Factory Oil...change it at 1500 miles or let it ride till 5000?? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Boaz · 06-16-2012, 06:47 AM

I have a strange compulsion to change oil. On my 2012 Tundra and my 2008 Tacoma, I changed the factory fill out for Mobil 1 Syn at 1000-1500 miles just cuzzzz... I am considering changing the oil out in my 2012 4 runner (currently at 1400 or so miles) with a fresh fill of Mobil 1. The 10K oil change intervals are for synthetic oil only, but does the factory fill come with synthetic oil? I am sorry if this horse has been beat in the past. I searched around but could not find much. A little help for a oil change addict? Please?

KidVermicious · 06-16-2012, 07:06 AM

Oil is cheap. If you want to change it, change it.

jreask · 06-16-2012, 07:30 AM

The factory fill is indeed synthetic. I changed mine at about 1500. Maybe a waste but worth the peace of mind to me.

1engineer · 06-16-2012, 09:43 AM

It is a very big waste of time and money but please, go ahead and change it. Yes it is synthetic from day 1. I sorta understand the compulsion, kinda like "I gotta fever baby, and the only way to fix it is, MORE COWBELL!!!!" so get under it and have fun. I think some of you guys ought to change it every 100 miles lol. When does it become excessive? I change at 10K per factory spec. Others change at 7.5K, or 5K and now you change at 1.5K lol. Change it at 0.15K and be the new line leader! Just kidding. I put 30K/yr on mine so I like the longer changes.

Myron · 06-16-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1engineer

It is a very big waste of time and money but please, go ahead and change it. Yes it is synthetic from day 1. I sorta understand the compulsion, kinda like "I gotta fever baby, and the only way to fix it is, MORE COWBELL!!!!" so get under it and have fun. I think some of you guys ought to change it every 100 miles lol. When does it become excessive? I change at 10K per factory spec. Others change at 7.5K, or 5K and now you change at 1.5K lol. Change it at 0.15K and be the new line leader! Just kidding. I put 30K/yr on mine so I like the longer changes.

Yes, I completely agree that it is quite unnecessary, but beyond that might it also be inadvisable? I thought the factory fill oil contained special additives that the engine needs during break-in. I know this is the case with new VW's, but my T4R is my first Toyota and I don't have complete understanding of the Toyota Kung Fu yet.

Anyone know the answer to this?

Myron

1engineer · 06-16-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myron

Yes, I completely agree that it is quite unnecessary, but beyond that might it also be inadvisable? I thought the factory fill oil contained special additives that the engine needs during break-in. I know this is the case with new VW's, but my T4R is my first Toyota and I don't have complete understanding of the Toyota Kung Fu yet.

Anyone know the answer to this?

Myron

Your engine was assembled, filled, tested, drained, refilled and then it was shipped. So it technically had it's oil changed before it ever left the plant. Toyotas come with normal Synthetic 0W-20. Hondas ship theirs with a specific formulation of synthetic but they will go 7.5K/10K with their synthetic too. 10K unless severe duty like lots of towing, desert driving, etc. NOT towing one time every six months lol.

nglayton · 06-16-2012, 03:40 PM

Waste of time and money.

36bound · 06-16-2012, 03:59 PM

I just hit the 1,000 mile threshold. I'll be one of those who freely, "wastes money" and has the oil changed earlier than specified.

My money. My TE. No worries.

Qjake · 06-16-2012, 09:26 PM

Oh boy not another oil change thread

See Sig↓↓

WFO_Racer · 06-16-2012, 10:05 PM

For those who are religious about oil changes I assume you drive yours into the ground ? Makes no sense for those who trade out every 4 to 5 years. Are you saving the motor for the next owner ?

Joshv4runner · 06-16-2012, 10:14 PM

Geez some if you guys are religious about oil changes ...lol

CraigRoberts · 06-16-2012, 10:17 PM

I change my oil everytime I fill up. You should see the looks I get, dropping the skid plates in the middle of the gas station. Oh well.

Michigander · 06-17-2012, 02:09 AM

I changed my oil at 500 mi for initial.

I am glad I did, there was a lot of metal shavings and shiny flakes in the filter housing when I changed it.

I am sticking with the Toyota oil, which is synthetic. From what I have read on Bobs the Oil Guy, it is good stuff and there is no reason to switch to other oil. On previous trucks I used Mobil 1.

And there is no way I am going to wait until 10,000 miles to change it again. That's crazy to me, the Tacoma has the same engine and requires every 5,000.

I change my oil myself, so I save money there. Unless you are getting your oil analyzed and keeping tabs on condition of oil, 10,000 miles is just too long IMO.

Narkhelek · 06-17-2012, 03:01 AM

Changed mine at 1k, 5k, and every 5k after that. I also had a lot of metal in my first few changes. I wouldn't call it shavings as it was more like little particles.

Aside from the first oil change I've been following the severe use schedule for peace of mind.

INDYMAC · 06-17-2012, 08:50 AM

I changed mine at 514 miles. Will change it again at 2K and then 5K. I'll be doing 5K OCI's after that. There was no noticeable metal in the oil, the drain pan, or the filter element.

What surprised me was a paragraph in the owner's manual that states an oil consumption rate of up to 1.1qts/600 miles is considered normal in this engine. I will not follow the Toyota guidelines if they think this is normal.

My dealership uses Valvoline products in their express service center. But it probably goes to the lowest bidder when the have to re-stock. The parts department didn't even have any TGMO 0W-20 in stock, or 75W-85 gear oil.

Is anyone running 5W-30 in their 1GR-FE engine?

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