idealconcepts

Ok. Guys and girls, got two questions. (89 Toyota, V6, 5 Spd, 4WD, Reg cab, long bed, 186,7XX miles, commuter truck, bought used last October from 1st owner at around 177,XXXmiles)
1. I switched from regular motor oil (10-40w) to Mobil 1 Synthetic (10-30w) about 2,500 miles ago. I’ve noticed that the oil has been low every time I checked the oil every few weeks. I assumed that since the truck was 16 years old it was burning the oil, and because I never saw any oil drips on the driveway or any oil on the front of the oil pan. Well this weekend I checked the oil and it was about a qt low so I added the Mobil 1 Synthetic and looked around under the truck. Didn’t see anything on the front of the oil pan so just to be sure I looked behind it and found some build up of oil just above the oil pan and noticed a drip on the drive way. I’m looking to switch back to regular motor oil 10-40w (Castrol GTX) in hopes of reducing the possible oil leak, and also reducing the cost of oil changes on this commuter vehicle. My question is, are there any problems with switching from synthetic oil back to regular oil? Is there anything I need to do to make the switch correctly, besides replacing the oil filter?
2. My second question is about the recall on the, please correct me if I am wrong, the head gaskets on the V6 Toyota Trucks that were 89 and up. Is it too late for me to have it replaced by the dealer if it was never replaced because of the recall? What is the best way to approach the dealer to ask them is they can bring up the records to find out if the head gasket was ever replaced? I’m trying to make sure they just don’t say it has been replaced without any proof so they wouldn’t have to make the replacement. Also if they do replace the head gasket would they be removing the valve cover gasket as well? The reason I ask is because they “recommended” I replace the valve cover gasket when I got an overall diagnostic on the truck after I bought it. Any insight to this is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

jimbo74

not sure how the head gasket thing works on hte v6, from what i have heard, some dealers will do it, some will say you are SOL....

as far as dino oil, putting dyno oil back in is fine...

the valve cover gasket will be replaced when the head comes off, you cant unbolt the head without taking off the valve cover

idealconcepts

Thanks Jimabena74, now to plan my attack on the dealer to get my headgasket replaced. Anyone else with comments?

idealconcepts

Went to one dealer and according to my Vin# my truck didn't have recall for the headgasket. I might try one or two more just to confirm this.