Chaning to Synthetic Oil on 2002 Camry XLE V6; Question...

[Macreative]

I have heard that it is wise to switch to Synthetic Oil but I have a few questions, perhaps some of you have been through the synthetic oil knowlege base:

1. I dont know if my Toyota dealer carries Synthetic oil, if I need to bring my own, which brand should I buy and what rating? I have the V6 1Z MFE engine.

2. If I change to synthetic, will I need a different kind of oil filter for the switchover and if so, does Toyota have it?

3. I thought that it would be wise to make the switch to synthetic due to the sluge problem that many people have experienced with the V6 1z MFE engine. Will it provide much more of a benefit if any?

The big players use synthetic as a standard; BMW, Mercedes, I think lexus does too. It most be much better.

Thanks for any input,
-Robbie.

[wontonjohnny]

ive read that it is not wise to breakin a engine with synthetic... but after your break in period syn is the way to go. my uncle is a motorcycle mechanic hes been one for 30 years now, hes seen everythin ... and tells me syn is worth it.

[livininthefastlane]

proabley the best syn oil out there ismobil 1, or 2nd best castrol syntect.......

[91camryDX]

Do you change your own oil?

[livininthefastlane]

yea....why not?

[Phi]

Hey Rob,

1. Yes, the dealer does have synth. motor oil
2. No, you don't need a special oil filter
3. Sludge only happens to idiots that don't change their oil on a regular basis.

I switched to synth. at 36K km simply for peace of mind. I can tell you that startup is much more pleasant and not harsh. Synth. oil basically doesn't break down or gel up at extreme temps. It's viscosity is maintained within a tighter range when both hot and cold. Whereas mineral oil doesn't have that property.
If you can afford to switch, I'd strongly suggest you go for it. Otherwise, just use reg oil and change it frequently.

[cmrygrl94]

U sould wait out the firts couple thousand of miles with what can of oil came stock then once u have broken in the engine which over to synthetic oil becuz it has more additives than regular oil . The only thing is once u go synthetic don't go back. The synthetic oil leaves a slick coating over the engine and when u go back to regular oil it strips your engine of the coating the previous sythetic oil left. Go synthetic but stay synthetic it will benefit u in the long run.
Elaine

[livininthefastlane]

true, very true!

[mach_y]

if you want the best (fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, and synthetic oil) you can buy, look into Amsoil products. Their website is www.amsoil.com, which you can order directly from. Or, sometimes you get lucky and a local shop might carry the line so you avoid shipping.