1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Oil viscosity

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Sailormilan2, Jun 28, 2022.

  1. Mar 28, 2024 at 9:21 AM
    #121
    Hilborn

    Hilborn Ask me about my Taco.

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Member:
    #4122
    Messages:
    39
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2023 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium
    ADD W1 Oil Catch Can. ARK Splash Guards. Baxter Performance TK-501-BK Oil Filter Adapter. Canvasback Back Hatch. Differential Breather Relocation. Diode Dynamics SS3 SAE Yellow Pro Fog Lights. Dongar Industries Adapter. DRL Mod Harness. Garmin Mini 2 Dashcam. RokBlokz Mud Flaps. Stahlbus Oil Drain Plug. Yota Xpedetion Pro Grille. Yota Xpedetion Valances.
    But the 4.0l in it is still sold in other vehicles worldwide.
     
    1SilverRunner likes this.
  2. Mar 28, 2024 at 9:41 AM
    #122
    2021venture

    2021venture New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    785
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Does 0w matter if not running year round in winter? For hot climates seems 5w would work fine. Cold weather starts is what I think of needing the 0w for cold flow. If doing seasonal oil changes the cold flow seems unnecessary.

    Different motor but my 2ur-GSE is 5w30 year round for a performance engine. I believe this was based off of optimal protection not CAFE for a niche car. This is the most powerful V8 Toyota/Lexus has produced.

    I am not a tribologist but thought 0w shear more than 5w and 10w oils. Under load in extreme heat for extended runs is the use case I am thinking of. 100+ degrees I think 10w would be preferred with less VI.
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2024
  3. Mar 28, 2024 at 10:42 AM
    #123
    Startrek

    Startrek New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21187
    Messages:
    382
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2012
    One of important duty of oil inside working engine, besides lubricity, that achieved by viscosity and additives, is cooling of the piston "skirt", that cooling comes from oil jets located in a block. Those jets spraying oil onto inside of piston cooling it off. Oil pump produced only certain pressure, that effectively lost at every point of lubrication, and adding second, exhaust VVT unit, further "robbing" that pressure. Ideally best cooling would be by water and here we have 0W20, 0W16 and 0W8 - most expensive oil, like $25 per quart. Modern oils are marvel of science and engineering, it is not just lubricant (it still is), but become one of many parts of very complex moving machinery, overtaking our uneducated perception of "just oil it is".
     
    Slopemaster likes this.
  4. Mar 28, 2024 at 10:53 AM
    #124
    jgalt

    jgalt New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2023
    Member:
    #36317
    Messages:
    182
    Gender:
    Male
    Agreed, oil cools. So is thinner or thicker better for this? I'm going to say thinner due to higher flow.
     
