Best Oil for High Mileage Engine?

[4OYOTER]

I recently bought my 1997 3.4 with 317K miles. The PO had all maintenance done at the dealership. As far back as I can see 5W-30 has been used and I'm assuming the Toyota dealer uses the actual Toyota 5w-30. So far I'm not seeing any noticeable oil consumption. I plan on doing my own oil changes, so I'm wondering if any name brand 5w-30 will be fine, or if there is something else that is recommend. Thanks for any help.

 

[jgue467]

Well i suppose ya gotta choose the high level type of oil, full synth, blend or full dino. Many great brands. Many on here use Mobil 1, Shell's Rotella T6, Pennzoil Ultra Premium and on and on.

Then of course are the oil filters. Many like Bosch and Purolator Pure One but many other good ones. Look for the oversize jobs for a little extra capacity.

Guessing you've gone over the buyers guide info? Lots of good and necessary info such as the pink milkshake potential and the lower ball joints weakness. Luck and enjoy! :cowboy:

 

[T4R2014]

These aren't picky engines. Any name brand 5W30 will be sufficient when changed at 5000 miles. I recommend going to synthetic, but these things could honestly run forever on regular Pennzoil or Castrol. I would get a quality filter, like OEM or Wix.

 

[7echo]

Probably any major brand will be fine. Where are you located?

I have been using Penzoil in the T4R and '93 Chevy truck.

If you really want to get into the oil information weeds go visit the oil dudes here...

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

 

[etc.]

Mobil 1 High Mileage synthetic or Maxlife synthetic/blend. Both contain cleaning detergents and seal conditioners. As far as filters go, Fram Ultras are awesome.

ETA: If cost is a factor, I would go with Maxlife blend ($15) and a Toyota or Wix filter($6). Even the Super Tech dino from Walmart is a quality oil for $12 a jug.

 

[nissanh]

I use castrol syn blend 5W-30 and OEM TOYOTA filters every 6 months or 2500 miles. I do 6 month oil change more than 2500 miles!

Replace the filter every time you do an oil change. You can buy an OEM filter for about $3.50 at the dealer or on ebay. Also stick with OEM air filters.

 

[Drogo99]

Here's a good read for anyone who wants to know way too much about motor oil.

https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/motor-oil-wear-test-ranking/

 

[T5RUNNER]

All conventional oil is basically the same, buy supertech or whatever is on sale at wally world for less. Changing it is what matters, so change it every 6 months and see how long she runs! Switching to synthetic can expose leaks.

Filters are not all the same. Toyota and Wix are excellent, Purolator classic is great for the price. Fram and all the others that use plastic/cardboard construction are to be avoided.

If you want the technical info behind this bobistheoilguy.com will keep you occupied for days.

 

[97 _SR5]

I have 409k on mine and run valvoline high mileage synthetic blend with no issues... Every other oil change I replace a quart of oil with Marvel Mystery Oil.

Rafal

 

[T4R2014]

Switching to synthetic can expose leaks.

That simply means you need to change a gasket(normal on an engine with miles), or that you had sludge sealing your leaks. Even modern conventional oils clean sludge which will eventually expose a leak.

Simply put, if you have a leak then stop putting a bandaid over it.

 

[97 _SR5]

That simply means you need to change a gasket(normal on an engine with miles), or that you had sludge sealing your leaks. Even modern conventional oils clean sludge which will eventually expose a leak.

Simply put, if you have a leak then stop putting a bandaid over it.

I though running 15w40 would plug up leaks lol

Yes, I'm joking

Rafal

 

[T5RUNNER]

That simply means you need to change a gasket(normal on an engine with miles), or that you had sludge sealing your leaks. Even modern conventional oils clean sludge which will eventually expose a leak.

Simply put, if you have a leak then stop putting a bandaid over it.

True, but I think you're looking at it backwards in this case. If you have stopped bleeding with a bandaid, don't rip it off. Also, band aids are easier to change than rear main seals.

I though running 15w40 would plug up leaks lol

Yes, I'm joking

Rafal

The sad part is that is exactly what most "stop leak" additives are, just super thick oil.

 

[amalik]

I have 409k on mine and run valvoline high mileage synthetic blend with no issues... Every other oil change I replace a quart of oil with Marvel Mystery Oil.

Rafal

What oil change interval are you using? I'm currently debating between Valvoline's HM and Mobile 1's HM, both 5W30.

The Valvoline is a syn blend, and the M1 is full synthetic. I'm wondering if a 6k or so OCI would be OK on either or only the M1.

 

[Beaumont67]

Was a big fan of Amsoil, for a few decades.
- but this Ultra Platinum Pennzoil (Full Synthetic), at half the price is top rated / and use a synthetic oil media filter (WIX XP)
- oil processed from clean Natural Gas base stock

My rule of thumb - buy premium oil & filter, and extended oil changes are easily achieved, in older/higher mileage vehicles.

