Oil interval???
- Thread starter hec983
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Actually I'm gonna stick with conventional. When I put synthetic in my 2003 Tacoma it made my truck heavie on acceleration or at least that's what I felt. Running conventional feels nice and smooth.
T4R2014
Elite Member
The interval for conventional is 5000 miles as recommended by Toyota. Any less and you are wasting money. Synthetic is the way to go without a doubt. Don't believe any of the hillbilly myths about synthetic. Chances are you were noticing another problem. If synthetic was damaging engines then these big companies would be in some big trouble.
So 5000 miles huh? I don't know but synthetic felt weird like if my truck didn't like the oil. Besides toyota recommends conventional oil for these engines. Also I heard horror stories when switching to synthetic. I'm sticking with conventional, just wondering if 3000 or 5000 k between changes.
If you want MORE miles from the engine.... keep it like new and do frequent oil changes like 3000 miles. If you buy oil (5qt, Valvoline synthetic blend, $17) from Walmart and OEM filter ($4), you basically will spend about $23.
Problem with synthetic is the filter. It is not designed to fun for 6000 or so miles (correct me if I am wrong). And how much you pay for this? $35 with the filter?
Problem with synthetic is the filter. It is not designed to fun for 6000 or so miles (correct me if I am wrong). And how much you pay for this? $35 with the filter?
I'll take your advise I'll change it every 3000 miles. I get the toyota motor oil for 3.50 per qtr not bad at all plus 4.00 for the filter
541joseph
New member
Napa gold filters can withstand 5-6000 miles with synthetic. The oem toyota filters are crap in my opinion. If you cut napa gold and oem filter inhalf and do a side by side you will see what I'm talking about. I'm not a fan of oem stuff honestly. For the price of what you get it's honestly not worth it. The only time I got to the dealer is for stuff that I can't get anywhere else. And honestly I'm not opposed to going 5000 miles with conventional I just think that it just leaves that much more time for it to break down and not do it job.
541joseph
New member
I know I feel like I'm the odd one out. Most people on here swear by oem stuff but growing up around a shop you learn fast what's worth it and what's not. And dealer filters and most stuff Is not worth it IMO I'm not trying to upset any one this is my opinion and I'm open to listening to what people say. It's possible toyota has upped quality on the filters but 2 years ago I split one and it wasn't the best. Not the worst but not the best.
I heard you good point. I'll try to find the link from tacomaworld a member there compare oem filter to another 10 brand including some top notch brands and oem performed the best. I'll check if I can find it. I agree with you thy napa sells some quality parts
Changing more often than Toyota recommends might also increase the rate of metal wear.
Used Oil Analysis: How to decide what is normal - Bob is the Oil Guy
Does anyone have a the manual for a 3rd gen and let us know what toyota recommends???
Crashnrondo
New member
You can download the manual here.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html
BlackCat914
New member
There's a guy here with 730,000+ miles on his original engine and trans, and his truck is dealer serviced. IMO, that's proof enough that the filter that was designed and engineered for our trucks is more than adequate, and is nowhere near lacking in quality or filtering ability. As for me, I change my oil every 3-4 months, which usually equates to 1,500-2,000 miles.
Nunyabiz
New member
I would NEVER run conventional oil in these 3.4 engines more than 3000 miles max.
There are a few engines that are bad for sludging such as the Lexus (Toyota) in certain years such as my wifes ES300 1999.
The 3.4 Toyota is not nearly as bad as that one but it is susceptible to sludging.
Problem with regular conventional oil is that it starts to break down the first time you fire the engine up after you change it.
So conventional 3000 max
quality "real" synthetic about 6000-8000 depending on type of driving you do, if its mostly stop and go, short trips, city then 5000-6000.
If its mostly highway then could stretch it out to 7000-9000 as then the Oil Filter become your main problem as it can only hold but so much particulates.
The "horror stories" you hear about synthetic is complete BS
There are a few engines that are bad for sludging such as the Lexus (Toyota) in certain years such as my wifes ES300 1999.
The 3.4 Toyota is not nearly as bad as that one but it is susceptible to sludging.
Problem with regular conventional oil is that it starts to break down the first time you fire the engine up after you change it.
So conventional 3000 max
quality "real" synthetic about 6000-8000 depending on type of driving you do, if its mostly stop and go, short trips, city then 5000-6000.
If its mostly highway then could stretch it out to 7000-9000 as then the Oil Filter become your main problem as it can only hold but so much particulates.
The "horror stories" you hear about synthetic is complete BS
mmml4
New member
3000 mile changes is total BS and a waste of money unless it is a 60's or 70's era engine with a carburetor or some extreme conditions. The 3.4 v6 has a 6 quart sump and doesn't even have a timing chain in the oil to dirty it up and the EFI is efficient. Read your owners manual.
Granted it's not a Toyota but my 1990 Mitsubishi owners manual recommends 7500 mile oil changes with conventional oil.
I run Shell Rotella T6 in my engines and change the filter at 5000 and the oil and filter at 10,000 with no problems for years.
Just one man's opinion.
Granted it's not a Toyota but my 1990 Mitsubishi owners manual recommends 7500 mile oil changes with conventional oil.
I run Shell Rotella T6 in my engines and change the filter at 5000 and the oil and filter at 10,000 with no problems for years.
Just one man's opinion.
PNW yota
New member
Google "the oil bible" and read. Tons of research and info to debate the issue. The main conclusion I got from reading it was that it's the filter that makes the greatest difference in engine wear keeping particles out of your lubricant. I've always changed every 3k religiously for every rig I've ever owned and since I choose a shorter interval I stick with conventional oil.
