using 15w40 oil in 4runner

[duffbeer911]

Hi all,

I realise this has been asked quite a bit before and I see that it is obviously not idea to use 15w40 engine oil.

But, I'm stuck and only have access to 15w40 Valvoline All Climate oil here. Currently the oil level is really quite low so it would be almost entirely this oil if I fill it up.

I'm in Sierra Leone, West Africa, so temps are pretty warm. Rarely drops below 25C and is more like 30C during the day.

So, how bad would it be to use this oil? Even if I just used it for a few trips and then did a change when I can get the recommended stuff?

thanks

 

[twitchee2]

If thats all you can get, I feel like any oil is better then no oil. I would just make it a point to change it out as soon as you get the chance.

 

[541joseph]

It's not going to hurt anything. Honestly I've been thinking of putting it in mine. If you have around 150k you could run it all the time without damage

 

[duffbeer911]

cool thanks. Its going in

Who knows how many miles I have on this thing! I'd say at least 200k+ miles from what I can figure ... but the clock was wound back when they brought it to Africa so I'll never know for sure ...

 

[T4R2014]

XXW40 oils are within recommended grades of oil for the 5VZFE in other countries. 15W40 should be fine as long as you aren't dealing with cold weather which I highly doubt.

 

[AZ4Running]

Too thick imo but any oil is betrer than on oil. I would use 10w30 or 5w30.

 

[T4R2014]

Too thick imo but any oil is betrer than on oil. I would use 10w30 or 5w30.

No it isn't. 5/10W30 oils are spec'd for North American 5VZ's presumably for fuel economy reasons. If you look at the oil specs for the 5VZ in other countries you will find that oils such as 5W40 and 15W40 is the norm. In fact, 15W40 is recommended in most European countries for the 5VZ.

 

[541joseph]

And plus it never gets cold there so he has nothing to worry about anyway

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I run 5w40 Rotella T6. It ok oil.

 

[AZ4Running]

I understand that different climates need differnet weight oils. The op lives in africa where temps are high. I live in arizona and avergae summer temps are 110+ . I run 5w30 in all my vehicles. I woukd think that 10w30 or even 5w40 would work well and give a good balance of lubrication and economy. Too thick of an oil viscosity and you will loose power and fuel economy from too much drag and you will see increased oil pressure. Higher viscosity oils are also good for motors that have some bearing wear causing lower oil pressure, the more viscous oil will help increase oil pressure and better fill the increased gap between the breaings.