Toyota oil requirements...

True story
My buddy stopped by approx a month ago. He pulls into my driveway and says what ya doing ? I replied just finished changing the oil. He asks what kind of oil. I replied just some cheap 5w-30 shit from Walmart. He says, oh ok I use 5w-30 also with whatever is on sale. I said, you know the cap says 0w-20 right ? He replied “bullshit” . He then popped the hood to look and was surprised. He currently has 210k on a 2008 Tundra with the 5.7...

 

I don't think anyone here is going to suggest that using 5w30 over 0w20 is going to cause issues with your engine. The point is that if Toyota engineers specify using a certain weight because of all the benefits they see for their engine (some they tell us about and others they may not) then why not follow those recommendations? Also, I like the comfort of following those directions and having a record of doing so in case an engine warranty situation were to arise. Would they deny the warranty because I was not using the spec oil? Probably not, but they could if they wanted to. I'd rather not take that chance. It is that simple, really.

 

I agree that you should use what’s recommended by Toyota. But me ? I’ve been following rules and regulations my whole life. Now that I’m retired I don’t want to. And I really don’t give a shit what weight goes in this bitch.

 

Good for you.

 

I heard if you put 20w-50 in, you won’t have the camshaft tower leak ! Lol

 

Said the 3ufe. I’ll have to look more closely

 

Smoke and mirror Mike swears has been caught in more lies about Toyota trucks trying to make them seem like Toyota is giving them more then they actually are. Colorado tj is most likely correct on tuning maps changing, if they increased bearing tolerances then crankshaft, rods, bearings, camshaft's etc would have to be changed for that. I just cannot see Toyota making that investment during the engines life cycle. I could be wrong but I just think its highly doubtful.

 

There is a new spec oil here in the US (been used for years in Japan), Ilsac gf-6, a 0-16w oil. The newest camry uses it.

I will trust those who engineer the vehicle and the oil rather than think my old school way is right.

 

Or the 1VD-FTV Diesel? They have that over there don't they?

 

Care to post proof of this? I'd love to read it.

 

Most of what I saw was over the 3rd gen taco when it first came out, he was caught as to saying every part was changed except something like a seatbelt bracket I think it was. I mean I don't blame the guy, he cant go out and say hey this all new Tacoma really isn't all new, its his job to perk up the product for Toyota. Same with the efficiency thing for the Tundra, they may have made changes but they were falling behind and still are to the other manufactures in that aspect so they have to say they have done something to keep interest. I still say more so with tuning vs retooling for tighter clearances. My bet is the 5.7 tolerances were already tight enough to allow the use of 0w20...but without concrete proof were just shooting in the dark here.

 

I live in Georgia as a reference. After using 0w20 since new to 12000 Miles , I decided to use 5w30 to stave off the engine noises. 5w30 significantly reduced typical Tundra valve train noises but the fuel economy took a nose dive. With 0w20 i was getting 15-16mpg in city and 18-19mpg highway which reduced to 13-14mpg city/ 17hwy. Engine works harder to operate in thicker viscosity oil.
I then went to 5w20 and I feel I found the sweet spot. a quieter engine and as good as 0w20 fuel economy numbers. If you don't tow or beat up on your truck, I think 5w20 is the way to go. If you don't care about the fuel economy or operate in demanding environments go with 5w30

 

Old thread from May/2019.....Oil threads never gets old..

 

if something fails in the engine and Toyota doesn't have service history of your vehicle they will point the finger else where same as any other manufacture. which will lead to you having to provide the service history and if all you oil change services says 0w40 or any thing other than 0w-20 5w-20 the will say its that companies fault for putting in the wrong oil , and when you go there dispute with them, they will provide you with what you asked to be put in it and have 0 responsibility for it leaving you to foot the bill.

 

yeah old thread and everything....there is very little difference in viscosity between 0w20 and 5w30. The change in viscosity is definitely not enough to wreck and engine short or long term and doesn't justify the mental gymnastics.

The manual even gives a range of climates where each oil is recommended.

I can believe that 5w30 quiets the valve train a bit so if that is a thing for you then switch.

If I was in Bullhead City Az year round I'd run 5w30 year round.

 

At that pointe you must summon all of your mana and cast... help me out, somebody. What spell should we cast?

 

Damn, I'm not a high enough level to cast any advanced spells like that. I got an elixir though, maybe I can just pour that in the tank?

I heard once you reach level 24, you learn the spell "oil perfection" and supposedly it turns the oil inside of you truck into the perfect grade for the engine. But at level 32 you learn "snake oil" which you can cast on your opponents trucks. I didn't read what it does exactly though.