Synthetic Oil - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Zvolen · 07-18-2006, 04:54 PM

I have recently purchase a 2001 Camry with 80k miles and recently joined the Toyota community. I want to eventually start some upgrades but that is in the future for now I want to protect my investment for years to come and ensure that this car will be a reliable vehicle for the upcoming years. I understand 80K miles is “technically” considered a lot of miles although may not be for a Toyota. Therefore I wanted to put synthetic oil in my vehicle, I was going to use the Castrol Synthetic oil but wasn’t sure if there is a better choice some of you may have, or better yet a synthetic oil targeted more for higher mileage vehicles that I may have passed up. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

-Z

DBIGMAC1 · 07-18-2006, 06:52 PM

Mobil 1 Synthetic with a K&N filter. Nothing more nothing less.

Ken4 · 07-18-2006, 07:25 PM

The USA made Castrol Syntec should be fine. They are Group III oils and will not cause leaks.

Zvolen · 07-18-2006, 09:13 PM

So, i am guessing that there realy are no synthetic oils soecifically for higher mile cars, the synthetics are good enough that they do that anyway, in preventing leaks.

Well thanks for the responses.

djarno · 07-18-2006, 09:47 PM

I plan to also switch to synthetic oil too. My '95 Camry has 90K miles on it now. I've heard though that if you convert to synthetic, you cannot switch back to conventional oil. Is that true? Also, does anyone know what product removes carbon build-up from my 1MZ-FE? I opened my engine oil cap and saw a sh**load of carbon.

***RningOnFumes*** · 07-18-2006, 10:44 PM

*smile...

try seafoaming it.

And I do the full synthetic -Full synthetic 15k miles and Mobile or bosch filter.

Forced Induxion · 07-18-2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RningOnFumes

*smile...

try seafoaming it.

And I do the full synthetic -Full synthetic 15k miles and Mobile or bosch filter.

Seafoam is a very strong solvent and could actually damage your seals. I wouldn't use it for more than 10 mins. Auto-RX is the safest and best way to go IMO. Trust me, your engine will be sooooooo clean after an auto-rx treatment.

If you're looking for high mileage oils... I know mobile makes specific lines of oil for high mileage cars.

DBIGMAC1 · 07-18-2006, 11:03 PM

I heard the same thing about switching types of oil. I have asked 5 different SAE Mechanics and they said that is bull. If your using a synthetic you dont need a high mileage oil. I have a 95 camry with 97k and I only use Mobil 1. I do all my family's oil changes and I use Mobil 1 and a K&N filter on my camry, my mom's volvo, my dad's porche and my sister's camry. Never any problems ever. I'll never use anything else.

Zvolen · 07-19-2006, 01:09 AM

I will just use the regular synthetic oil, sounds good. I was also planning on using seafoam, thanks for the heads up I will look into rx.

jhbhatia · 07-19-2006, 10:52 AM

i use mobil1 with toyota oil filters. A lot of members agree that is one solid combination.

popeye08 · 07-19-2006, 11:23 AM

Why dont you guys go to http://www.valvoline.com/ to print the rebate for the FREE high milleage engine oil or full synthetic engine oil. I dont know how this brand is, but IT IS FREE!

Klutch · 07-19-2006, 11:54 AM

Take a look at Motorcraft oil. Off another recommendation from another user here I'm going to switch to it. It is a synthetic blend and made by one of the major players in motor oil (can't remember who). It's also reasonable to purchase. I bought a 5 quart jug all Wally world for $9.xx the other day, same price as normal oil. I never realized it was a sythetic blend until he pointed that out.

patrickh31 · 07-19-2006, 11:57 AM

I'll throw in my two cents here. I have a 94 Camry with 170k+ miles on it. I have used Amsoil 0w30 severe service oil with both Amsoil filters and Toyota oem filters. I go 30k between changes with filters changed every 6k. I have never had a problem doing it this way as I have no leaks and have never had a mechanical problem with my engine. Having said this, I understand that a lot of people would have reticence about going 30k between changes, so take it for what it is worth.

As far as synthetic oils go definitely go for a quality full synthetic. Regardless of what the manufacturers say there is 0 difference between a regualr full synthetic oil and a "high mileage" synthetic oil. The difference is in the additive package that is in the oil, the high milage stuff usually has a little bit of seal softner in it. Don't waste your money on blends, you are losing most of the benefit of the synthetic by mixing it with conventional.

Hope this helps.

Klutch · 07-19-2006, 01:49 PM

I disagree about blends losing the benefit. Part of the benefit of synthetic oil is that it doesn't break down as quickly as petro, therefore giving you longer life. The motorcraft stuff the same price as petro.

The important thing is to change it frequently and check it constantly. Anytime I'm tooling around in the garage I pop the hood on mine and my wifes car and check the oil.

AutoBox · 07-19-2006, 01:55 PM

question...If your switching from a conventional oil to a full synthetic oil, is it necessary to change your oil first with a synthetic blend for a couple thousand miles...run that through the engine...then change into the full synthetic?

Or can you go from conventional dino to a quality full synthetic?

(inquiring because i'm at 75K and want to switch as well)