.

 

I can see being a little off but thats 1.2 quarts lees than the manufacturer recommended amount

interesting i see some threads already on this. I can also see both sides. The manual says 6.2 but the same dipstick is used from both the 2.7 and 3.5 so can it be the dipstick is wrong

 

It came from the factory like that, slightly above the full mark.

If I throw another quart in it, it'll be way up the dipstick.

Making it useless. Engine has been fine for 12 years. I've done many a oil changes in over 50 years.

Better to have it a little underfilled than overfilled.

Don't be a dipstick, use the dipstick. You're overthinking it.

6.2 might mean a "dry" fill or a typo. I remember the V6 took about 6 qts. give or take.

I've seen different variations in capacity on the same identical engines, side by side.

Upper dimple on the dipstick is full. Go buy another dipstick & compare the length.

They're about $25. As long as the oil pick-up strainer is subemerged in oil, you're fine. If it's not the oil light will come on.

The strainer doesn't care if it's a quart low or high, as long as it picks up oil.

Hope that helps. Have a great day

 

See, I did a typo on the word submerged.

 

weird, my truck takes 6 quarts and its smack dab in the middle of the guides on the dipstick.

Do 2nd gens and 3rd gens have the exact same engine?

 

As long as it's on the full mark, you're fine. If you take it in to be serviced, they will fill it to the full mark & nothing more.

OP, if you're concerned about synthetic, use this. It has a more robust oil additive pack.

 

Not so concerned about the oil now as 0-20 only comes in synthetic and i try to use amsoil which is probably up there with the best.
Whats slightly concerning is the level. Just got the vehicle from the Toyota dealership and they serviced it which included oil change. They did say the oil is good for 10k mile intervals per Toyota which surprised me a bit vs the usual 5k or 7500.
I just checked the dipstick and it was about 1-inch above the top dot. Obviously overfilled according to the dipstick but that was the dealership that put it in. I also called them and they said it calls for 6.2 quarts. They are giving free oil changes and i am willing to bet if i tell them to only put 5 quarts in to only fill to the top dot they will probably tell me they are putting in the 6.2 that Toyota calls for as it would be a liability issue otherwise.
And not trying to drain 1 quart afterwards

 

If the manual calls for 6.2 and you're only putting in 5 because the dipstick says that's right then the dipstick is wrong.

 

c'mon man it comes with synthetic........did you read the manual?