Oil and filter recommendation
 

I was wondering what the best choices for oil and filters are. All I can find in the manual is that Toyota recommends SAE 5W-30 Toyota Genuine Motor Oil, 5.2L (5.5 qt.). Since the 4th-gen was designed almost 20 years ago, there might be better oils out there by now. What are currently the best available choices for engine oil and filter?

• SAE 5W-30 or different viscosity?
• Full-Synthetic, Synthetic-Blend, Conventional or High-Mileage oil? (most 4th-gens have a lot of miles on them)
• Toyota Genuine Motor oil or other brand?
• Best filter choice?

Additionally, I would imagine that oil filters come in different shapes and sizes and I can't find any info in the manual about the actual diameter of the filter. How can I tell what size filter to buy?

I’ve been running Mobil 1 5w-30 full synthetic since I purchased it with about 90k on the clock. No issues and it runs great. I have been considering the “high-mileage” variant (just hit 150k) but haven’t done research to see what the difference is.

For filters get Toyota YZZD3 if you have the V6 (1GRFE), this Amazon deal for half a case (5 filters) comes out to less than $5 a filter to your doorstep.


Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD3 Oil Filter 1/2 Case (QTY 5) Amazon.com: Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD3 Oil Filter 1/2 Case (QTY 5): Automotive


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Another vote for Mobil1 5w30.

Costco recently started selling a Kirkland branded full synthetic 5w30 by Warren. Same company that distributes amazon oil, which tested well on Project Farm. I haven’t tried Kirkland oil, but if I were to guess, it’s probably quite good.

Been using Mobile1 5w30, then to 5w20, then onto 0w20. I've recently returned to 5w30. I went down in cold viscosity for better cold starts. Yes, this motor was designed 20 years ago, but you sure don't want to run high tech oil in it if it's not required (say 0w16). I'm no oil expert, but just run what the factory calls for. The end.

Filter? I've been using Toyota OEM since the day I got her.

Good luck

oh boy, another oil thread! do a search & you will get all the oil opinions you could ever wish for...

quick & easy answer is, any oil that is API rated & of the correct weight will do fine. all modern oils are more than adequate & most dont vary that much in additives, especially the SN & SN+ rated oils that are dexos1/gen2 rated. pick a brand you like & find it on sale, walmart usually has the best prices on any brand. & if you do some research you will find even their house brand supertech, is an excellent oil & does very well even compared to top $$ oils like amsoil & redline. but you do NOT need to use toyota brand oil!

based on your oil change intervals you can use a synthetic & get 6000-7500+ miles, or use a conventional & change at 3000-5000 miles. oil samples tested show todays oils are more than capable of going that many miles, if the engine is in good shape.

high mile oils are fine to use as well, even in cars with less than 100k miles, HM oils are just a little more robust on the additives & have seal conditioners to keep seals & gaskets in good shape. most brands are about the same price so thats your choice on using HM oils, wont harm anything & you can change back & forth with HM or synthetics all you want.

for filters, the best value are OEM toyota filters bought in bulk as linked to above. or spend more for a good filter like mobil1, k&n, wix, etc, but they are no better than toyota filters & cost more.

for more oil specific questions & education, check out bobistheoilguy.com, they have very knowledgeable members there & guys do all kinds of oil sample tests to show & prove what oils are made of & capable of.

Thanks for the tip. I just paid $11 for one filter from Amazon and I don't remember seeing a "suggestion" for the five pack.

I think I searched “YZZD3 half case” or something along those lines


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Starting 12/26 Sam's is selling Mobile 1 case of six for under $30, 2 case minimum.

I was just looking at the one I had in my cart and it was only 6.xx Prime..

Stick to factory filters and Mobil 1 5w-30. Cant go wrong

Been using Castrol GTX High Mileage Conventional Oil since I got her at 143K with Toyota OEM Filters from the link above.

My mechanic told me that switching from a conventional oil to synthetic when the car has used conventional its whole life can cause some leaking (not too sure if this is true).

But car has 190K now and is running great!

Havoline Pro DS synthetic in the 6 qt box from Walmart for $20 and a Toyota oil filter. Hard to beat the price.

Do the V6 and V8 use the same oil filter? Toyota 90915-YZZD3?

Never mind, found the answer. Yes they do. Also the same filter the 3.4 V6 in my '99 Taco uses so I already have a bunch.

Check out amazon basics fully synthetic oil. I just did an oil change with it and I have no regrets, and it’s way less than mobile or anything else.
https://youtu.be/a9DWGtXpYUc

Did Pennzoil Ultra Platinum last change with my normal Fram Ultra XG3600 oversized filter.

OEM filter (should be $5-6, even at the dealer), Amsoil Signature Series synthetic is rad but pricey. Mobil 1 is great and much easier to find.

1/2 Case of OEM Filters $5.45 each
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Drain Plug Washer (10 pack) 80 cents each
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oil
I use regular conventional Chevron. Been running fine for 200k miles, I don't plan on changing my routine.

Engine masters did a whole thing on your oil killing horsepower. They swear by AMSOIL. Of course that's their sponsor so take that for what it's worth...

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I get my filters from McGeorge Toyota for $3.75 each but have to pay shipping, I usually get at least 6 or so and try to get any other parts I need at the same time and the shipping is the same, they also have very low prices on all other parts and well.

