5W-50 synthetic oil OK in Toyotas?

"G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> Hi gang,
>
> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
> Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
> 5W-30?
>
> Thanks, Gary
> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]

Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not specified a 50
weight oil for several decades, it should be avoided unless specifically
indicated. Cars that do indicate or specify this kind of synthetic oil are
usually track racers, or at least have engines that are assembled with
fairly slack tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series of engines.

Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it certainly does
NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla. Maybe it is good for the
turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to handbook for specific information. If
it is outside the range of viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use
it.

Huw

"Huw" <hedydd[nospam]@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:38pcgpF5p6n97U1@individual.net...[color=blue]
>
> "G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> Hi gang,
>>
>> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
>> Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
>> 5W-30?
>>
>> Thanks, Gary
>> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]
>
> Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not specified a 50
> weight oil for several decades, it should be avoided unless specifically
> indicated. Cars that do indicate or specify this kind of synthetic oil are
> usually track racers, or at least have engines that are assembled with
> fairly slack tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series of
> engines.
>
> Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it certainly does
> NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla. Maybe it is good for
> the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to handbook for specific
> information. If it is outside the range of viscosities suitable for your
> car, then don't use it.
>
> Huw[/color]
Huw,
Excellent explanation! A clear, concise explanation in layman's terms that
even I, with a mental block on lubrication, understood.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

Huw wrote:[color=blue]
> "G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...[color=green]
> > Hi gang,
> >
> > Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in[/color][/color]
our[color=blue][color=green]
> > Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
> > 5W-30?
> >
> > Thanks, Gary
> > Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]
>
> Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not
> specified a 50 weight oil for several decades, it should be
> avoided unless specifically indicated. Cars that do indicate
> or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
> or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
> tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series
> of engines.[/color]

Perhaps not Toyota, but my new Subaru has a recommendation that
assorted heavier weight oils may be more suitable for desert
climates or when used for towing. They recommend 30, 40, 20W-40,
or 20W-50 for such conditions. I'd imagine a 15W-40 heavy-duty
diesel rated motor oil would be fine too.
[color=blue]
> Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it
> certainly does NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla.
> Maybe it is good for the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to
> handbook for specific information. If it is outside the range of
> viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use it.[/color]

I thought BMW used Castrol RS 10W-50 for the M-series engines, and
that it's very difficult to find except at a BMW dealer.

5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec. I have a basic
problem with the way Castrol NA markets their products. The lower
number isn't the one that should matter. I'd worry about the
"50" viscosity at operating temps. It will result in lower fuel
economy and possibly will rob power compared to a 5W-30 synthetic.

"G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> Hi gang,
>
> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
> Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
> 5W-30?
>
> Thanks, Gary
> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]

Don't do it. Most NASCAR cars only use Synthetic 10W-30 or 10W-40 during
races.

On Thu, 03 Mar 2005 20:55:17 +0000, G Mulcaster wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hi gang,
>
> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
> Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
> 5W-30?
>
> Thanks, Gary
> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]

A little heavy, don't you think?

You don't mention what years, but I wouldn't go over 5w-30 unless it is an
OLD car. Even then, I would stop at 40.

hachiroku wrote:
[color=blue]
> On Thu, 03 Mar 2005 20:55:17 +0000, G Mulcaster wrote:
>
>[color=green]
>>Hi gang,
>>
>>Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
>>Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
>>5W-30?
>>
>>Thanks, Gary
>>Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]
>
>
> A little heavy, don't you think?
>
> You don't mention what years, but I wouldn't go over 5w-30 unless it is an
> OLD car. Even then, I would stop at 40.[/color]

Sure - it might be useful in protecting an engine in an extreme
climate or under extreme stress. But most of the time, it's just
going to result in lower fuel economy and reduced power. If it
doesn't got hot or overly stressed, it might even result in worse
protection than a 5W-30.

y_p_w wrote:[color=blue]
> Huw wrote:[color=green]
>> "G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> Hi gang,
>>>
>>> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
>>> Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
>>> 5W-30?
>>>
>>> Thanks, Gary
>>> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.[/color]
>>
>> Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not
>> specified a 50 weight oil for several decades, it should be
>> avoided unless specifically indicated. Cars that do indicate
>> or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
>> or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
>> tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
>> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series
>> of engines.[/color]
>
> Perhaps not Toyota, but my new Subaru has a recommendation that
> assorted heavier weight oils may be more suitable for desert
> climates or when used for towing. They recommend 30, 40, 20W-40,
> or 20W-50 for such conditions. I'd imagine a 15W-40 heavy-duty
> diesel rated motor oil would be fine too.
>[color=green]
>> Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it
>> certainly does NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla.
>> Maybe it is good for the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to
>> handbook for specific information. If it is outside the range of
>> viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use it.[/color]
>
> I thought BMW used Castrol RS 10W-50 for the M-series engines, and
> that it's very difficult to find except at a BMW dealer.
>
> 5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec. I have a basic
> problem with the way Castrol NA markets their products. The lower
> number isn't the one that should matter. I'd worry about the
> "50" viscosity at operating temps. It will result in lower fuel
> economy and possibly will rob power compared to a 5W-30 synthetic.[/color]

