oly884

First off, I know this should go in the maintenence section, but I figure that I'll get more feed back here. Well I'm going to change my oil pretty soon and I need to figure out what weight oil I should run. I normally ran 10W-30 back in seattle, but now that I'm here I think I need to run a thinner oil. I'm thinking 5W-30, the temps are going to be really damn cold. Example, two nights ago it was -13, and it's november right now. Well, any recogamendations would be great.

Sac State

Go with what Toyota recommends 5-30. Japan can get pretty cold too.

ragz

Personally I run 10w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer. I'd be leary on running something as thin as 5w30 in a '90 ( I wouldn't do it in my '91). I wouldn't run something like 5w30 unless you could pretty much guarntee subzero ambient temperatures.

This is about the best link I've ever come across for engine oil.

The Oil Bible

JSharp

0W-30 or 5W-30 and if you're not running a synthetic now I would strongly consider it.

Mobil 1 5W-30 would be a good choice as would Amsoil 0W-30. I'd steer clear of Mobil 1 0W-30. It doesn't appear to be all that good a formula.

If you want to dun dino oil Penzoil or Chevron Supreme 5W-30 oils are both probably pertty good choices.

Consider replacing the lube in the transmission, differentials and transfer case with synthetics too. You'll be amazed at how much better they work in the cold than conventional lubes...

Scott72

I run 5w-30 Mobil 1 in my 1990 Toyota Pickup (22re). Some people are against running synthetic in older vehicles, but with 177K miles, thing barely burns or leaks a drop. I run the same stuff all year in my 2003 Toyota 4Runner. I've heard from a number of people to be sure to Run a Toyota oil filter while your at it. Something to do with a anti-drainback valve in the toyota filters that others doen't have.

AznSky

If I've been taking my truck to the dealer to get oil changes normally, do they change the type of oil they use for the winter? Or do they use the same kind throughout the year?

Please keep in mind that I am a college student, working in Michigan, and going to school in Indiana, so I don't really have a place where I can change all my oils every so often because I travel a lot. I would really want to go synthetic, just don't have the opportunity to right now.

HBoss

We get very cold winters up here and I always run 5W-30. I'd suggest 5W or 0W as they offer more "cold-start protection" than 10W or higher. Once your engine is in the normal operating temperature, they all act like 30W. It's how fast the oil gets moving when you start it up, that counts.

Rick F.

I used 10W-30 in winter and 10W-40 the rest of the year when I had my 1990 3.0L 4Runner, but 90% of my winter morning starts were in a 40 deg. F+ garage. BTW, 232,000 miles and still going strong.

Satchmo724

i must agree, switch to synthetic if you havent already, and go with a 5w-30. i dont remember the exact numbers right now, but i can gaurantee you that the closer it gets to 0*c or 32*f that oil loses it's fluidity almost exponentially. I've seen the damage that thick, cold oil can do to an oil pump driveshaft, and i promise you it would not be fun to replace. however, i have also heard that less engine wear occurs in the wintertime due to the fact that all of the oil is less likely to drip back down into the oil pan, causing some to remain up top. i've never witnessed this or tried to find out, but it would be interesting to know for sure.

oly884

I just bought some Mobil 1 5W-30. Thanks for all the advice. I've already replaced my engine once and I don't want to do it again.