  5. Mar 28, 2024 at 10:55 AM
    #125
    1SilverRunner

    1SilverRunner My boy, blue

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2024
    Member:
    #37925
    Messages:
    1,132
    Gender:
    Male
    Tejas
    Vehicle:
    22 TRD Off Road Premium
    Front Bumper: C4 Fabrication Low-Profile Bumper Warn Evo10-S Winch w/ Warn wireless adapter Extreme LED dual color light bar w/ Cali raised LED OEM style switch Bumper Cover Trimmed For Clearance Rear Bumper: 80% Off Road Rear Bash Bar Armor: RCI Skid plate package C4 Gas tank skid RCI Rear diff skid RCI Shock Skids RSG Angled/ Plated Sliders Total Chaos Cam Tab Gussets Total Chaos Spindle Gussets 41.22 Hitch Slider Suspension: Dobinsons IMS long travel kit (Front: IMS59-50574 w/ C59-352 Springs) (Rear: IMS59-50575 w/ C59-675v Springs) Apache Off Road UCAs Apache Off Road HD Rear Links (Upper and Lower) Apache Off Road Rear Sway Bar Links Dobinsons Track Bar Front Sway Bar Delete DuroBumps Rear Bump stops PerryParts Front Bump stops DRKDSS Track Bar Correction kit Dobinsons Diff Drop Wheels/ Tires: RRW 17x8.5 -12 RR6-H Wheels 285/75/17 Falken A/T4W 1.25" SpiderTrax Spacers BMC, Pinch Weld Folded. Custom High Clearance Fender Liners *Coming soon Performance: OTT Tuned Scan Gauge II for Temp Monitoring Yota Shop Diff Breather Storage Solutions: LFD Cross-Bars Aiden James Customs Gear Plate w/ Slide Out Tables *Backordered, coming soon Rado Designs Molle storage panels and top shelf Glove Box organizer Center Console organizer Interior: Diode Dynamics LED Interior lighting (Warm white ftw) Meso Customs Hatch lights Meso Customs Door Handle Covers Ram ball mount for Garmin In-Touch Mini II FitCamX Dash Camera Scosche phone mount Weathertech floor matts Misc: Nano Ceramic Tint (Including windshield and sunroof) Midland MXT575 and Ghost Antenna Cali Raised LED 27W Ditch Lights OVS Nomadic 6.5' Awning AVS Low Profile Vent Visor AVS Bugflector II Diode Dynamic puddle lights LasFit Reverse lights LED license plate lights Ark Splash Guards Ark Mud Flap Deletes AJT Push-To-Start Button +Midland handheld GMRS radios, Baofeng UV-5R Ham radio, recovery gear, water purification system, lifeboat food rations, trauma kit, fire extinguisher and fire starting kit stay on board.
    I don't think the EPA cares about getting you 4Runner to 200,000+ miles though...
    And to you're point I think 4Runner sold in Puerto Rico are using 5w-30. Although I have no idea why, and to infer it's because or CAFE standards, weather, or more likely oil availability... Well that would be pure speculation.

    You're right about 4Runner sales but I'd say the same 1GR-FE is sold around the world. I specifically called out UAE because the I was trying to think of a place that sells this engine (UAE still sells new FJ Cruisers, and yes I'm jealous of that) that has an extremely hot climate. I suppose I could have said Texas or Florida where it commonly gets over 110 degrees.

    I've read that many people in UAE use 5w-40 or 10w-40 in their FJ's to go play in the desert... for what that is worth.
     
    Evo03 and engineer90 like this.
  6. Mar 28, 2024 at 10:56 AM
    #126
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
  7. Mar 28, 2024 at 2:27 PM
    #127
    Startrek

    Startrek New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21187
    Messages:
    382
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2012
    40 usually in turbo engines, German vehicles. 30 is a max, especially in equatorial africa
     
    engineer90 and Tank010 like this.
  8. Mar 28, 2024 at 5:09 PM
    #128
    engineer90

    engineer90 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2023
    Member:
    #36128
    Messages:
    543
    Gender:
    Male
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium, 2016 2-door GTI S manual
    Yup, my GTI takes 5w-40. For being a GDI 4-cyl turbo, it runs amazing at 98k miles.

    I can't wrap my head around why Toyota suggests 0w-20 for such a hefty 4.0 V6. With how much I drive on highway and with payload, I think I'll definitely switch to 0w-30 or 0w-40
     
  9. Mar 28, 2024 at 6:28 PM
    #129
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,365
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Agreed.

    For Puerto Rico, the 2019 manual recommends 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, and even 15W-40.
     
    Rocko9999 and Sailormilan2[OP] like this.
  10. Mar 28, 2024 at 7:58 PM
    #130
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    I change engines, not oil due to those pesky CAFE standards and the recommended viscosity blowing them up. :bananadead:
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2024
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  11. Jul 1, 2024 at 11:58 AM
    #131
    Yotaholic

    Yotaholic New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2023
    Member:
    #31655
    Messages:
    3,225
    Olympia, WA
    I am thinking about switching to OW-16 for better fuel economy :rolleyes:
     
    engineer90 and whippersnapper02 like this.
  12. Jul 1, 2024 at 12:13 PM
    #132
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2018
    Member:
    #7739
    Messages:
    1,719
  13. Jul 1, 2024 at 1:29 PM
    #133
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
  14. Jul 8, 2024 at 7:09 PM
    #134
    Sailormilan2

    Sailormilan2 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2022
    Member:
    #27608
    Messages:
    74
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dale
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner TRD Premium
    From my research, a 20W oil(0W-20, 5W-20, etc) is good up to about 87* AMBIENT temperature. If you looking at an oil and temperature chart, you’ll find find that for each 10W increase in oil weight increases the temperature at which it is optimal.
    So, a 30W oil (0W-30, 5W-30) is good up to about 97* AMBIENT temperature, while a 40W (0W-40, 5W-40) works well up to about 106* AMBIENT temperature.
    So, 9-10 months out of year 0W-30, or 5W-30, would work great. 2 months out of the year 0W-40, or 5W-40, would be appropriate.
    I live in the Central Valley of CA. So, it is time for 0W-40 oil. IF I lived in Death Valley, I’d be using a 50 weight oil.
     
  15. Jul 8, 2024 at 8:43 PM
    #135
    Lc200

    Lc200 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2023
    Member:
    #33430
    Messages:
    755
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Pre Facelift SR5P
    Here in Texas, Mid June through September and sometime even into October we are hovering around 110F on a day to day basis and over 100F pretty much every day.
    I ve only used 0W20 as the manual states and my truck is about to hit 200k miles. I have no doubt that it would cross 300k if I continue to do what I ve been doing.
    Still runs like any other 4runner I see on the road. Same acceleration, same shitty handling, same mileage same everything.
    So if changing oil viscosity was an imperative thing for engine longevity, Toyota engineers would let us know.
     
    nimby and icebear like this.
  16. Jul 8, 2024 at 10:17 PM
    #136
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21226
    Messages:
    485
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Can you share how you came up with that? The only definitive information I've seen is regarding engine operating temp, so I'm curious if you're making a connection between ambient and engine temps.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2024
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  17. Jul 9, 2024 at 7:41 AM
    #137
    Sailormilan2

    Sailormilan2 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2022
    Member:
    #27608
    Messages:
    74
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dale
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner TRD Premium
    Almost all of the sites that discuss oil weight and temperature, use the term “Ambient”. Which is why I used it.
    My understanding, and I’ll be the first to admit that I am wrong, is that Toyota is barred by LAW for recommending any other oil weight once they have recommended one particular weight. At least here in the USA/North America. Since they have recommended 0W-20 oil, they can’t, but LAW ,recommend any other weight.
    If anyone has any other information, please share it with us.
     
  18. Jul 9, 2024 at 8:56 AM
    #138
    2021venture

    2021venture New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    785
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    I go over to bitog when researching fluids. This topic has been beat to death over the years. Our engine was originally speced for 5w30. Additional testing 0w20 showed adequate protection for the NA market.

    Remove CAFE restrictions and the rest of the world gets viscosity suggestions that correlate to ambient temperature. Use 0w20 with confidence if concerned at all and follow the CAFE suggestion. Sure running the 0w20 in Australia is adequate and engine won't grenade. It is not optimal for that region and temperature.

    https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...l-viscosity-and-oci-for-1gr-fe-engine.345706/
     
  19. Jul 9, 2024 at 9:01 AM
    #139
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    But but but Puerto Rico and break in oil!!!
     
