[bobbo]

Has anyone had issues running 0w-20 in the 4cyl? Last summer I used 0w-20 full synthetic, for the first time, I usually use 5w-20. After 3,000 miles the vvt sprockets started making a noise every time on start-up. I thought it might actually be the sprockets going bad, as this seems to be a typical issue, per some reviews.

I just did an oil change, went back to 5w-20, and now the noise is now gone.

I used 0w-20 to get better gas mileage.

Is 0w-20 not good for the engine?

 

[sdspeed]

What weight does Toyota recommend on the oil fill cap and owners manual?
And did you think you got better MPG?

 

[bobbo]

Per the manual, both can be used. And yes, I did notice a little over 1 mpg on the highway.

 

[ilovemytoyota88]

The 0w should only affect milage during cold weather and start up. Once engine reach operating temp, it is the same thickness of 20w. If you dont live in a cold winter area 5w20 is fine. I live up here in Canada and only use 0w20 and never had an issue in my v6.

 

[SFCamry]

Welcome to the site bobbo -

MPG is quite variable, every trip you make you should have a +- 2 or so calculation as when the pump clicks off is not a precise thing (temp/pressure) and driving conditions will cause a drift at least 1 or so mpgs. I doubt 0-20W was the reason you calculated what you did as it is not that impactful: when you have thousands of vehicles the 0 makes a different for that huge fleet. One car is almost undetectable. What ilovemytoyota states is true, that 0 is more or less a cold crank value whereas the 20 is the operating temp value.

 

[bobbo]

The 0w should only affect milage during cold weather and start up. Once engine reach operating temp, it is the same thickness of 20w. If you dont live in a cold winter area 5w20 is fine. I live up here in Canada and only use 0w20 and never had an issue in my v6.

I live in Wisconsin and use 5w-20 year round with no issues. It was an experiment using 0w-20 for better gas mileage.

 

[cc102bob]

I had to replace the VVT gear assembly in my 09 4-cyl because it went bad. That assembly is supposed to keep oil in it, but the seal went bad and the oil would drain out when the engine was left off long enough (typically overnight). The next time I started the engine it would clatter like there was a bunch of loose rocks in the engine until the oil pump re-pressurized the VVT gear assembly. That was several years ago and my wife who drives the car most of the time sometimes thinks the noise is coming back, but I don't hear it. Perhaps it is a bit and she is hearing what you are hearing.

I typically run 0W-20, but have put 5W-20 in a couple times. My wife never mentioned it being quieter when I had the 5W-20 in there, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[zaza]

I live up here in Canada and only use 0w20 and never had an issue in my v6.

A bit off topic but... you use 0w20 in the V6 2GR-FE??

Owner's manual specifies only 5w30 for the 2GR-FE, but gives options of 5w20 or 0w20 depending on temperature for the 4 cylinder 1AR-FE, which the OP has.

 

[ilovemytoyota88]

A bit off topic but... you use 0w20 in the V6 2GR-FE??

Owner's manual specifies only 5w30 for the 2GR-FE, but gives options of 5w20 or 0w20 depending on temperature for the 4 cylinder 1AR-FE, which the OP has.

Actually for 2013, owners manual states 0w20 only. It even reads 5w20 can be used if not available, but must be switch back to 0w20 on next oil change. Not sure about others years.

 

[zaza]

@ilovemytoyota88 Wow, you're right! The manual for the 2013 and even 2012 Venza V6 says to use 0w20. I wonder if they made a change in the 2GR-FE in 2012. I thought the engine model indicated a unique engine specification..

It seems Toyota made a retroactive change in the recommended oil viscosities:

The 4 cylinder Venzas indicate 5w20 or 0w20 from 2009 onward. The V6 from 2009 to 2011 is indicated for 5w30 (as per manual) or now also 5w20, while 2012 onward says 0w20 only.

Odd... I think I'd stick with whatever was in the manual originally.

 

[Sandman1221]

2015 Venza with 2.7 L 4-cylnder takes 0-20, but I would use 5-20 if it was okay, in Florida cold starts are not an issue.