Oil type in your 1st gen's???

I use Torco SR-1 5w30 and a wix filter in my 2.7L 3rz 2000 tacoma

 

Is this a common thing that people do?
How much does a test usually run?

 

I don't know many people to do it, but it's a good way to really look at the health of an engine that you cannot otherwise see with physical observation. The test itself is $28, well worth it in my opinion. It can tell you if your piston components are wearing out, or your crankshafts, etc. by observing the amount of a certain metal. Or if coolant is present, usually indicated by high Sodium and Potassium.

 

I get mine tested. Trying to get extended change intervals. They noticed an increase in wear metals after my supercharger install. Too much skinny pedal I guess

 

Saw an interesting video recently on youtube. For those in colder climates, its about four popular synthetic oils and their comparative reduction in viscocity at -40F.
Amsoil, Mobile 1, Royal Purple and Walmart brand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ_vxdO_9nc

 

I saw that umpteen years ago, surprised it’s still around, Walmart oil did pretty bad. I loved putting Motorex 20w50 racing oil in my truck, but have to wait till warm to drive really but the motor ran sweet. Now it’s Royal or Mobil as I don’t have access to Motorex for cheap. Saved most of it for my bike.

 

The shop I use is a Toyota repair only and I have them put Mobil 1 with a Toyota filter. After that I ad a 1/3 to half quart of Lucas oil synthetic stabilizer.

 

Holy thread from the dead! Anywho, I run Castrol GTX 5w-30 Conventional and either a Toyota YZZD1 filter or a Napa Gold #1348. 5.4 qts just as the book says. No need to run synthetic oil in an old engine is my opinion. You're just pissing away your money.

 

Any reason in particular you chose to add Lucas oil stabilizer to your oil? What exactly are you trying to stabilize?

 

Synthetic has benefits for any engine no matter what age it is.

 

Where's the proof? My vehicle and my dads vehicles have all ran fine on conventional lubricants for a probable combined 750,000 miles or more in the past 30 years. No issues that were directly attributed from inadequate lubrication ever came up. I dont care about extended change intervals, I like working on my vehicles.

 

There’s quite a bit of proof out there, but I’m not going to cite a bunch of technical and science stuff. Extended intervals is just one of the many benefits.

 

I've had my truck for about 4 years. In my engine I use 5W30. I started using Royal Purple, I then tried Mobil1 due to it being so available. I just recently switched to Amsoil and I definitely noticed a difference. I did have Redline MT90 in my transmission and I really liked that but the Amsoil is a much smoother shift. When I made the switch the engine felt like it was brand new.

 

Original owner here for my 2004 (purchased Dec-2003).

Miles 0 - 60,000 Conventional 5w30 Pennzoil at dealer in California

Miles 60,000 - 130,000 Kendall High Mileage Blend 5w30

Miles 130,000+ Pennzoil High Mileage Blend 5w30

Has never burned oil. Never had to add oil inbetween oil changes.

Just need to figure out if I want to replace both valve cover gaskets...both sides have a minor leak on the lower side of each valve cover. $650 at dealer

 

How many miles were on your engine when you installed the S/C?

Curious because that's my next mod after springs and lower control arms/ ball joints.

 

Just got mine replaced a few months back due to a cracked valve cover. I paid close to a grand with labor but I needed a drivers side valve cover

 

Don’t pay a dealer to do that. It’s any easy repair.

 

70k or so

 

I am sure the 3.4 would run on Crisco or chicken fat. I have had several 1st Gens, oil change on this one, Pennzoil Gold 5W30. Dealer that installed the Michelins, did it, no issues. This is the '04. The oil change sticker, 3K miles change.
This one had all docs since new, perfect frame, no leaks anywhere. 162344 odo,
Runs like new.
Crank

 

i change my oil every 5000kms with what ever is on sale.I still haven't jumped on the synthetic band wagon.