wihch oil to use? engine has 200k

[PoR2GeEzCamry]

Hey everyone, i just picked up a camry with 200k on it, and i want to change the oil and filter before i start driving it a lot. Im wondering what oil you guys recommend i use? Im not sure if i want to use a synthetic since they have a lot of cleaning properties, which might actually create more oil leaks since the build up on the seals might get cleaned away. So should i stick to a conventional oil? And if so, which conventional oil is best?

[zppeacock]

Is it leaking any oil? You might want to use highmilage.

[PoR2GeEzCamry]

yes, it seems to be leaking from the front main seal. Anyone have any oil they loved vs oil they hated on their high mileage engine?

[toyomoho]

Suggest any name brand conventional oil that is on sale.

What engine V6 or I4. V6 has the oil pump driven by the crank that can increase leaking potential.

If changing the timing belt install a new seal.

[PoR2GeEzCamry]

which would you choose between toyota oil, or castrol gtx?

[Kep]

I use Quaker State high mileage oil. Choose your own weight. I use 10 w 40 but many use 5 w 30. I believe that some of the additives help to "rejuvenate" the rubber seals. I had 350,000 miles on my 90 Camry. Hope to do the same with my 95.

Kep

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by PoR2GeEzCamry

which would you choose between toyota oil, or castrol gtx?

I would have to agree with toyomoho; use any major brand conventional (dino) oil that is on sail. That's what I do. I buy a few cases at a time when I find a good price. I would use whatever grade of oil is specified on the oil cap. I would also monitor the oil consumption for a while, so you can see how much the car actually uses and/or leaks. You don't say what year or engine the car has so that's the best advice anyone can give.

Good luck with the new car.

Mike

[TRD VVTi]

Is the inside of the engine reasonably clean? If so, you shouldn't have any problem switching to synthetic. If it's really dirty/sludged/gelled you can still use synthetic but you'll have to do the first couple of oil changes much sooner so you don't plug up the oil pump pickup screen.

I've used Mobil 1 for many years on cars with all sorts of mileage, even 200,000 miles. I've NEVER had an oil related problem. Ever.

I have a vehicle with 245,000 Mobil 1 miles on it and it runs like new. It doesn't use any oil and the inside of the engine literally looks new.

Regardless of the type of oil you use, a leak is a leak. It will leak with either oil.

Synthetic oil is reasonably cheap and offers better protection than convention oils in most cases. I don't see any downside to using it.

[rty]

That's true, a leak is a leak, however thinner oils will leak faster. Although they have high mileage synthetic now.