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

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by surfponto, Apr 30, 2007.

  1. Apr 30, 2007 at 6:33 PM
    #1
    surfponto

    surfponto [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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) :rolleyes: I realize Toyota specifies 5W-20 for the 4- cylinder. I put in 5W-30.:eek:
    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
     
  2. Apr 30, 2007 at 6:42 PM
    #2
    surfponto

    surfponto [OP] Well-Known Member

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  3. Apr 30, 2007 at 8:25 PM
    #3
    06TRDsport

    06TRDsport Well-Known Member

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    You'll be fine with 5-30. Might see a slight decrease in mpg, but not worth changing fresh oil over.
     
  4. May 1, 2007 at 4:51 AM
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    007Tacoma

    007Tacoma I dub thee malicious!

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    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 :devil:)
     
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  5. May 1, 2007 at 5:21 AM
    #5
    surfponto

    surfponto [OP] Well-Known Member

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

    Thx,
    Bob
     
  6. May 1, 2007 at 5:30 AM
    #6
    surfponto

    surfponto [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks.
    That is what I was hoping to hear.
     
  7. May 1, 2007 at 5:45 AM
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    007Tacoma

    007Tacoma I dub thee malicious!

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

    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.
     
  8. May 1, 2007 at 7:53 AM
    #8
    RAPOM

    RAPOM Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  9. May 1, 2007 at 7:56 AM
    #9
    SPOWERS07

    SPOWERS07 Well-Known Member

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    i use toyota 0w-20 fully synthetic because i work at a dealership thats what they recommend its really thin though
     
  10. May 1, 2007 at 8:31 AM
    #10
    sak3358

    sak3358 Well-Known Member

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    You'll be OK. Concur with the assessment about gas mileage, even though it will be minor.
     
  11. May 1, 2007 at 8:39 AM
    #11
    surfponto

    surfponto [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Is that with the 4 cylinder?
    If so what kind of mileage are you getting running 0W-20 ?
     
  12. May 1, 2007 at 11:14 AM
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    SPOWERS07

    SPOWERS07 Well-Known Member

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    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
     
  13. May 2, 2007 at 9:19 PM
    #13
    Steve762us

    Steve762us Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  14. May 3, 2007 at 6:43 PM
    #14
    A2Mich

    A2Mich Well-Known Member

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    not to mention the reduction of weight in your right foot ;)
     
  15. Apr 5, 2008 at 2:39 PM
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    Soul

    Soul Well-Known Member

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    I just made the same mistake w/ castro =]
     
  16. Apr 5, 2008 at 2:58 PM
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    Viper-2

    Viper-2 Secret Agent

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    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.
     
  17. Apr 5, 2008 at 3:23 PM
    #17
    kidthatsirish

    kidthatsirish Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  18. Apr 5, 2008 at 3:42 PM
    #18
    asdfjkl

    asdfjkl Member

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    At some point, higher viscosities might affect the variable valve timing (engine oil hydraulic driven).
     
  19. Apr 6, 2008 at 5:17 AM
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    Viper-2

    Viper-2 Secret Agent

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    Interesting concept...how so? I would like to hear more on this.
     
  20. Apr 6, 2008 at 7:45 AM
    #20
    YotaCraZ

    YotaCraZ Well-Known Member

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    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?
     

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