I am thinking of changing my 99 runner with 130k on it over to synth. If I do what are som recommendations on a good synth. oil that can last 5k or so and a good filter to go along with it.

Would anyone say that switching to synth. with my current mileage is a bad idea?

 

You are okay switching to synthetic, but if you have any leaks they will get worse, as you can basically think of synthetic as "thinner" than regular oil. As for brands, there are a lot. Most common is Mobil 1, which is excellent. Other common, possibly better/more expensive include Redline, Royal Purple, Amsoil, and the more commonly advertised brands usually have a synthetic blend on the shelves, an example being Castrol Syntec. As a personal suggestion I would say Mobil 1 or Amsoil. It is a nice switch to synthetic, but just realize it may leak on an older vehicle. I have a 4Runner that I started on synthetic at 110k and it doesn't drip a drop, so it will depend on your vehicle!

P.S. I noticed around a 1 mpg increase in switching to Mobil 1 on the 4Runner.

 

As long as your engine is in decent condition there is no concern switching to syn. I switched at ~170k and haven't had any problems since. If you're still going to change your oil at 3-5k miles, I wouldn't bother switching.

 

I've always used Mobil 1 on mine, but if it leaks then use regular oil. I've heard so many debates about using regular oil over synthetics, but stick to this.... if you change your oil regularly and dont mind it then just use the cheap stuff. If you dont change often then use synthetics.

 

Like the previous posts, you shouldn't have any probs as long as your engine is in good mechanical shape. Use a good engine flush before changing. Synthetic oil will not cause a problem. There are numerous good synthetics on the market.

Don't know where you live but if in cold country, you'll notice your engine turns over easier when you start, a little better fuel mileage and longer oil change intervals.

I changed my '96 over after I bought it and had the advantages above and a quieter engine...Plus the knowledge that the engine was protected better from wear with synthetic lubricants.

I've been partial to Amsoil for many years and use their lubricants and filters. There are many good reasons why they are the leaders in synthetics.

Mick

 

If you go with Mobil-1 stay away from their oil filter, at least the M1-102 for the 2.7L and stick with the OEM one. The M1-102 has a weak anti-drainback valve that does not seal properly, I've e-mailed Mobil about this but have not got a response.

 

I have ran amsoil in everything I own for about 10 years. Which includes My 96 Yota, 98 ss camaro, Race quad, lawn mower and so on. This stuff is awsome and I have never heard any negative feedback on it. I think it would be a great idea for you to do. I change it about every 10,000-15,000 miles. Have never had a motor problem on anything that I have ever used it in.

 

so the solution is clear, I will be switching to synthetic for sure. I am leaning towards mobil 1...maybe amsoil. The only thing I am still unclear on, if anyone has a reco, is the oil filter. If I were to use Mobil 1, is there a specific filter I should use as well?

As always yu guys have been very helpful!

p.s. If I was going to do a flush before I switch what is a recommended solution to do so? Is that a pretty simple process?

Thanks!

 

i use wix filters for everything. the price and quality are both great

 

You can't go wrong with an OEM oil filter.