Oil Preferences/5w-40?

[Redline]

I need to decide what oil I will run in my new V8 4Runner. I have been using Mobil Delvac 1 5w-40 synthetic in both my wife's VW Golf TDI (it calls for 5W-40 and a 10k interval) and in the 4.0L Wrangler I just sold. I was thinking of using 5w-40 synthetic in my 4.7L, but Toyota recommends a 5w-30.

Are their 'issues' with the variable valve timing that might make the 5w-40 a bad choice? After I change to synthetic I will go to a 5000-mi. change interval. I really like Red Line's products (use their gear/trans oils) and might think of using their 5w-30 or 10-30.

Thoughts...?

Oh yeah, I bought an AC Delco oil filter today (#PF53), it's so small it looks like a motorcycle filter !

 

[Grim Reaper]

On a synthetic I don't think its a bad choice of weight. The filter I question however. I use A/C on my GM truck. on GM's the filter mounts vertical so issues with Drain back are minimal.

On my 4Runner the filter mounts on its side. I have had really bad luck with Bosch drain back valves and I think the A/C filters are made by the same people. If you compare a Bosch to a A/C for the GM applications they look identical other then the color and labels.

If your filter hangs vertical this won't be an issue but if it mounts on its side it is something to concider.


On my Toyota because of the filter location I use a Toyota filter from the dealer. It seems to help the dry start from drain back.

This is a good read:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

 

[Redline]

I bought an AC Delco filter because I was already at a parts house looking for a Wix but Delco was all they had in the right size. I'm not sure because I don't have the stock filter off, but the Delco filter almost looks slightly smaller. Do the V6 and V8 take the same/similar filter? I'm not opposed to buying Toyota filters, just need to find a decent source for them.

I just called my local dealer; oil filters are $6.99 each. I paid 5.65 for the Delco and I'm not opposed to paying $1.50 more for a Toyota filter if it is better.

I asked about air filters (which my regular parts house didn't have in stock) and it's $35.70, a little spendy, but I like paper filters and will likely buy one today to have on-hand.

I understand your point about staying with the factory grade/spec (5w-30). I was thinking that since 5w-40 meets all of those specs, but more on the top end, it would be acceptable.

I agree with your observation about all oil debates ending with synthetic vs. petroleum, etc., and I agree that dino oil is very good these days. Regardless, it will be synthetic for me for the cold temps in the winter, 4-Wheelin', and towing protection.

You asked, so here's my $0.02. Use the weight that Toyota recommends, this is more important now than ever. As far as multi-weight, the smallest spread that fits into the manufacturer's recommendation is best. It takes quite a bit of chemical engineering to get a oil to change weights and the bigger the difference from light to heavy the more additives and refining it takes to achieve it. If Toyota says 5W-30 and that fits your temperature range, stick with that.

Brand is a personal matter. Redline has a loyal following, as do Castrol, Mobil, Valvoline, Royal Purple, etc. The main thing I've come to conclude is pick a well regarded major brand and stick with it, the additive packages can react between brands. Naturally oil discussions alway comes down to synthetic verse dino, which Group III or Group IV synthetic, etc. In the end it really doesn't matter all that much. Even standard petroleum lubes now must meet pretty strict SAE guidelines and are good, all synthetic are even better. Driving our trucks off highway is tough and so follow the severe duty schedule with quality oil and a good filter and you'll be fine. I follow a ~3000 mile interval with Syntec and Toyota filters.

Oh, also why a Delco and not Toyota filters? I use either Toyota or the Purolator equivalent (this is who makes Toyota filters in North America).

 

[DaveInDenver]

I just called my local dealer; oil filters are $6.99 each. I paid 5.65 for the Delco and I'm not opposed to paying $1.50 more for a Toyota filter if it is better.

You guys with these new trucks... Keep an old truck on the road or restore one, you'll get to know your parts guy really well! Filters from my dealer guy are next to nothing, I buy them 6 at a time and end up at probably around $3 or something. The best way to a parts counterman's good side is the 6-pack (well besides spending thousands of dollars in parts). Seriously. Go in a few times and find the guy that seems helpful and genuine, then be sure to ask for him each time you go in. Bring a sixer and shoot the breeze, they remember good customers and you start getting the good prices. I started going to mine for the TLCA/Rising Sun discount they offered, which another way to get a break on prices.

There's nothing wrong with AC-Delco filters, they along with Wix, Purolator, Motorcraft, NAPA Gold (Wix) and Carquest Blue (Wix) are all fine. But being built to Toyota spec there might be slight changes to things like anti-drain back valves that will be better with the mount. I know the 22R-E filter is horizontal and the 1GR is upside down, so you don't want the oil draining out of the filter as it sits.

 

[Nullifier]

higher #'s mean thicker oil. THose thicker oils are good for engines that run hot or get worked in hot environments. In cold area's those thick oils do not flow as well thuse lowering lubrication performance. running the lowest # oil that works for your application is generally the best.

Down in my neck of the woods in the summer I run a 20w50 in my v-8 work trucks since they tow non stop all day. I switch to a 10w30 in the winter for better lubrication in colder weather.

In my daily drivers I run recomended oil wieght all year. Valvoline full synthetic and an oversize napa filters.

:26_16_2: nothing better then a well lubed ride

 

[Clutch]

The parts guy (Reggie, I think) at Desert Toyota gives me a couple free filters every once in a while.

I usually change my oil every 2500 miles...so I am in there alot. :Mechanic: