1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Switch to synthetic for my 1st gen?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Flamingskull, Aug 7, 2020.

  1. Aug 7, 2020 at 8:00 PM
    #21
    Krogers128

    Krogers128 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2016
    Member:
    #175559
    Messages:
    182
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    WA
    Vehicle:
    1995.5 Paradise Blue Tacoma SR5 V6
    OME complete kit. 881 coils. Dakar Leafs. JBA UCA. 265/75-16 Goodyear Ultraterrain.
    man. I didn’t believe this for the longest time. I have this old Honda Civic. 212k on the clock. It leaks oil but she’s my beater commuter so whatever. Doesn’t burn any oil, runs great actually. but I need to change the front main seal and a O-ring on the oil pump, but honestly waiting until I do the timing belt this winter. Since I got the car with 100k, I’ve only used Castrol GTX High Milage. I threw in this full synthetic in it because my dad gave me a 5qt jug, no big deal I think. Take a drive to a friends and thing starts leaking 5x worse lol. Drained it, Put original oil I use back in and back to normal leak rate. (I know, I need to fix it lol)
     
    eon_blue[QUOTED] likes this.
  2. Aug 12, 2020 at 8:28 AM
    #22
    Flamingskull

    Flamingskull [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #332028
    Messages:
    45
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2002 Toyota Tacoma 2.7
    I have a brand new oil pan and gasket on mine so I most likely shouldn't worry about leaks
     
  3. Aug 12, 2020 at 8:45 AM
    #23
    Taco2sdayz

    Taco2sdayz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2020
    Member:
    #336803
    Messages:
    59
    Vehicle:
    2003 Black Tacoma
    So I bought my 03 tacoma in Fall of 2016 when it had 70k miles on it (has 145k now). Ive used full synthetic high mileage for every oil change. I used whatever was on sale, Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil. I go between 7500 and 9k between changes now, I used to do 5000. I actually sent off samples to Blackstone Labs to have my oil tested after several changes. Their tests showed that I could get A LOT more mileage between changes. They do this by seeing what contaminants are in the oil and that tells them if there is wear on pistons, or other parts etc . So I increased to 8000 and they said you could do a little more before you start seeing abnormal wear. Here's the deal, at 7500 to 8000 miles there was very little change between the brands ( I tested about 12 times). However, when I stretched my changes to 9000 to 9500 miles there was significant difference. Not gonna lie guys, the full synthetic high mileage Castrol EDGE had Significantly LESS contaminants than the other 3. So now I only use Castrol EDGE full synthetic high mileage and I never go over 9000 miles between changes but almost always change it by 8000. Anyway. Oh and @Flamingskull absolutely switch to full synthetic.
     
  4. Aug 12, 2020 at 10:46 AM
    #24
    StevenP

    StevenP Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2019
    Member:
    #297659
    Messages:
    669
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Alta, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma DCSB TRD
    Build thread in Signature
    The difference is just in the additive package, as mentioned a few times here the high mileage stuff has additive to help seals swell a little bit and thus assist in preventing leaks. As for the “magic crystals”.. there IS actually a product that basically has them! Best Line Racing sells REALLY great additives that have a “nano-diamond” property in them, yes, actual diamonds. Let me see if I can remember and explain this properly.. basically when you get down to a microscopic level, even “smoothed and finished” metal surfaces have sort of a ridged surface - think of those potato chips with ridges. What the nano-diamond additive does is fill in those microscopic folds and sort of push them flat for a smoother surface, and they also cling, so that it stays that way.

    There are a lot of “snake-oils” out there on the market, but Best Line is NOT one of them. I recently listened to a few interviews with the owner, and then dug into researching it myself, nothing but stellar reviews and real world examples of benefits, there are also a few really cool YouTube videos that test the stuff against other options and the results always speak for themselves. I’ve got a bunch on order for all my vehicles. It’s great stuff.
     
  5. Aug 13, 2020 at 6:35 AM
    #25
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,386
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I’m on the fence about this, I switched to synthetic oil 6 months ago on my daughters Subaru that has 98,000 miles.

    Engine had a few small damp gaskets only.

    Took it to the Subaru dealership for an oil change yesterday and now there are 3 large oil leaks.
    Engine oil cooler gasket is leaking
    engine lower front plate gasket is leaking
    Engine oil pan is leaking now.

    Oil spots now appearing on the ground

    Ugggg

    My truck I’ve always run conventional oil
     
  6. Aug 13, 2020 at 6:44 AM
    #26
    roadking1

    roadking1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    Member:
    #43941
    Messages:
    910
    Gender:
    Male
    n.j.
    Vehicle:
    2023 Solar Octane TrdPro 6-speed manual
    I would not blame the oil.Subaru engines are known to leak.A LOT!
     
    goldentaco03 and 1997tacomav6 like this.
  7. Aug 13, 2020 at 7:20 AM
    #27
    GSDLVR123

    GSDLVR123 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2019
    Member:
    #279613
    Messages:
    905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randall
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro (Solar Octane)
    My son is asking the SAME thing! He is due for his first oil change - wants to do it himself. He bought a 2002 TRD Off Road SR5 4x4 (230K miles) from a very close friend (who bought it new). My friend always was VERY meticulous with the maintenance. Before he sold it to my son (for a STEAL - $3500) he replaced the timing belt/water pump, clutch, rear drive shaft/u joints, brakes and out on new Duratrac tires. My friend told Buck (my son) he did not use synthetic - but changed the oil every 5K miles religiously. My son tends to want to stick with what my friend says - but I use synthetic in all of our other MUCH NEWER) vehicles. My son (HS Senior) loves his truck - uses it around our farm as well as for hauling his kayak, doing his landscaping jobs, camping, etc. He does not use it hard - pretty normal. I'm torn too - but in the end it is my son's truck and he paid for it with his money. Thanks for asking the question!

    IMG_5800.jpg
     
  8. Aug 13, 2020 at 7:29 AM
    #28
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,386
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    We’ll I’ve run conventional 627,000 miles with zero issues and all superchargered and I run my truck hard,
    I’m going to stay with conventional, I know what to expect,
    I’m just concerned about the gaskets on an older engine.

    6E229BC3-F807-46D3-A0CB-D14348E8A67B.jpg
     
  9. Aug 13, 2020 at 7:40 AM
    #29
    GSDLVR123

    GSDLVR123 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2019
    Member:
    #279613
    Messages:
    905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randall
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro (Solar Octane)
    THANKS!!!...So you and my friend - who got 400K out his last Tacoma (he sold it running great) and 225-230K out of this one with ZERO issues - say conventional. There are probably solid arguments for either...but as my son said last night - why would I not just listen to Mr. Randy (my friend who sold him the truck)...l think my son has a point! I'll show my boy this...he doesn't spend much time on computers - other than school.
     
  10. Aug 13, 2020 at 8:38 AM
    #30
    StevenP

    StevenP Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2019
    Member:
    #297659
    Messages:
    669
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Alta, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma DCSB TRD
    Build thread in Signature
    If you want to take a really deep dive into all things oil check out bobistheoilguy.com

    It’s a forum dedicated to the stuff.

    If your truck is happy with conventional, and you are happy with conventional, and you don’t mind more frequent service intervals, then there really isn’t a need to make the switch.

    Synthetic, without a shadow of doubt, does have benefits over conventional, the boundary layer properties and longevity are just simply better, this is why auto manufacturers use it nowadays to help meet EPA requirements and why vehicles have longer service intervals.

    With that said, seals that are old or on high mileage vehicles that have run conventional may loose a bit of their swell, and the smaller molecules of synthetic may make it past any poorly seated areas, whereas conventional may not. This why @1997tacomav6 experienced the slow leak turning into a bigger issue with the switch from conventional to synthetic on the Subaru.

    You can make that switch, you just need a good synthetic with the proper additive package, one with high mileage so that it keeps on top of seals and doesn’t let them loose any swell.

    You also have to be careful with your selection of the oil itself, there is NO legal % ratio on what constitutes a “synthetic blend”! An oil company can put 99% conventional and 1% synthetic in that legally and charge whatever they want, leaving you out of money and believing you’re getting benefits you are not.

    Buy full synthetic from a well known brand. The cost is in the additive package, not the base oil! Mobile 1 extended performance high mileage is what I go with. It’s a superb oil and my truck has been really happy with it.

    I’ve kind of summed up a lot of things, but don’t take it from me if you are skeptical, the information is out there!
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2020
    itr1275 likes this.
  11. Aug 14, 2020 at 9:02 AM
    #31
    GSDLVR123

    GSDLVR123 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2019
    Member:
    #279613
    Messages:
    905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randall
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro (Solar Octane)
    what brand oil do you recommend he use?
     
  12. Aug 14, 2020 at 9:14 AM
    #32
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,386
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    All my oil changes have always been done at the dealership 45.00 and they do a complete inspection of the truck for any other issues, brakes, oil leaks, bulbs, battery etc.
     
