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How often should you change the oil on your 4runner?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Trekker, Aug 6, 2020.

  1. Aug 6, 2020 at 1:06 AM
    #1
    Trekker

    Trekker [OP] Regular Member

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    Assuming its an daily driver car. I was told 3 months or 3000 miles but that seems excessive.
     
  2. Aug 6, 2020 at 6:04 AM
    #2
    BgBmBoo

    BgBmBoo New Member

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    3000 miles was the rule of thumb back in the carburetor days. It is not necessary for modern engines under normal driving conditions. I change oil when the maintenance reminder tells me too. IIRC, that was around 7k this last time. For a daily driver under normal conditions you will be fine following the vehicle maintenance reminder.

    I also like to send samples to Blackstone Labs for analysis once in a while to check for indications of unusual wear. So far I've never had an issue with Toyota engines.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2020 at 7:29 AM
    #3
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Synthetic or Dino oil? Synthetic goes much farther...even regular oil goes to 5k. You won't hurt anything with 3k oil changes...but 5k is fine. Higher with synthetic.
     
  4. Aug 6, 2020 at 7:32 AM
    #4
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Mine is a daily driver in normal driving conditions that requires synthetic (2018).

    I change every 10,000 miles.
     
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  5. Aug 6, 2020 at 9:17 AM
    #5
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    Same
     
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  6. Aug 6, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #6
    aroyalsfan

    aroyalsfan The Owner

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    What's the manual say in your 3rd gen? I'd be shocked if it's the same as the 5th gen 10k recommendation.

    For me I always replace it every 6-8 months regardless of milage as I don't even hit 10k a year.....especially this year as I've put 3k miles on since December 2019.
     
  7. Aug 6, 2020 at 8:01 PM
    #7
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Ah, didn't even see this was in the 3rd gen forum until @aroyalsfan mentioned it.

    Disregard my statement OP, as it doesn't pertain to your situation.

    :cheers:
     
  8. Aug 6, 2020 at 8:14 PM
    #8
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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  9. Aug 6, 2020 at 8:17 PM
    #9
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Hayne’s manual....38598A71-31EB-4784-927F-9C2835E9A762.jpg
     
  10. Aug 7, 2020 at 11:33 AM
    #10
    Starr

    Starr Life Off the Road, off the Grid

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    I change at 5k and use synthetic. First change goes down around 3k.
    It’s either very dry dusty or tropical wet humid here. Neither is great for oil longevity.
     
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  11. Aug 7, 2020 at 3:00 PM
    #11
    tazdale38

    tazdale38 New Member

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    Every 5k with Mobil 1 full synthetic, usually in the high 90s to low 100s here in Mississippi, so i like to keep it clean.
     
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  12. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:04 PM
    #12
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Ya, no wonder my engine is running so well. I change it every 3,500 miles. Gonna ride out this next change to 4,500 prob. I’m towing...
     
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  13. Aug 7, 2020 at 4:06 PM
    #13
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    This may be the first time I’ve every opened this service booklet....
     
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  14. Aug 7, 2020 at 7:03 PM
    #14
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

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    I follow the Toyota recs right now since mine is under warranty...will probably revert to my usual 10k interval. that's about 2x a year for me.
     
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  15. Aug 8, 2020 at 10:05 PM
    #15
    Clutchplate

    Clutchplate New Member

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    I use Toyota oil and filter. I change it at 5,000 miles.
     
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  16. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:35 PM
    #16
    PAUL_MO

    PAUL_MO New Member

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    que grado de aceite utilizan para el motor 3.4l ??
     
  17. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:16 PM
    #17
    jack13cool

    jack13cool New Member

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    I use full synthetic and change it every 5K
     
  18. Feb 8, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #18
    gretzky2857

    gretzky2857 New Member

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    I put on 12-14K per year so to make it easy, I don't even look at the mileage, just change it in December and then in June using synthetic oil, runs like a champ!
     
  19. Feb 8, 2021 at 2:37 PM
    #19
    jcoon

    jcoon New Member

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    I change every 10,000

    I use the same stuff in my Silverado.

    Castrol 03060 GTX MAGNATEC 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Green, 5 Quart
     
  20. Feb 8, 2021 at 3:05 PM
    #20
    flyinhoot

    flyinhoot When in doubt, Throttle out.

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    Monochrome everything. LED reverse lights.
    whenever it runs out...
     
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  21. Feb 9, 2021 at 2:05 PM
    #21
    treyus30

    treyus30 New Member

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    I change when it reaches a certain color... Between 5k and 8k typically
     
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