Changing from High Mileage Oil to Conventional Oil.... Whats the truth?!

[2KT4R]

Ive had the oil done by a shop for the last 3 changes (since Ive owned the truck.... she doesn't go far often, low km's each year), and all three times I've stuck with the same oil.

Valvoline 5W30 MaxLife Next Gen. Synthetic Blend

Truck runs great, no complaints product wise, the shop techs on the other hand, not impressed with... (breaking bolts and other parts....amateurs) Not to mention the price upwards of $90 per oil change... rip off...

Anyway, to the point.... Im going to start doing my own changes:

- TOYOTA filter
- Castrol GTX (Costco carries this for a great price)
OR
- Castrol EDGE Synthetic (Costco again)

Thoughts on this change? I don't know the previous oil change history on the truck and what was used. The truck has 280,000 km on it.

Whats the truth about changing from high mileage oil to conventional???

I have no leaks and so I've read with mixed opinions, some says high mileage is marketing and others say high mileage swells seals and when changed to conventional can cause leaks as the seals "un-swell"

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. (Keep in mind, this is all CAN $ and KM's)

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Ive had the oil done by a shop for the last 3 changes (since Ive owned the truck.... she doesn't go far often, low km's each year), and all three times I've stuck with the same oil.

Valvoline 5W30 MaxLife Next Gen. Synthetic Blend

Truck runs great, no complaints product wise, the shop techs on the other hand, not impressed with... (breaking bolts and other parts....amateurs) Not to mention the price upwards of $90 per oil change... rip off...

Anyway, to the point.... Im going to start doing my own changes:

- TOYOTA filter
- Castrol GTX (Costco carries this for a great price)
OR
- Castrol EDGE Synthetic (Costco again)

Thoughts on this change? I don't know the previous oil change history on the truck and what was used. The truck has 280,000 km on it.

Whats the truth about changing from high mileage oil to conventional???

I have no leaks and so I've read with mixed opinions, some says high mileage is marketing and others say high mileage swells seals and when changed to conventional can cause leaks as the seals "un-swell"

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. (Keep in mind, this is all CAN $ and KM's)

In my opinion as long as your changing the oil regular during 5,000 mi interval your good. Difference between high mile oil and Conventional oil is basically the type of detergents and cleaning solution mixed into the oils more or less. Synthetic / Conventional opinions vary there, do synthetic cause leaks on engines that have only been ran on conventional oil, I would say no there is no real proof that I have seen that supports the theory. If a seal starts leaking its because its worn and time to replace it that simply. I have seen studies that support synthetic oils do hold up better than conventional oil or provides better lubrication of parts rather but that about it.

 

[thebrandon]

Switch back and forth as much as you want. if a leak happens, it has nothing to do with your oil.

Pick an oil, change it regularly, and you will be all set.

 

[2KT4R]

Appreciate the replies.

Any other opinions?

 

[SURF RUNNER]

I recently had an oil change and I used Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic 5W 30 on my 4Runner with 173,000 miles. I did a lot of research and the OEM Toyota oil filter is probably the best.

If you have never changed out your fuel filter you might want to do that. Toyota says that it is a lifetime part, but most on the forum disagree. Buy OEM from a Toyota dealer - it should cost around $35.

 

[2KT4R]

Ive done the fuel filter yes.

Im definitely going to stick with the toyota oil filter aswell when i do the change.

Im more looking for other opinions or solid info on going from using high mileage oil back to conventional and if it will harm it changing back.

 

[AZTOY]

I haven't switched oil types, but I always use OEM filters and Castrol GTX conventional. No problems and engine looked good when I replaced valve cover gaskets.