Changes in how I care for the vehicle with this recall

1) Now running 87 Octane. Keep in mind I am at about 5,000’ +/- elevation typically, so they sell 85 as a replacement for 87. I had previously run 91 nearly all the time after reading so many things about it online with the turbos and so on.

Observations thus far = truck runs ever so slightly rougher and louder with the lower octane fuel. Not as responsive (probably not measurable to someone not familiar with the vehicle). More noticeable at idle. This has always been something I haven’t liked about the truck is that I feel like it idles too low, which makes it feel rough. I have always suspected this was due to it being programmed for hybrid and start stop. But the higher octane fuel seemed to smooth this out somewhat. I feel there is a slight drop in efficiency, and will do some hand calculations over the next few months. Probably offset by lower fuel costs up front. I plan to still use 91 when towing.

2) I am allowing Start/Stop to do its thing. I quit over riding it. Found out it actually doesn’t come on that often. Even when it does engage, its operation is very smooth and seamless.

3) Oil changes will go to 7500 from 5000. Still very distrustful of 10,000. However, my last oil change was the first one I had done myself with a quality oil. The oil at 5k was not burnt smelly like the previous one had been, which was done at the dealership. I think they use the cheapest bare minimum they can get by the barrel. I have never smelled such a foul oil smell as when I did that first one. I can get O’Reilly’s 0-20 Full Synthetic for $30/5qts which is rated quite well over at Bob the Oil Guy site. All told I can run a higher quality oil and a decent filter for $60 ish, and be done in less time than it takes to pay $120 for lower grade materials at the dealership.


I understand there isn’t any science behind any of this, but it’s all within the manual and normal engineered operation of the truck, which I had been exceeding. I plan to observe how it goes and will influence my care of the vehicle once the new engine is installed. I am wondering if I was being too over the top. The extra money I was spending is not going to save the engine. I am convinced it’s a design/engineering/materials error.

 

Prior to getting a new engine there probably isn't much you can do to prevent or prolong failure. If the dreaded hanging chads are in your engine, the fuse is lit.

On your replacement engine? all bets are off.

 

I'm not changing a thing. Oil change every 7,500 with Amsoil, I use 87 octane for normal driving, and 91 octane for towing. If my 24 engine craps out, Toyota buys me a new one. I don't care.

 

I just switched from cheap 87 to 91 and surprisingly, almost all throttle lag is gone and truck is much more responsive and pleasure to drive. I'll stay at 91 and 5k oil changes

 

Oreilly’s oil is $30/5 qts? Dang. Pennzoil Platinum is only $24/5 qts at Walmart.