From 5W-30 to 0W-20

I was wondering what caused the oil thickness to change from 3rd & 4th gen 4runners to 5th gen? It is the same 4.0 Engine, so i am confused.

 

5th gen 4.0 is slightly different with reduced internal friction and dual VVT-i compared to the 4.0 in the 4th gen with only single VVT-i. 3rd gen is the 3.4.

I just run what the cap says instead of making it all complicated. Others choose to run the 5W-30 to feel better about themselves and puerto rico.

Lastly, another oil thread.

 

Split the difference and run 0w-30 if you can find it.

The whole Puerto Rico thing is interesting. Especially considering that driving conditions in Hawaii can’t be that different. I’ve always figured Florida, Texas, etc didn’t make the 5w30 list because a 4runner on the mainland can end up in the cold north in one or two days driving time.

 

EPA did, you get slightly better gas mileage with thin oil. A while ago I found online manual from somewhere in Asia that doesn't do emissions - it was still calling for 10w30.

 

Run whatever you want. In my opinion, people who make these threads spend more time worrying than driving, so either way I don't think it will make a difference to you.

Why'd they get rid of leaded gas? And what happened to my street legal 2 strokes?

 

So technically thicker oil is better than i guess, and we are using thinner because of emission laws. Makes sense because its clearly same engine and why would they thin it out, trucks always use thick oil.

I might just try that and try running 5W-30 to see the difference

 

I lost trust in government and all that while ago. They might say its for our own good but i doubt that, just like plastic bottles turns out to be slowly killing us and just now they found out after using it for 2 decades... If kety perry can fly in rocket that gives out more emission than 1000 trucks together, it makes no sense for me to trust what they have to say. I might just start running 5W-30 in mine and see how it turns out in 4-5 years

 

Dual-VVTi 4.0L had a revised cooling jacket (added spacers) which eliminated hot spots present in the single-VVTi 4.0L engine. This change allowed the engine to run safely with 0W20 without overheating the oil.

 

Change your oil at recommended intervals, use what the manual says, and stop worrying about it.

 

Will 33" tires fit with no lift and 5w30?

 

Only if they're these.

 

This is only this. People spend more time thinking about it than actually doing the change.

 

And it's REALLY easy.

 

Oil companies like plastic bottles, I don't think anyone else thought they were a good idea. Maybe drink companies.

For the oil, and a serious answer: if you want something thicker for whatever reason (and there are valid reasons out there), I'd suggest 0w-30. Then you'll still get the benefit of the thinner oil at startup temps (good), while also getting a thicker oil at operating temps (what you're looking for).

 

I live in AZ and have never found it necessary to use anything other than full syn 0W-20. Just like it says on the oil fill cap. Take your pick of brand. I've never had any problem, even towing in hot weather. I'm pretty sure I trust Toyota engineers on this one. And, my clean borescope inspection of the cylinders totally reinforces that.

 

I found out Honda back-specced 0W-20 for a lot of vehicles that previously took 5W-20 so that simplifies my purchasing and they haven’t had an epidemic of death yet.

Might want to try Costco’s in-store 5W-30 High Mileage in a family Accord since either works and it’s certainly high mileage, but we will see.

 

Nah 4 bolts on the skid is hard. Also the canister is very very hard to where I want a spin on for my jazz hands.

 

Depends on your alignment.

 

Depends on the brand of 5w30.

 

Why would you assume that thicker oil is better? I'd assume the opposite. Either oil has more than enough film strength so all your metal parts that rely on hydrodynamic lubrication are safe because there is no metal to metal contact. For cooling the lighter oil circulates faster so it's better. Fot cold start-ups the lighter oil gets to the "dry" parts faster. Your engine runs a teeny tiny bit cooler with less friction. I would assume that all durability testing was done with 0-20.

Feel free to second-guess your owner's manual if it makes you feel better.

 

... The owner's manual:


Edit:
To be clear I'm not saying one is better than the other. Just pointing out that the owners manual does specifically say that under certain conditions an oil with a higher viscosity may be better suited.

 

Sounds like the jury is out.

 

Depends if its Civil or Criminal court

 

Because truck engines are pushing harder that's why, we aren't talking about prius engine here. If in the past they used 5W-30 , why would they go 0W-20 now? other than emission laws forcing them to, just as they are forcing manufacturers to downsize engines, apply cylinder shut down and all that bs technology

 

By this logic some 15W-40 Rotella diesel oil is exactly what you need. Really show the government who's boss.

 

Speculative opinion: the 5th general engine was developed during the time that diamond like coatings (DLC) was becoming prevalent in use which would allow for reduction in friction and increase wear resistance with a thinner oil.

 

That makes sense since 4runner doesn't have diesel engine and never used that

 

But the LC Prado did have the weak 4 banger derzul so close enough.

 

Desert racing is my best guess. Sustained high output.

 

I agree, I think it's got to be a pretty extreme case to require the heavier weight. The highest increase I've seen with some heavy towing is an average 5 F increase in motor temp, so not something I'm concerned about either.

I'm just sharing that 0w-30 would be a better choice than 5w-30, and the manual supports that (as SilverRunner shared above).