Oil Filter - Toyota (90915-YZZD3) | Toyota Parts

$4.88/filter, 10 YZZD3 filters. - Amazon.com: Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD3 Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10): Automotive

“On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we explain how oil kills power—because it’s not about synthetic versus regular oil and not about a brand-to-brand comparison, but about windage and oil-pan design. We take a 700hp big-block Chevy and show you how too much oil can kill 20 hp”

:|

Same reaction when I watch YouTube reviews.

"Company A gave me this expensive product to review for you, but I'm going to be totally unbiased....." I usually skip that video or just watch for feature demonstrations.

I have been running Amsoil signature series in my fleet of 35 cars for 11 years. The difference is clear to me. For use the gains aren't in horsepower. The engine protection is excellent. We have vehicles with 400k on original motors, the only reason we get rid of them as the body style has become dated (we're a black car / limousine service)

The 2nd benefit, and this surprises some people, is cost. Let me preface this buy saying we buy it in bulk (30 gallons drums). However, a 7 qt oil change with an Amsoil Filter is about $78. The oil and filters we use are rated for 25k miles. I change them every 15k. If someone were paying labor on their oil changes a 7qt oil change with conventional or synth blend would be in the ballpark of $30 at a cheapo Jiffy lube type place. Even at 5k intervals that's $90... so it actually costs more. On top of that you had to get it done 2 extra times for those 15k miles.

Lastly we saw a decent gain in fuel economy when I took the time to run the numbers. I don't remember the exact numbers now because I did it back when we first considered making the switch over. But with the number of cars we run and the total mileage it was a significant savings.

I'll get off my Amsoil soapbox. But I always sing its praises when I get an opportunity. As the fleet manager and sole mechanic for this facility it has made my life very very nice. Our average sedan does 70k miles per year, so you can do the math on how often I would be changing the oil with shorter interval products.

For the 4.0 the Amsoil filter would be a EA15K51 - That's at 15k service interval filter.

I would pair that with their 5w30 Signature series oil for the best protection and 15k service interval, or the XL series oil and change it at 10-12k instead.

Cheers

You don’t have to sing Amsoil’s praises to me. For the lay person who is buying it by the quart or jug or whatever, it’s hard to find and a bit pricier than what you probably get it for. If it were easier for me to find Signature Series at a decent price ($88/gal on Amazon?!) I’d use it for sure, but I can head to my local Napa and get Mobil 1 a lot easier.

Shell Rotella T6 5w40, go look it up. Much cheaper than Mobil1 and a better oil. Not saying Mobil1 is bad but there are less expensive options.

You can order it directly from Amsoil.com

$13/qt for signature series
$52/gallon
$18/filter

I spec'd out 6 quarts of oil and a filter it would be $111 with shipping and tax.

If you spend over $100 they waive the $8.99 shipping charge (it was $96.30 before shipping :ybrick:)

Just food for thought if you decide Amsoil is worth it to you. It may not be.

It’s not.

Here ya go..........

Ebay for $44.90, free shipping.

90915-YZZD3, Qty 10, Toyota \ Lexus Oil Filters With Drain Plug Gaskets

eBay item number:252829995054

Enjoy.....

Kevin

That's a little better than the Amazon link I posted a little ways back.

x2:thumb3:

Have had good luck with T6 in everything from Cummins semi to Briggs/Straton lawn mowers and everything in between including 4 stroke motorcycles.

Much less if you "join the club" and become a Preferred Customer. Also helps to not buy single quarts...a case of 4 gallons @ PC prices gets the cost to about $9 per quart.

Same here, been using it for years. I've only had one bike where the clutch wasn't happy with it. Still worked but was real notchy with T6.

Yeah definitely. I buy the 30 gallon drums of 5w20 and 5w30 and do the group ship which is free freight and delivery. It's all I'll use now, but understand to some it may not be worth the extra little effort or cost. Our fleet hasn't had a single engine related issue (aside from grenading internal chain driven waterpumps at 350k) in the 10 or 11 years since we made the switch. Prior to that I had a few issues at the 280 to 300k mark on a couple 4.6l town car motors. (chain guides, low compression) from the previous owner running Motorcraft semi syn. Swapping at 5k intervals (royal pain in my ass with the mileage we run)

Any Dexos 2 labeled oil on sale at Walmart and the YZZD3 filter will do. Change every 5-6k miles.

keep in mind Amazon has fantastic deals on oil, their own brand of synthetic im buying next time

2x on any Dexos oil on sale with oem filter. Costco has 10qt of their Kirkland synthetic for $25 right now. Kirkland synthetic is a Warren Distribution oil.

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-sign...100527865.html

amazon oil is also warren dist... same as walmarts supertech, at least in the greater upper & lower midwest area. both are very good oils proven in use & from oil analysis. supertech might be a little cheaper.

Oil and filter for 5th gen 4Runners
 

My family has owned 12 Toyotas and 1 Lexus. Of them all, my 4Runner is the odds-on favorite.
As I routinely get 300K+ on my vehicles, I believe sticking with the OEM filters and recommended oils and fluids are the best route. Just can’t believe fooling around with viscosity or filter media is worth the trouble.