I am reading a lot about Amsoil and Mobil oil, regular v/s synthetic. I have an 02 Taco 2.7l with 9k mi. I am currently using Penzoil 10w-30 (non-synthetic). What is the best weight oil to use and what brand is highly recommended. and should I use synthetic or is it just personal preference.

 

Definately use synthetic. Initial startup is when most wear on the engine happens. Synthetic reduces this wear. The oil grade is dependent on your local weather. Thicker is good for hotter weather and thinner oils flow better in colder climates. 5w30 is a good compromise and a 40w is really good in hot climates.

 

I think that sums it up nicely. I am using 40 weight now 'cause it's summer and I had to change oil anyway. I am not using synthetic, though, due to the miles on my engine (200k) although I do use synthetic on my 4Runner (150k miles, I only use synth because that's what the people before me used)

 

Here is a thred that will help you in your quest.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&threadid=7236



I don't rec. penzoil or quakerstate I have heard that they add some sort of wax to there oil. I don't know if that is true. However, if you want to go with a crude oil, I'd go with Valvoline. They have one of the best manufactured oil on the market.

One the topic of fake dino oil, I'd go with Mobil 1. just my .02 Cents

 

I personally use Mobil 1 5W30 and 10W30 in my 2002 Tacoma (2.7) and my 2002 4runner. I run the 5W30 in the winter and 10W30 in the summer. In my 88 I run Shell Rotella T 5W40 synthetic year round.

Martin

 

I think some of you are misinformed about viscosity and what the SAE numbers on motor oil containers mean. (No offense of course) Check this site out for more info. It explains things well.

5W-30 synthetic all the way.

 

That information has been out there since July of 99 without any updates. I find this site to be very informative http://theoildrop.server101.com/ .

Martin

 

I thought pretty much only diesel engines used Rotella oil? What is the difference/significance of it as compared to regular dino oil?

 

That was kind of my point. Its been around that long, and the findings havent changed.

But, there are tons of sights out there. As you have pointed out.

 

Rotella T 5W-40 is a synthetic heavy duty multi-grade oil that can be used in Diesel and spark-ignited engines. It carries a API rating of SL, which I beleive is the highest at this point for gasoline engines. It is not a energy conserving oil. I like a high viscoity (40 wt) oil in my 88 with V6. It carries a high viscosity index and flows well for a synthetic. In my 88 it gives me good cold start performance and high temp protection. I have used the Rotella 15W-40 in the past in my 88 Toyota truck with 22re and it loved it. It can also be used in a spark-ignited engine. Check out Rotella's website. http://www.rotella.com/

Martin

 

I've always used Castrol 10w-30 in my tacoma. I've used castrol for a long time with good results. My buddy uses pennzoil in his Chevy S-10. One thing i noticed with the Pennzoil is that it smells burnt. Don't know if it affects it but it just seems odd. I also like Valvoline. I've used Valvoline Maxlife in my moms chevy becuase it leaks (what chevy doesn't ) And it seems to have stopped the majority of the leaking. I know i should use synthetic but it just costs soooo much!!

 

Despite the "Amway" method of business...my vote is for the Amsoil.

Ask any of the other guys running it here...when you first crank over the engine after the switch, you can actually hear the difference. It's crazy, but you can hear/feel the engine idle much smoother. Mileage improved too (slightly, this ain't like adding a supercharger).

BTW, I have a '98 Taco, 2.7L...made the switch somewhere near 55k miles. I use Amsoil Series 2000 0w30.

Jim