Motor Oil Opinion

[cabowally]

So the 2000 Tundra and 2008 4Runner (both 2UZ−FE engines) need an oil change. I had to put a new battery in the other Toyota over the weekend and I figured I'd do the oil change myself to save a couple of bucks to offset the battery purchase.

The manual for the 4R calls for 5w-30 and the Tundra wants the same or 10w-30 depending temperature ranges:

There are only 2 places here to buy motor oil and the selection is pretty weak. Neither place had 5w-30, one had 10 qrts of 10w-30 (not enough) and both had plenty of SAE 30.

So my question for you guys is:

If the Tundra is ok with 10w-30 if it doesn't get below 0 degrees, and assuming that the 4R is the same, then wouldn't both be ok with SAE 30 in an environment where the temperature never falls below 50 degrees?

AND, isn't there a benefit that not running multi-grade reduces the chance of sludging?

I think running the SAE is an ok thing to do but I thought I'd check to see if I'm missing something.

Thanks.



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[03_4x4Runner]

The 30 number is the upper temp range and the lower number is the cold temp range. Use the correct oil especially if it gets cold where you live.

 

[Sungod]

My guess is they don't sell multi-weight oil in your area is because you probably don't need it. My guess is you are probably safe running SAE 30 in your climate.

 

[talonjade]

Run the 5W-30 Mobile 1 synthetic and never have a problem!:lol:

(Walmart if all else fails order it online.)

running a synthetic I think saves money over conventional oil, fewer oil changes and better lubrication makes for stronger more efficient engine.

 

[Offroader5]

I think you're on the right track, but the way you said it may be kinda misleading.

The viscosity number is not a temperature rating, but IS related to temperature. The viscosity number is how much resistance/speed the oil has to flowing through a viscometer at a specific tested temperature (usually around 200-210 degrees-engine oper. temp).

A multi-weight like 5w-30 is just tested in both the high temp and a low temp environment. It means that in cold weather, the oil will thin out for better flow at start up, but will not dip below a viscosity of 5. The W in 5w-30 means "winter". Once the engine reaches it's oper. temp, the 5w-30 will be the same viscosity as the straight 30 weight oil.

5w-30, 10w-30, 15w-30, 20w-30, 25w-30....each offers a different thin start-up flow...but are all the same viscosity once the engine warms up.

The only reason to use a multi-weight is IF you live in a cold climate. That said, using 5w-30 in a warm climate won't cause any issues. It's not "thinner oil" than straight 30 weight.

The 30 number is the upper temp range and the lower number is the cold temp range. Use the correct oil especially if it gets cold where you live.

 

[DC runner]

If you are in a warm climate, then I wouldn't worry about 10w-30.

You in Mexico? Like, hot as hell all the time mexico? Then yea, run 10w30. It is better than straight 30, simply because that 5 seconds of start up dry pistons, the 10 will flow in a bit better.

Also.

 

[talonjade]

If you are in a warm climate, then I wouldn't worry about 10w-30.

You in Mexico? Like, hot as hell all the time mexico? Then yea, run 10w30. It is better than straight 30, simply because that 5 seconds of start up dry pistons, the 10 will flow in a bit better.

Also.

Yeah what he said...:thanks:

 

[xxaarraa]

I thought the "W" stood for "Weight" but you may know better.

I run Mobil 1 0-40 and happy with it and I live in Boston where the winters are pretty legit.

 

[JB.]

If I were you, cabowally, I'd ask this over at Bitog.

 

[cabowally]

If you are in a warm climate, then I wouldn't worry about 10w-30.

You in Mexico? Like, hot as hell all the time mexico? Then yea, run 10w30. It is better than straight 30, simply because that 5 seconds of start up dry pistons, the 10 will flow in a bit better.

Yeah hot all the time.

Ran over to the autoparts store yesterday and they were stocking the shelf with 10w-30. I'll go with that.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.





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[Atlanta_man]

I always wonder what 'hot' has to do with anything as long as your car has a working thermostat and cooling system. Maybe HOT HOT in the desert and idling, not moving, would become an oil weight issue.

 

[MikeInNH]

I thought the "W" stood for "Weight" but you may know better.

Nope..the W stands for "WINTER".

10W-30 is probably the best you can use. Even for extreme heat. Remember...that the outside temps aren't going to get anywhere near the temps inside the engine. Even if you live in the middle of the desert in Iraq.