    GSDLVR123[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Aug 14, 2020 at 9:38 AM
    #33
    GSDLVR123

    GSDLVR123 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2019
    Member:
    #279613
    Messages:
    905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randall
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro (Solar Octane)
    Thanks...I do the same. My son - being 18 really wants to do it himself...I have a close friend that owns a small; (6 bay) auto repair/tire shop who will do it on the cheap for him. He changes the oil and does routine maintenance on on our farm equipment. I appreciate the response. I told my son I'd ask. He is really loving his new (to him) truck and wants to keep up with the maintenance like my friend (that sold it to him ) did. I know I would not want to rotate the 33" Duratrac tires myself (I'm 58 with bad knees) but he changes tractor tires so they will be cake.
     
  14. Aug 14, 2020 at 9:48 AM
    #34
    ROAD DOG

    ROAD DOG Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2019
    Member:
    #309830
    Messages:
    2,212
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 I4 WHITE SR PRERUNNER
    FEW

    good oil is good

    better oil is better

    lack of care by prev owner doesnt help

    Uv already ready spent good $$$$

    not sure U would see a positive gain at that mileage
     
  15. Aug 14, 2020 at 9:54 AM
    #35
    Chipskip

    Chipskip N7MCS

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2010
    Member:
    #42519
    Messages:
    11,605
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chip
    Green Ridge, MO
    Vehicle:
    07 Tundra
    I didn't read all the other comments, so this may have already been said. Sync oil has smaller molecules than conventional oil. That can refresh seals and gaskets sooner than conventional but has a harder time with older seals.

    My 2¢, for a high milage vehicle, that you don't have 100% maintenance history, stick to conventional oil. The "High milage" versions have some simple additives that are suppose to refresh seals and gaskets, but you can do better with regular oil changes.

    Have fun.
     
  16. Aug 14, 2020 at 11:37 AM
    #36
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2015
    Member:
    #150729
    Messages:
    1,232
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Liam
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    03 Tacoma Xtra Cab 4x4 SR5
    3in lift (Bilstein 5100, AAL), Bull Bar with halogen Hella Fogs and High Beams
  17. Aug 14, 2020 at 10:28 PM
    #37
    RapidRoy

    RapidRoy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2016
    Member:
    #206162
    Messages:
    60
    Vehicle:
    1999 3.4L SR5 4WD MT
    There is some validity to the oil leaking stories after switching to synthetic oils. Synthetic oils, especially the high quality ones, have more capacity to remove, suspend, and hold deposits. Since they have higher flash points they are also less likely to create deposits. Older engines with significant deposits begin to get cleaned up, including areas where the deposits are creating a seal. When oil burns it gets dark, thick, and sticky. Plugs potential leaks quite well. Most engines that receive regular maintenance won’t be a problem, but an engine that has been neglected could result in a leak.

    You should also keep an eye on the oil when you first switch to synthetic. Synthetic will go longer between changes but the first change or two is likely to pickup significant deposits from the engine. Watch for darkening and change it prematurely if that happens.

    I just picked up a gen1 with nearly 300k on it and am about 500 miles into a synthetic oil change and I can already begin to see it picking up deposits and starting to darken. The same oil in another one of my cars will go nearly 4000 miles before I can notice any discernible change is color, and that car has a turbo which runs hot and is very hard on the oil.

    It’s a bit of a crap shoot as far as leaks, but I’d much rather have a clean engine with clean oil passages, bearings, rings... if I get a leak I’ll fix it and move on.
     
    1997tacomav6, NSDON and StevenP like this.
  18. Aug 15, 2020 at 4:27 AM
    #38
    NSDON

    NSDON Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2011
    Member:
    #58511
    Messages:
    279
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    NS
    Vehicle:
    02 SR5 TRD 4X4 Step Side
    My experience in buying used vehicles is switching to synthetic may cause them to leak or not. I’m a big believer in synthetic as it stays liquid and maintains its viscosity at much lower and higher temps than conventional oils.

    One vehicle I bought with 140,000 kms leaked, another with over 300,000kms did not, it’s hit or miss.

    If you religiously change your oil, conventional is fine but synthetic is better IMHO. Heavy trucks run 2 million miles on engines, transmissions, and rear ends hauling big loads using synthetic and regular oil changes.


    If you want to change to synthetic, go ahead. If it leaks, go back to conventional.
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  19. Aug 15, 2020 at 7:22 AM
    #39
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Member:
    #220261
    Messages:
    511
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1999 prerunner 3.4
    I swapped to pennzoil platinum full synthetic 5w30. Use a Toyota filter and let her eat. No issues at all. Just keep your oil changes on time and you will have no issues.
     
  20. Aug 16, 2020 at 11:09 AM
    #40
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,386
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,

Products Discussed in

To Top