^^ GREAT INFO kball, this week I ordered WIX 51516XP from RockAuto ($6.92 + shipping US$)

I understand Amsoil Synthetic Oil filters are currently manufactured by WIX / premium filter, not their silver or gold series.
Corresponding Amsoil #EA034 (oversize) is WIX Platinum #5156XP.
- just bought my 2000 4Runner SR5 this year, and dealer did the last oil change
- I run WIX Platinum Oil Filters, in all our vehicles now
- on wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited V6, I use Pennzoil Platinum with Wix XP filter
- after 8-10,000 Km, synthetic oil (from Natural Gas base stock) is still half of its honey color
- on my Gen3 T4R, will be using Amsoil 5W-30 and a synthetic media WIX over-sized XP oil filter
[Cut Open] NEW NAPA Platinum 41515 | Engine Oil Filters | Bob Is The Oil Guy

WIX XP filters provide optimum protection for the increased demands on today’s vehicles,” said Donald Chilton, North American product development manager at WIX Filters. “Heavy loads, towing, high-idling city driving and severe driving conditions are no match for the enhanced durability of XP.”

XP, the third oil filter line manufactured by WIX, is available through independent auto parts dealers and warehouse distributors. According to Chilton, XP filters are ideal for vehicles subject to:
• Towing trailers, boats and heavy equipment;
• High idling conditions in stop-and-go city driving; and
• Harsh driving environments, such as dusty and muddy roads and extremely high temperatures.

“Avid automotive enthusiasts and do-it-yourself consumers want the best performance for their vehicles, but even the most devoted enthusiasts are unsure of the ideal filter to choose for synthetic motor oils,” Chilton said. “Our XP line eliminates any confusion and continues the WIX commitment to offer products that align with the demands of today’s vehicles.”

Premium oil filters such as XP provide several benefits, including:
• Wire-backed, fully synthetic media that traps more dirt, dust and grime; and
• Greater resistance to hardening and cracking due to silicone anti-drain-back valve.

“Oil is the life-blood of an engine, which means the oil filter should never be taken for granted, especially in harsh environments,” Chilton said. “The small price maintenance teams must pay for premium filters is well worth the cost when you consider the benefit and components of premium products.”

XP Product Description https://www.amazon.com/WIX-Filters-51516XP-Spin-Filter/dp/B00C5TBXY6
Wix XP Oil Filters use synthetic media and provide robust engine protection when using synthetic motor oil for extreme driving conditions such as towing, extreme idle time, lower gear mountainous climbs, long periods at highway speeds and extreme cold throughout the OE manufacturer's recommended oil and filter change interval. A specifically formulated HNBR gasket provides an excellent seal during extreme cold engine starts and resist hardening under elevated oil temperatures. For spin-ons, Wix XP silicone anti-drain back valves protect against dry starts past the traditional filter change interval. Wix XP Oil Filter Laboratory Test Performance per ISO-4548-12: 32 grams dirt* - up to 100% more than Wix - 99% efficient at 35 microns** (Based on *51515XP - **51356XP, 57060XP)

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beaumont67 View Post
^^ Congrats jmferg on your prestine Gen3.
- I found a really good 1 owner one (2000 T4R SR5 3.4L) in January, but rare in Northern rust belt areas.
California, has all the good solid iron...he-he.

For the money, better oil out there than Mobil1 / which has probably been reformulated (aka changed).
I use to be sold on Amsoil Synthetic / expensive but very good, at extended oil frequencies.

Vehicle fluids - all I run:
a) Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 Synthetic / made from clean Natural Gas, as base stock / on-line reviews are fantastic.
- Walmart.com has 5qt jugs, at $27.88 US / free shipping to specified store
b) Amsoil has one of the best synthetic media oil filters, but pricey.
FYI - WIX makes Amsoil premium filters, their Platium XP series / so buy the WIX 51516XP, at RockAuto.com
- larger capacity one, that used in older Land Crusiers
c) Amsoil Severe Gear oil SAE 75w-90 is my top choice
d) Also I use Amsoil Racing Grease / due to extended oil changes.

^^ Easily expect to get 8,000 mile oil changes (or 13,000 Km.) / while the used oil still maintains a cleanish honey color.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I've used Platinum, Ultra, Platinum high mileage and Rotella T6. I also use the larger Motorcraft FL400S filter. All bought at Walmart.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cleanrunner]

Been using Mobil 1 high mileage 5w30 and a quart of Lucas oil stabilizer and Toyota oil filter for roughly 5years. Just changed with Castrol magnatec 5w30 since it was direct cheap but any good quality oil is sufficient but stay with the OEM Toyota oil filter.

 

[Kurt Nick]

Guys, I've read an article about oils - Best Synthetic Motor Oil (Buying Guide 2020) - Synthetic engine oil for car (Product Reviews) - Carnes Mechanical It helped me to choose the best oil for High Mileage Engine

 

[zcostilla]

The Menard’s near me sells the full-synthetic Shell Rotella Truck Engine for under $20 for a 5qt jug. It has all the seal conditioners that high mileage oils use. T6 is a diesel oil, and costs a lot more, so this is worth it to me. I use the OEM filter from the dealer and stick to 3000 miles.

Synthetic Motor Oil | Gas Truck Synthetic Engine Oil | Shell ROTELLA(R)

 

[pluton]

Guys, I've read an article about oils - Best Synthetic Motor Oil (Buying Guide 2020) - Synthetic engine oil for car (Product Reviews) - Carnes Mechanical It helped me to choose the best oil for High Mileage Engine

Seems like that "article" was just a listing of about 50 different brands/weights of motor oil.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Seems like that "article" was just a listing of about 50 different brands/weights of motor oil.

Yep. It’s just a big ad. See what’s at the bottom of the page?

“ Carnesmechanical is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates”