Stick with Mobil 1 on 4th Gen?

[ctyoter]

I'm about to do the first oil change on my new-to-me 2008 4R and was wondering if I should stick with Mobil 1 or try something different. My '03 Camry was on Mobil 1 synthetic and filters for as long as I had it and it blew a valve cover gasket, then warped and stripped it's engine block bolt threads (these happened years apart) but still eclipsed 200k without much fuss.

Unnecessary $$$ or none better?

 

[UrbanRunner651]

I use mobil 5000 conventional as a nice middle ground. There is some debate on use of synthetic leading to issues but it really comes down to user preference.
I believe the OEM filters are the way to go though. Few threads showing detailed analysis of some of the other options but usually can get a case from the dealer for cheap.

 

[ctyoter]

I use mobil 5000 conventional as a nice middle ground. There is some debate on use of synthetic leading to issues but it really comes down to user preference.
I believe the OEM filters are the way to go though. Few threads showing detailed analysis of some of the other options but usually can get a case from the dealer for cheap.

Thanks for the info; will look into the filters. Question though: if you buy a case of filters, do they have a shelf life of sorts? I do two changes a year at the rate I drive so that'd be a lot of sitting around.

 

[ctyoter]

Ordered some filters and gaskets. Now to find some oil...

 

[Bumbo]

I have over 200k on my 4th gen and gave it nothing but standard conventional oil… the cheapest I could find when doing the work myself. I’m sure the dealers do the same.

I would venture to guess the car probably cares less about it than you do. Just change it regularly.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I have over 200k on my 4th gen and gave it nothing but standard conventional oil… the cheapest I could find when doing the work myself. I’m sure the dealers do the same.

I would venture to guess the car probably cares less about it than you do. Just change it regularly.

This. The people at Blackstone Labs say oil is oil and synthetic offers no significant advantage. BTW, I’ve had my 4R for 5 years but only recently stumbled across the Service Bulletin stating that 5W-20 is approved (actually, recommended) for 2006 & up 4th Gens.

 

[UrbanRunner651]

Question though: if you buy a case of filters, do they have a shelf life of sorts?

You'll be fine. I just used my last one after a little over a year from purchase. They typically come with a plastic seal over the entire open end of the filter. They also pre-lube the gasket and include a new drainplug fiber washer.

 

[AuSeeker]

You'll be fine. I just used my last one after a little over a year from purchase. They typically come with a plastic seal over the entire open end of the filter. They also pre-lube the gasket and include a new drainplug fiber washer.

Which filter are you referring too?

I have several 90915-YZZD3 filters for my V8 but I think the V6 uses the same filter and yes they are sealed with a plastic film on the opened end...but none of them have a new drain plug washer in the boxes, when you posted this I went and looked at all of them, they were bought from a Toyota dealership so I know they're genuine OEM filters.

Edit: I just looked online and a very few vendors especially on eBay selling the cases of filters do include new drain plug washers, but most do not, when included they seem to come in a separate plastic bag package and not in the individual filter boxes.

 

[Bernardchan96]

I'm about to do the first oil change on my new-to-me 2008 4R and was wondering if I should stick with Mobil 1 or try something different. My '03 Camry was on Mobil 1 synthetic and filters for as long as I had it and it blew a valve cover gasket, then warped and stripped it's engine block bolt threads (these happened years apart) but still eclipsed 200k without much fuss.

Unnecessary $$$ or none better?

Good oil is important, but most major oil brands are pretty similar, the oil filter is important though, i never touch fram. I usually run Penzoil platinum as its always on sale near me with a WIX XP filter. I think youtube farm productions on oil tests in cold environments and penzoil did really well, as did MOBIL1, Royal purple had the worst cold conditions flow.

 

[UrbanRunner651]

Which filter are you referring too?

I believe that is the same filter for both motors but don't have the PN on hand. So far, I have gone through at least a dozen, and the last case I bought (in-store at the dealer) had a new blue gasket washer in the bottom of each of the filter boxes.
I just toss them though since I have a fumoto valve and don't need to remove anything.
typically looks like this (but different PN)

 

[metallitera]

Toyota filters.

Some may balk, but I started using WalMart's house brand synthetic oil. It's super cheap and has better certifications than Mobil 1. Cheaper than most name brand conventional oils too (~$16 for a 5qt. jug!)

My friend switched and I as well. We are both going to send off samples and see how they stand up.

 

[Shiftless Joe]

You guys do know Mobil 1 is not an actual synthetic oil right?

See Mobil V Castrol

If you want a true synthetic, use Redline, Schaeffers, and possibly a few others