1st oil change and switching to synthetic?????

[dum8ss1236]

i was going to do my first oil change on my 06 SE and i was going to switch to synthetic. i was thinking about using Mobil-1 5w30 synthetic, but since i'm switching to synthetic should i use a blend like 5000 or 7500 first , or should i just go ahead and use the EP. Another thing is should i get an oil filter from my dealer or is one from say Advanced Auto Parts fine? any reccomendations would be helpful and appreciated? also when should the first oil change be done?

 

[scooterz]

mobil 1

i switched out for mobil 1 5w30 at 1200 miles and no problems. i bought toyoya filters from the dealer(only $4).

 

[Baba Booey]

I changed my oil at 1,000 miles and 3,000 miles with conventional oil, and I will change it again at 5,000 miles with either another conventional oil or a synthetic-blend. At 10,000 miles, I will switch to a full synthetic oil.

This is just me, though. You will hear all sorts of opinions, and none of them are wrong. People will point out that many expensive cars are delivered with synthetic oil from the factory, while others will say that conventional oil should be used during break-in in order to aid in the seating of the rings. Who knows?

I just figure that I would play it safe by waiting to switch to synthetic in case there is something to the notion about waiting until after break-in. In addition, I should be at 10K miles just as winter starts, so I will get the synthetic in the crankcase before the cold weather, which is when it may be most advantageous to use synthetic.

Mobil 1 EP did not meet the most current SM/GF-4 and API "Energy-Conserving"specs when it first came out, so it probably wouldn't have met Toyota's warranty requirements. However, I believe it has been re-formulated to now meet these specs. Originally, it had a more robust add-pack that met the older SL spec. Apparently, the SM spec is more environmentally friendly.

You can't go wrong with Mobil 1, Mobil 1 EP (SM/GF-4 version) or Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5W-30, especially while under warranty. There are other good synthetics out there too (Amsoil, Castrol 0W-30, Redline, etc.), but they may be more expensive and harder to find. Pennzoil Platinum is a great deal when there is a rebate promotion going on. Just be sure they meet Toyota's requirements while under warranty.

I would recommend Toyota OEM, Wix, or Purolator Pure One filters. If money is no object, I would throw in Mobil 1, Amsoil and K&N Gold filters too. If you are on a tight budget, I would go with Purolator Premium, Motorcraft or Supertech (Wal-Mart) filters. I would avoid Fram filters.

The most important thing to do while your vehicle is under warranty is to change your oil every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Keep all of your receipts and keep a maintenance log in case you need proof for a warranty claim.

With such a maintenance program, you will not have any lubrication-related issues for as long as you own your 4Runner.

P.S.
Mobil Clean 5000 is not a synthetic blend, but MC 7500 is.

 

[ice]

I switched to Mobil-1 5w30 synthetic for my 1st 5000 too. Get the Toyota filter, it's about the same price unless u got a discount from Advance Auto. For the old motor oil, I usually dump it in the recycle center in Rockvill close to Shady Grove Rd. in case you want to know.

 

[dum8ss1236]

so you went straight to synthetic, which one did you use, EP?

 

[Light_Mania]

I know Porsche ships their vehicles from the factory filled with Mobil 1 synthetic.

Interestingly, all 911 engines were (as of 1998 when I visited the factory) dynoed and run at peak power for a period on an engine stand before being put into the car. The oil used for that test/break-in was not what the car was shipped with, though I don't know if that test oil was of a unique type or not.

How does that apply to the 4runner? I don't know - make your own inferences.

 

[Jacobzky]

when i went for my first oil change at 1k miles thru the dealer - Longo Toyota, they asked me if i want to switch to M1 full synthetic. so i guess it is ok to switch.

 

[jlboers]

use the toyota filters. I switched to straight mobil1 at 5000 after having 3 dino changes. It's fine. I am staying on the 5000 mile oil change interval though.

 

[Koz]

After break-in you can go to any oil that floats your boat, especially if you're going to follow the OEM recommended change interval (5K miles). If you're going to extend the change interval you would what to use a pure synthetic specially engineered for extended change intervals. I use Amsoil 0w-30 that can last up to 35K miles or one year. You should be able to go a year without having to change it as long as you do UOAs (The first at 6 months) to verify it is still effective.

Koz

 

[05SportV8]

I just did my move into full synthethic (mobil 1 oil and filter) at 15K Miles. I was wondering if any of you that have done the move to M1 have heard a change in the level of engine noise?

I have the V8 (vvt 2005). I thought the engine was quite already. But after doing the change It got quieter. I swear I can hear my one year old daughter breathing when she sleeps during our trips. Heck, I can hear the bubbling of the carbonation of an opened soda while driving. I am amazed.

I am so amazed with the change that I am worried. Why an oil would make such dramatic change? Why was not this quiet with the oil change done a Toyota dealer?

I had done (at a Toyota dealer) oil changes at 1k, 4k, 7k, 11K and now I personally performed the M1 at 15k. The oil has been always 10w30.
Maybe the oil that Toyota put in the 4R was just a very cheap kind. I have a Toyota dealer sticker in my windshield that says "Northland Oil".

I'd like to hear comments.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Screw the blends and just switch straight over to full syn;it's a modern engine it doesn't need to be introduced slowly to synthetic.

 

[NCarolina4Runner]

After break-in you can go to any oil that floats your boat, especially if you're going to follow the OEM recommended change interval (5K miles). If you're going to extend the change interval you would what to use a pure synthetic specially engineered for extended change intervals. I use Amsoil 0w-30 that can last up to 35K miles or one year. You should be able to go a year without having to change it as long as you do UOAs (The first at 6 months) to verify it is still effective.

Koz

:iagree: I use the Amsoil 0-30 Series 2000 as well. It **can** last up to 35,000 miles or one year, but I change mine out every 10,000-15,000 miles and replace the filter as well.

I bought my 4runner with 113,000 miles, and the previous owner had always used dino. The week after I bought it, I did a Amsoil engine flush and then filled it up with Amsoil eries 2000 0w-30. I have put 8,500 miles on it since then. I checked my oil level two nights ago and I haven't lost a single drop of oil, which was quite comforting.