Another motor oil debate.

He was trying to make a comparison with a engine that is sold in north america and europe.
The engine in the Tacoma was designed to be used with 0W20. Using it should be no problem. But if you are towing or hauling loads or driving in hot temperatures you can use a different oil.
http://bestsyntheticoil.com/info/5w20-cafe.shtml

 

I heard that engines don't even need oil. It is a manufacturer recommendation not a requirement. Just drain it all out and run it on the freeway.

Why would you be concerned about the oil in hotter temps? You do know that your engine has a thermostat and it regulates the engine temp no matter what the outside temp is. Do you know what the "W" in oil stands for. Hint, its not weight.

 

Buy a truck with tow package which includes oil cooler. Problem solved

 

I just can't stop here,
Explain why any manufacturer would use an oil that is not good for the engine and risk early failure, lost customers, bad name for reliability thus resulting in shutdown. I really don't believe Toyota would do that. They want you to get a long life out of your truck and tell your friends and family.

 

I found this article quite interesting

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...s-expensive-oil-to-inexpensive-cars/index.htm

 

Yes I am comparing Rav4 engine because there is NO Tacoma in Europe . Europe has a Hilux and it only comes in a diesel . So I chose a Rav4 because the engine in the Rav4 can be bought in Europe with the same engine as the USA . The engine is a 2AR-FE engine . The manual for the Europe Rave4 states ---


Except for Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine with 3ZR-FE and 2AR-FE engines, and
Russia
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 0W-20 is filled into your
Toyota vehicle at manufacturing,
and the best choice for
good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.
If SAE

$52 0W-20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0W-20 oil is not available,
SAE 5W-30 oil may be
used. However, it should be
replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the
next oil change.
If you use SAE 10W-30 or a
higher viscosity engine oil in
extremely low temperatures,
the engine may become difficult
to start, so SAE 0W-20, 5W-20
or 5W-30 engine oil is recommended

It will not let me copy and paste the chart but it clearly shows that it can use 10W 30 when it is always above 0 degrees F , 15W40 above 10 degrees F , and 20W 50 when the temp is always above 20 degrees F.

The US manual for the same car and same engine says only 0W 20 oil and if you have to add some 5W20 or whatever , get it out and replace with 0W20 at the next change .

I believe this is most likely the case for any engine Toyota makes including the 3.5 in the Tacoma . I will try to look up a Lexus and see if the same engine is sold in Europe even though it will not be the same because the 3.5 in the Tacoma is programed differently Anyway that is why I chose a Rave4 . Because the engines are most likely identical .

Toyota is trying to meet the CAFE standards and not get sued for low mpgs .
From this all I feel using a thicker 5W30 in hot weather or year round by me will be better for the engine
I hope this makes sense .

 

Do what ever you want. None of use are going to change your logic

 

I assume you realize that the VVT system won't work correctly with oil several grades heavier. But hey, that 2.5 is the same.

 

OP, when you prove there's a problem with oil lab tests and we'll be anxious to listen.

 

Thats what I need to see. Show me the proof that variable valve timing cannot function properly with 10W30 oil at 110 degrees F .

 

Dude just run what you think is best and see what happens, it sounds like you've done your homework.

 

This is the shit I come here for. Truth and facts, Jack.

Thank you.

 

OP, the suggestion about having the oil tested is a good one. Run the 0W-20 for one oil change interval during hot weather, send it off to the lab. If the results come back showing premature oil degradation (the lab will interpret the results for you), then switch to a higher viscosity oil and test again. I think the tests are only about $20 or so.

The 2TR-FE originally called for 5W-30 every 5,000 miles in the owner's manual, which is what I still use in my 2006. In 2007-2008(?) Toyota issued a bulletin saying that 5w-20 or 0w-20 could be used for 2005-2008 models, then they started recommending only 0w-20 in all new 2TR engines. This is a good example of the thinner viscosity oil being recommended for MPG gains, but it doesnt necessarily mean that the engine isnt well protected. Toyota continued recommending 5,000 mile oil change intervals despite the

$52 0w-20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0w-20 oil, which most vehicles using 0w-20 usually recommend 7500-10,000 OCI. I suspect that is because the engine wasnt, and still may not be, designed for thinner viscosity and therefore cannot handle the normal breakdown of the 0w-20 beyond 5,000 miles. It sounds like the new 3.5L is specifically designed to run 0w-20 because of the extended OCI, but that is just supported by logic and not factual evidence. The lab testing is the only way to gain factual evidence.

 

10w40 FTMFW!

 

What you risk doing to your engine with the 5-20 or anything different than recommended is timing chain stretch. It's a painful $$ fix. Trust me I've done just that with a Honda .... and the reason I change my oil in the spring and the fall with the RECOMMENDED grade oil. I lernt my lesson. To each his own and YMMV.

 

GM 3.6's hate if you run any oil other than reccomended

 

What area do you live Tom? It gets warm (and stays that way) a lot where I live and I've never had an issue.

 

Because anecdotes and speculation beat data?

Just because Toyota is working to meet CAFE Standards doesn't mean they haven't done their homework and adjusted the engine builds to the new oil being used. Auto manufacturers actually spend quite a bit of money performing research on what oil to use. Really, they are much more likely to have a better recomendation than joe blow on the internet who's pappy swears by quakerstate because his favorite race car driver used it.

Until someone actually does real research, there is no reason to use something different than what the manual says.

 

Curious what Honda models are running a chain? It's been a while since I messed with any Hondas, and they were all belts.

Also curious how one verifies that a stretched chain is due to oil selection? I've seen and changed a few stretched chains in other (old) marquees, but they were mileage/wear related. Just like a bike chain.

 

Oil's always a good fight. Living in Florida, I understand where the OP is coming from. Seemingly surface of the Sun temperatures for 7-8 months of the year makes you think about your cooling system. Hotter oil runs thinner, does the same oil that works in Anchorage, work in Davenport FL the same, at such different temps? Clearly there is not the same operating conditions in these 2 places, yet the same oil is specified?