5W-20 versus 5W-30 Motor Oil.

Hey Guys and Girls,

Well I changed the oil in our Taco over the weekend.
I had bought a case of "Royal Purple" synthetic for my FJ Cruiser so I used the rest of the case to switch the Taco over to synthetic also.

Whoops.. looking at the owner's manual (after the fact) I realize Toyota specifies 5W-20 for the 4- cylinder. I put in 5W-30.
Doing some research I don't know if I totally screwed up or if it is no big deal. I did find this......

What do you guys think? I would hate to drain the "Royal Purple" synthetic since it is very expensive.

Bob

 

Well I don't know if I answered my own question but I did find this

http://bestsyntheticoil.com/dealers/amsoil/5w20-cafe.shtml

What are other 2.7 Liter 4 cylinder Tacoma owners running?
Maybe this should be a poll?

Bob

 

You'll be fine with 5-30. Might see a slight decrease in mpg, but not worth changing fresh oil over.

 

I use 5w30 Full Synthetic in my 2.7L. I know it hurts my MPG a bit, but I want my engine to out last me and the next owner (after I keel-over and die )

 

Hey Mark,
So you are saying that 5W-30 is actually better for the engine?
Is that because the 5W-20 is thinner and lubricates less.

Thx,
Bob

 

Thanks.
That is what I was hoping to hear.

 

Pretty much, yes. There was another benefit, but I didn't get much sleep last night, and I can't think of it.

Oh well - the long and short of it - it won't hurt your engine a bit. I would, however, figure out which route you want to go and stick with it. Changing oil types and weights often can be very bad for your seals and rings.

 

I use Castrol syntec 5W30, I thought that was what it said on the oil cap. I may go to 5W20 if it will up my mileage.

 

i use toyota 0w-20 fully synthetic because i work at a dealership thats what they recommend its really thin though

 

You'll be OK. Concur with the assessment about gas mileage, even though it will be minor.

 

Is that with the 4 cylinder?
If so what kind of mileage are you getting running 0W-20 ?

 

ya its with the 4 cyl im not to sure with the mileage because 1st i never checked it 2nd i have a heavy foot 3rd i have really rugged mud tires but i still get good gas mileage im deffintely not complaining if i were to guess maybe 18 to 21

 

The difference in gas mileage from 20 or 30 weight will probably be indiscernable. Your maintenance of tire pressure will show a much bigger effect.

 

not to mention the reduction of weight in your right foot

 

I just made the same mistake w/ castro =]

 

Dude, you are in San Diego, 5-30 is prefered and when we are talking about Gas mileage we are talking about 1/10 of a mile every 3 gallons or so...nothing major.

 

Yeah, I use 5w-30 high mileage castrol (even though I have less than 40,000).

I have a 2.7L inline and it get 450+ per tank....granted I have a lighter foot than most and I normally shift at 2000 rpms. Point is still that you probably wont notice the gas mileage difference, and in the summer time, this weight may be perferred.

 

At some point, higher viscosities might affect the variable valve timing (engine oil hydraulic driven).

 

Interesting concept...how so? I would like to hear more on this.

 

Let me preface this reply with...I have an old school mentality when it comes to oils, primarily from working on/maintaining Chevy 350, 427 and 454 motors. I am of the opinion oil viscosity should be based on climate, engine hp and vehicle use.

Although I do not use AMSOIL...for an explanation regarding oil viscosity (in layman's terms) see: http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/

Regarding the op...I would not conclude the oil will damage your engine (given the fact these motors are nearly bullet proof) however, given the climate you live in and your daily driving distance/habits the heavier oil may put a strain on your seals.

For you guys up north...does Toyota recommend 5W-20 for your vehicles?