Same here. I figure split the difference between the 10k "normal" use spec, and the 5k "severe" spec.
How often do you change YOUR oil??
- Thread starter RobS10
- Start date
Same here. I figure split the difference between the 10k "normal" use spec, and the 5k "severe" spec.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
Haven't done a compression check as the engine has shown no sign of issues. Should easily clock 400K
Lexington
Member
I plan on keeping my 4Runner for a very long time so I change my oil about every 5k. When I do change it I have them put in 6qt. I fill the remainder 0.6qt with Marvel Mystery Oil or Lucas.
About every 3rd or 4th oil change I use a engine flush. This is the stuff you put in your engine just before a oil change. It’s supposed to break up the sludge so you can drain it all out when you do the oil change. I put it in at the oil changing place, let it idle for 5 min then change the oil.
About every 3rd or 4th oil change I use a engine flush. This is the stuff you put in your engine just before a oil change. It’s supposed to break up the sludge so you can drain it all out when you do the oil change. I put it in at the oil changing place, let it idle for 5 min then change the oil.
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RobS10
Member
Back in college in the early 1980s I took an engine rebuilding class. The professor said he ran a quart of ATF in his engine every once in a while to flush things out. I wonder if ATF is similar to "engine flush"?
IslandJim
New member
12 months or about 3,000 miles a year. Per the manufacturers maintenance requirements.
If you do a lot of short trips which gets fuel in the oil, your probably not getting 7500 miles a year. Which is probably why Toyoata says every 10,000 miles or every 12 months.
Also water vapor mixing with the oil can help cause sludge too, highly reccommend a catch can for those doing a lot of short driving trips.
If you do a lot of short trips which gets fuel in the oil, your probably not getting 7500 miles a year. Which is probably why Toyoata says every 10,000 miles or every 12 months.
Also water vapor mixing with the oil can help cause sludge too, highly reccommend a catch can for those doing a lot of short driving trips.
cumminsdieselfreak
Member
Oil, filter, grease driveshaft, ball joints(spc) every 10k.
Use Amsoil 5w-30 sig series, Amsoil filter or TRD filter, Amsoil or Valvoline greases.
Use Amsoil 5w-30 sig series, Amsoil filter or TRD filter, Amsoil or Valvoline greases.
mnofpeace
Member
with Mobile1, the 'high mileage' stuff with the 15k markings...
every 10K like clockwork.
on my 2014 SR5 with 144k on the clocks...its never had anything other than that in the cases...mild off roading, towing in the summertime, winter driving of course, mostly sits during the summertime months (motorcyclist here)...seems to work just fine for me
every 10K like clockwork.
on my 2014 SR5 with 144k on the clocks...its never had anything other than that in the cases...mild off roading, towing in the summertime, winter driving of course, mostly sits during the summertime months (motorcyclist here)...seems to work just fine for me
Twilghtzone
Member
Yup... like you I'm an old-fashioned guy.
Early on, metal shavings out. Then decent synthetic every 4 to 5K.
Pull the dipstick... oil dark ? Rub it between fingers... still slick or not ?
Early on, metal shavings out. Then decent synthetic every 4 to 5K.
Pull the dipstick... oil dark ? Rub it between fingers... still slick or not ?
Hungryhawk
Member
Engine oil change interval
I am old school too. First at 1,500 miles and had the mechanic save first catch oil out drain in a clear wide mouth jar and shockingly oil was black!
I saved the jar for a few months before draining it into a 5 Qt. Jug for disposal at auto parts store.
The black grit in the bottom of the jar was the second shock.
Now I change every 5000 or so with synthetic and rotate tires -cross front to rear. Rear straight to front.
Hungryhawk
2017 SR5
I am old school too. First at 1,500 miles and had the mechanic save first catch oil out drain in a clear wide mouth jar and shockingly oil was black!
I saved the jar for a few months before draining it into a 5 Qt. Jug for disposal at auto parts store.
The black grit in the bottom of the jar was the second shock.
Now I change every 5000 or so with synthetic and rotate tires -cross front to rear. Rear straight to front.
Hungryhawk
2017 SR5
Lexington
Member
From my understanding Engine Flush products have a lot more detergent and are much stronger than ATF fluid. Most recommend that you add it just before your oil change and let your engine idle for 5 min. If you do drive it only do it for a very short distance. It’s primarily designed to break down the sludge so you can drain it out with the oil change but the Car Care Nut guy said they are also good at removing residue that can cause piston rings to stick which can damage you piston side walls and cause more oil burn. However, he only recommends using them every 3rd oil change or greater because the detergent chemicals are harsh on o-rings and seal and can eat away at them if used too frequently, thus causing other problems.
As for ATF fluid, yes I remember my mechanic back in the day recommending adding AFT fluid about 300-50 miles before a oil change to get rid of your sludge and gunk build up. I think products like Marvel Mystery Oil performs somewhat the same way in that its designed to keep your engine clean and prevent sludge, carbon and gunk build up but doesn't have a mileage limit. You can simply add it with every oil change.
As for ATF fluid, yes I remember my mechanic back in the day recommending adding AFT fluid about 300-50 miles before a oil change to get rid of your sludge and gunk build up. I think products like Marvel Mystery Oil performs somewhat the same way in that its designed to keep your engine clean and prevent sludge, carbon and gunk build up but doesn't have a mileage limit. You can simply add it with every oil change.
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2021nightshade4x4
New member
So, does that accomplish the same as running an engine flush from a bottle for a few minutes immediately prior to your next oil change?
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Lexington
Member
I would assume so but I think the engine flush is more aggressive in removing sludge and contaminates. Perhaps someone on this forum might have more knowledge on using ATF fluid compared to engine flush.
RobS10
Member
Not sure what mileage Toyota sets the light comes on at, but might be in the manual or someone here can chime in. I'm planning on changing it every 5,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
I would just keep track of it with one of the Trip meters, or, occasionally check the sticker they put in the top left part of your windshield if the people that changed use those.
1st oil change was at 1500, 2nd was at 5k, every 5k from that point forward. May sound like an overkill, but I just don't see running up to 10k with a lot of city driving.
1st rear end oil change, 5k. Oil was black and thin and had a bit of metal debris on magnet. Looks like Toyota may have put in some sort of additive for break-in period. It was pretty nasty and smelled really bad.
My son works at a Toyota dealership and he changes my oil so I know its being done right.
1st rear end oil change, 5k. Oil was black and thin and had a bit of metal debris on magnet. Looks like Toyota may have put in some sort of additive for break-in period. It was pretty nasty and smelled really bad.
My son works at a Toyota dealership and he changes my oil so I know its being done right.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Overkill never killed a soul. Lack of maintenance, now… LOL
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Hammer0313
New member
10w30 or 5w30 every 5k!
honda250xtitan
New member
light comes on every 5k miles
Changed at below Odo:
3,882
11,844
19,498
So.. other than getting the break in metals out, I change every ~7,500 miles.
Didn’t do oil analysis on first change, but the next 2 came back with enough TBNs to have gone to 10k miles. Honestly it’s more a time thing and when I’m past 7,000 and a nice (not hot) day comes I just do it.
3,882
11,844
19,498
So.. other than getting the break in metals out, I change every ~7,500 miles.
Didn’t do oil analysis on first change, but the next 2 came back with enough TBNs to have gone to 10k miles. Honestly it’s more a time thing and when I’m past 7,000 and a nice (not hot) day comes I just do it.
