When to start using Synthetic Oil: From Toyota

[Hitman]

Re: Use

I have always been under the impression that you can mix the synthetic and the dino oil together just fine, and you can also go synthetic and go back to a "synthetic mix". The manufacturers make the synthetic mixes constantly for a slightly cheaper price.

Yes, you can always mix synthetic oil and petroleum-based oil without concern....

In fact, that is exactly what the oil companies do with their "blended" or "synthetic mix" oil as you said.

But here's a tip-- If you decide that you would like to start using a synthetic blend, just go out and buy yourself a case of fully synthetic oil and another case of regular petro oil and mix them yourself. This way you will end up with a 50/50 mix, which is much higher than most synthetic blend formulas (I believe the average is only 22% synthetic) and it should cost less than a case of synthetic blend!

 

[oldboy]

....

http://www.newenglandsynthetics.com/TundraBypassInst.htm

I guess I should have described in more detail that I would use a full flow filter along with a bypass filter.
....

Has anyone actually installed one of these setups in a 4th gen V8 4runner? If so, where did you install it? The 4runner v8 has insuffient room to install this next to the battery like the tundra installation (or anywhere else in the engine compartment from what I can see).

Thanks in advance,
Lou

 

[thomasugenius]

How often to change synthetic oil ?

So, I know my first problem is that i don't drive my 4Runner often enough...I put 6000 miles on it a year. I run Mobil 1 Synthetic and am unsure if I should change the oil every 6 months or every year?

 

[mongo161]

Shell Conventional is a great Dino Oil!

Shell conventional motor oil has always served me well for 7K miles. I use the Shell Rotella T6, 05W-40, Full Synthetic when I can find a good price. WalMart usually has it for $19 for a gallon.

If I can't get the Rotella T6, then Shell Conventional is a great oil in 05W-30 for the T4R.

Petroleum Quality Intitute of America

Look at the high ratings on the Shell Conventional. It's too good to pass up if you find it on sale.

 

[mongo161]

Tuf Oil additive and Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner.

There used to be some competing products for oil additives that remained in the engine as a thin coat after the engine was shut down. Products like Slick50 were the best known. Anybody else used these in their Runners? Slick50 has a synthetic additive for synthetic oil, but I haven't heard any results about this or others for quite some time.

I use TufOil as an additive when using a motor oil that is lacking sufficent moly. Tuf Oil is loaded with Moly and is made from petroleum base, just like synthetic. I add 1 ounce per quart of oil at the oil change. The inital treatment calls for 8 ounces and then 4 ounces for subsequent oil changes. I find that my engine runs cooler, smoother and has never caused me any problems. The only other additive I add is Chevron Techron concentrated fuel system cleaner to my fuel. I add a 20 oz bottle every third fill up when the tank is low. No problem with the fuel system or carbon build up and the injectors and manifold are nice and clean.

 

[THEROK]

imo the whole synth v. dino oil debate and those who partake in it like it's their online car forum life's charter... are splittin hairs (i.e. a complete waste of time).

the way you maintain your car meaning following the recommended maintenance procedures, the climate you drive it in, the conditions, your driving style, the way you use your 4R etc will have far greater impact on the well running of your truck than the type of oil you're feeding its engine.

seriously, just go w/ what's in your TOYOTA manual if you're that into the truck. else, just enjoy the drive.

 

[Carl_G]

I agree. I think playing around with stuff that isn't recommended in the owner's manual is "farting around" and asking for trouble.

 

[shuly]

I agree. I think playing around with stuff that isn't recommended in the owner's manual is "farting around" and asking for trouble.

Uh oh...none of my mods are in the owners manual....

:lookout:

 

[mongo161]

I agree. I think playing around with stuff that isn't recommended in the owner's manual is "farting around" and asking for trouble.

I've gone back and forth between synthetic and conventional oils and using whatever is on clearance. I've also mixed conventional with synthetic to make my own blends during the life of my 97 T4R SR5.

I've even mixed synthetic 0w20 with conventional 15w40 with good results.

Still runs fine and has not blown up or been disabled.

 

[Sense-A]

I put synthetic oil in a 1999 4runner and developed a slow leak soon after.

It possibly could not be related, but I correlate the leak and change in type of oil.

I think I would stick to a blend or conventional.

A buddy of mine had a newer toyota truck (a 2012 model?) and he tried putting synthetic oil in it and it started to leak too. He took it back and had either conventional or blended put in and it solved the problem.

Take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm not a tech or mechanic or professional.