  20. Jul 9, 2024 at 9:02 AM
    #140
    Airdam

    Airdam New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2024
    Member:
    #40249
    Messages:
    243
    First Name:
    airdam
    Vehicle:
    2008 Urban Runner 2012 Limited 2023 TRD Sport
    I was told, they do this, to increase oil pressure thru ports in the engine, the oil holes are smaller, so they need less viscosity to be able to move the oil thru the holes and ports. Also piston squirters, kinda hard to have oil shoot out of piston squirters up into the bottom of the piston to lube the wristpin if you are running 10w40 with Lucas in it.
    With the current synthetic blends, you dont have to worry about the oil breaking down, and dont need such thick oil like in the past. They are running 0w20 at 10,000 and 15,000 miles before its breaking down. You are fine at your 5,000 mile oil changes no problem at all.
    ALSO, fuel mileage. The thinner oil creates less resistance for the crank, so the engine can spin more freely, and gain an extra %'age of fuel mileage.
     
  21. Jul 9, 2024 at 9:57 AM
    #141
    2021venture

    2021venture New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    785
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Is it hard to believe that giving an engineer different criteria will result in different recommendations? NA with CAFE and EPA this limits viscosity as well as engines we can have. Remove these criteria and other options are presented. Oil viscosity, small turbo diesels, NA V8.......

    Guess I am way to logical and analytical. There is nothing unique to America and our engine needs from the rest of the world. Given the fleet CAFE numbers to hit for the US market the engineers did a great job. Very reliable bullet proof platform. That doesn't mean suggestions can not be improved upon for specific climates.

    But sure one size fits all 0w20 works for the masses if no analysis of your situation is desired.

    Still looking to see any article on this topic is other than strictly fuel savings. I have looked over the years and all I have seen is CAFE and EPA drives the decision. If 0w20 was superior for protection and longevity I would expect this for all regions.

    Does it matter? Who knows that's for everyone to make their own decision for their use. The engine will make it to 200k with abuse. Most people are tired of it or traded off by this point.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2024
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  22. Jul 9, 2024 at 10:58 AM
    #142
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21226
    Messages:
    485
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    The manual gives more options than just 0w-20... You can use 0w-30 or 0w-40 if thr conditions call for it. It must not be illegal if it's published in the owner's manual.
     
  23. Jul 9, 2024 at 10:59 AM
    #143
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21226
    Messages:
    485
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Our engine, or the single VVTi version that was in the 4th gen & 2G Tacoma? Because that's a different engine, despite sharing a block.
     
  24. Jul 9, 2024 at 11:07 AM
    #144
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    5,030
    Gender:
    Male
    From what I see in the manual
    upload_2024-7-9_12-6-58.png

    Also the oil change interval -
    upload_2024-7-9_12-18-49.png
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2024
    2016Pro likes this.
  25. Jul 9, 2024 at 11:44 AM
    #145
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21226
    Messages:
    485
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    The last bullet point on the first page says you can use an oil with a higher second number.
     
  26. Jul 9, 2024 at 11:56 AM
    #146
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2018
    Member:
    #7739
    Messages:
    1,719
    For high speeds and extreme loads.... doesn't sound like a very common occurance
     
  27. Jul 9, 2024 at 12:01 PM
    #147
    2021venture

    2021venture New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    785
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Maintaining 75 mph interstate speeds either s4 high RPM or gear hunting qualifies as severe service for me.

    This is the age old towing or track days recommendation anyone running it a little harder jump a grade.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2024
    Thatbassguy and engineer90 like this.
  28. Jul 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM
    #148
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21226
    Messages:
    485
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP
    Yeah, the first time I referenced that, desert racing was the only thing I could think of to fit the bill.

    My point here is that it's not illegal to talk about running a higher weight oil, like the poster above stated.
     
    Thatbassguy and 2016Pro[QUOTED] like this.
  29. Jul 9, 2024 at 5:29 PM
    #149
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,762
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    I like to run 5 w-30 in the summer & 0 w-20 in the winter, but you know old dogs are hard to train.
     
    nimby and Thatbassguy like this.
  30. Jul 9, 2024 at 5:55 PM
    #150
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,365
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    If it's anything like their qualifications for 5,000 mile oil changes, it's pretty much anything besides gentle highway driving. :D
     
    SlvrSlug likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top