Hello all,

Newbie here. I am new to 4Runners and new to wrenching although I am not afraid to pick up a wrench and can follow instructions pretty well.

I've been reading a lot on the forum since getting my 4R a month ago and have already learned a lot! Greatly reduced my clunk by reading about and greasing my zerks, and ordered the transmission cooler that I hope to install soon after getting completely freaked out about the strawberry milkshake. So thanks to everyone who contributes their knowledge here. It is extremely helpful.

Anyway I have been reading a lot about developing or exposed oil leaks many have experienced after switching to the thinner synthetic oil. Having been a long time fan of synthetic but never have started using it with an older vehicle. My question is, is it benificial to switch to a full synthetic? Do the benefits of using synthetic outweigh the headache of potential oil leaks? (I have an oil leak btw just need to investigate where it's coming from - previous owner started using synthetic last year). Would a synthetic blend be a thicker, better alternative?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for the input.

 

i've been using different types and brands of oil from change to change (everything from dino to full syn) and have not noticed any problems or leaks. i've been using 10-w30, but am just now trying 5-w30 for the winter (valvoline full syn) and no issues there, either.

where in md are you?

 

Thanks Ian - I am in Hagerstown

 

A lot of people get leaks when they switch over to synthetic. Mine lost about a quart after the 1st change and it's never lost any oil again (in 5 years or so). think I was around 185K when I went to synth. I have a buddy that switched to synth around 230K and he had to go back to regular oil because he was loosing way too much. Soem like it and some don't.

 

Its a myth. Just switch and don't worry about it.