WHO the hell cares about fuel economy in a BMW M series car? These cars are
about power ... not economy. Huw was quite clear about what kind of car
would use a 5w-50 (or 10w-60) weight oil. But in case you can's scroll up,
here's the relevant passage by Huw:

=>>Cars that do indicate
=>> or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
=>> or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
=>> tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
=>> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M'
=>> series of engines.
--

- Philip

Philip wrote:
[color=blue]
> y_p_w wrote:
>[color=green]
>>Huw wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>"G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
>>>news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...
>>>
>>>>Hi gang,
>>>>
>>>>Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in our
>>>>Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity such as
>>>>5W-30?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks, Gary
>>>>Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.
>>>
>>>Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not
>>>specified a 50 weight oil for several decades, it should be
>>>avoided unless specifically indicated. Cars that do indicate
>>>or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
>>>or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
>>>tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
>>>hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series
>>>of engines.[/color]
>>
>>Perhaps not Toyota, but my new Subaru has a recommendation that
>>assorted heavier weight oils may be more suitable for desert
>>climates or when used for towing. They recommend 30, 40, 20W-40,
>>or 20W-50 for such conditions. I'd imagine a 15W-40 heavy-duty
>>diesel rated motor oil would be fine too.
>>
>>[color=darkred]
>>>Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it
>>>certainly does NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla.
>>>Maybe it is good for the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to
>>>handbook for specific information. If it is outside the range of
>>>viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use it.[/color]
>>
>>I thought BMW used Castrol RS 10W-50 for the M-series engines, and
>>that it's very difficult to find except at a BMW dealer.
>>
>>5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec. I have a basic
>>problem with the way Castrol NA markets their products. The lower
>>number isn't the one that should matter. I'd worry about the
>>"50" viscosity at operating temps. It will result in lower fuel
>>economy and possibly will rob power compared to a 5W-30 synthetic.[/color]
>
>
> WHO the hell cares about fuel economy in a BMW M series car? These cars are
> about power ... not economy. Huw was quite clear about what kind of car
> would use a 5w-50 (or 10w-60) weight oil. But in case you can's scroll up,
> here's the relevant passage by Huw:[/color]

Dude. I had two distinct and unrelated thoughts there. The first
was that the oil for the M-series was Castrol RS 10W-50 (actually
10W-60 now that I think of it). The second was of what I though
might happen with a 5W-50 in a less exotic car (i.e. lower fuel
economy and power in a Toyota).

y_p_w wrote:[color=blue]
> Philip wrote:
>[color=green]
>> y_p_w wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>> Huw wrote:
>>>
>>>> "G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
>>>> news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...
>>>>
>>>>> Hi gang,
>>>>>
>>>>> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic) in
>>>>> our Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity
>>>>> such as 5W-30?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks, Gary
>>>>> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.
>>>>
>>>> Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not
>>>> specified a 50 weight oil for several decades, it should be
>>>> avoided unless specifically indicated. Cars that do indicate
>>>> or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
>>>> or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
>>>> tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
>>>> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series
>>>> of engines.
>>>
>>> Perhaps not Toyota, but my new Subaru has a recommendation that
>>> assorted heavier weight oils may be more suitable for desert
>>> climates or when used for towing. They recommend 30, 40, 20W-40,
>>> or 20W-50 for such conditions. I'd imagine a 15W-40 heavy-duty
>>> diesel rated motor oil would be fine too.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it
>>>> certainly does NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a Corolla.
>>>> Maybe it is good for the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to
>>>> handbook for specific information. If it is outside the range of
>>>> viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use it.
>>>
>>> I thought BMW used Castrol RS 10W-50 for the M-series engines, and
>>> that it's very difficult to find except at a BMW dealer.
>>>
>>> 5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec. I have a basic
>>> problem with the way Castrol NA markets their products. The lower
>>> number isn't the one that should matter. I'd worry about the
>>> "50" viscosity at operating temps. It will result in lower fuel
>>> economy and possibly will rob power compared to a 5W-30 synthetic.[/color]
>>
>>
>> WHO the hell cares about fuel economy in a BMW M series car? These
>> cars are about power ... not economy. Huw was quite clear about
>> what kind of car would use a 5w-50 (or 10w-60) weight oil. But in
>> case you can's scroll up, here's the relevant passage by Huw:[/color]
>
> Dude. I had two distinct and unrelated thoughts there. The first
> was that the oil for the M-series was Castrol RS 10W-50 (actually
> 10W-60 now that I think of it). The second was of what I though
> might happen with a 5W-50 in a less exotic car (i.e. lower fuel
> economy and power in a Toyota).[/color]

I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and you will
see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and specialized high
performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL
--

- Philip

"Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:lc1Wd.1233[color=blue]
> I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and you will
> see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and specialized[/color]
high[color=blue]
> performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL
> - Philip
>[/color]
Perhaps we should refer to you as "the decedent".

Philip wrote:[color=blue]
> y_p_w wrote:[color=green]
> > Philip wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> y_p_w wrote:
> >>
> >>> Huw wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> "G Mulcaster" <mulcasterXXX@XXXshaw.ca> wrote in message
> >>>> news:q2ue21pnakc1vbhrp4i0msjmp050o8n0ds@4ax.com...
> >>>>
> >>>>> Hi gang,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Is there any reason why we can't use 5W-50 wt oil (synthetic)[/color][/color][/color]
in[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>> our Toyotas when the spec calls for a lower terminal viscosity
> >>>>> such as 5W-30?
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Thanks, Gary
> >>>>> Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.
> >>>>
> >>>> Since Toyota and nearly every maker of street cars have not
> >>>> specified a 50 weight oil for several decades, it should be
> >>>> avoided unless specifically indicated. Cars that do indicate
> >>>> or specify this kind of synthetic oil are usually track racers,
> >>>> or at least have engines that are assembled with fairly slack
> >>>> tolerances with high specific power output to work extremely
> >>>> hard with much heat generated. An example is the BMW 'M' series
> >>>> of engines.
> >>>
> >>> Perhaps not Toyota, but my new Subaru has a recommendation that
> >>> assorted heavier weight oils may be more suitable for desert
> >>> climates or when used for towing. They recommend 30, 40, 20W-40,
> >>> or 20W-50 for such conditions. I'd imagine a 15W-40 heavy-duty
> >>> diesel rated motor oil would be fine too.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> Just because a 5w/50 is recommended for M Power engines, it
> >>>> certainly does NOT follow that it is a suitable oil for a[/color][/color][/color]
Corolla.[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>> Maybe it is good for the turbocharged Toyota engines? Refer to
> >>>> handbook for specific information. If it is outside the range of
> >>>> viscosities suitable for your car, then don't use it.
> >>>
> >>> I thought BMW used Castrol RS 10W-50 for the M-series engines,[/color][/color][/color]
and[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>> that it's very difficult to find except at a BMW dealer.
> >>>
> >>> 5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec. I have a[/color][/color][/color]
basic[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>> problem with the way Castrol NA markets their products. The[/color][/color][/color]
lower[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>> number isn't the one that should matter. I'd worry about the
> >>> "50" viscosity at operating temps. It will result in lower fuel
> >>> economy and possibly will rob power compared to a 5W-30[/color][/color][/color]
synthetic.[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>
> >>
> >> WHO the hell cares about fuel economy in a BMW M series car?[/color][/color][/color]
These[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >> cars are about power ... not economy. Huw was quite clear about
> >> what kind of car would use a 5w-50 (or 10w-60) weight oil. But in
> >> case you can's scroll up, here's the relevant passage by Huw:[/color]
> >
> > Dude. I had two distinct and unrelated thoughts there. The first
> > was that the oil for the M-series was Castrol RS 10W-50 (actually
> > 10W-60 now that I think of it). The second was of what I though
> > might happen with a 5W-50 in a less exotic car (i.e. lower fuel
> > economy and power in a Toyota).[/color]
>
> I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and you
> will see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and
> specialized high performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL[/color]

Yeah - I knew what your response meant.

As for "dude" - I'm wearing an Aloha shirt right now, and it's
affecting
my vocabulary.

Mark A wrote:[color=blue]
> "Philip" <1chip-state1@earthlink.n0t> wrote in message news:lc1Wd.1233[color=green]
>> I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and
>> you will see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and
>> specialized high performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL
>> - Philip
>>[/color]
> Perhaps we should refer to you as "the decedent".[/color]

"We"? How many others party on inside that smoke filled room between your
ears?
--

- Philip

y_p_w wrote:[color=blue]
> Philip wrote:[color=green]
>>
>> I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and you
>> will see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and
>> specialized high performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL[/color]
>
> Yeah - I knew what your response meant.
>
> As for "dude" - I'm wearing an Aloha shirt right now, and it's
> affecting my vocabulary.[/color]

I understand. Something similar happens when I wear plaid.
--

- Philip

> >> I'm too old to be addressed as "dude". >:^/ Scroll back up and[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >> you will see your comment was in the context of M series BMWs (and
> >> specialized high performance cars). "Dood" had a brain fart? LOL
> >> - Philip
> >>[/color]
> > Perhaps we should refer to you as "the decedent".[/color]
>
> "We"? How many others party on inside that smoke filled room between your
> ears?
> - Philip
>[/color]
Pipe down grandpa.

>[color=blue]
>5W-50? In the US, that's probably Castrol Syntec.[/color]

Yes. My local Costco sells it for $30.00 Cdn for 6 qts. I was hoping
to use the same oil in both my Sienna and my motorcycle.

The Castrol 5W-50 allegedly has no friction modifiers which would make
it suitable for wet clutch use. Haven't confirmed this suitability
yet, however.

Thanks for your responses, Gary
Please remove XXX in email address if email reply is desired.