1997 4runner oil recommendation

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First off, I have read all the threads I could find on 4runners and oil. There was actually a thread last week on the subject, in which I posted on my confusion about previous recommendations, but that thread just petered out.

Secondly, I thought it would be beneficial and time saving on my part to ask as it seems there's always something new or changed about oil and it's manufactures. I try to keep it all straight, but I don't remember everything.


1.What kind of vehicle you have? 1997 4runner 3.4 liter w/ 229,006 miles.

2. What your owner's manual says -- not just viscosity, but certifications (look for acronyms like API SM, ILSAC GF-4, etc.) and change intervals as well? 5w30, but the cap is worn and I can't make out what else it says.

3. Where you live? South Texas

4. How you drive (easy? hard? fast? slow?)? Easy.

5. What your daily drive is like (short trips? long trips? city? highway?)? 10-15 mile trips, twice a day.

6. Whether your car has any known problems? I currently have zero problems. I have recently pulled the valve covers and it's absolutely clean, zero sludge, but vanished. I believe I have no leaks other than a rear main seal that weeps. The hole on the bottom of the bellhousing was plugged and ~4oz came out when I poked it. It probably has been plugged for years. I'm also battling ways on how to clean the intake of oil from the PCV system. It has built up oil on the 3 and 4 cylinder runner of the intake manifold. I cleaned what I could when I pulled it to work on the driver's side valve cover gasket. I really don't know how to remove it, short of removing it. I thought about Amsoil Power Foam, but I don't know if that will take care of it.

Anyways, I'm kind of feeling the Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30 and a Fram Ultra filter, but I'm open to input.

Thank you.
 
Maxlife 10W40 (Texas gets hot and that motor has clearances worn into by now), Wix filter (Napa Gold same...). 5K changes and drive on
smile.gif
 
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If it's your first run on M1 change it at 1,000 miles or so this time because it will dislodge lots of gunk.
 
Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
Maxlife 10W40 (Texas gets hot and that motor has clearances worn into by now), Wix filter (Napa Gold same...). 5K changes and drive on
smile.gif



Yes, that's where I would start. A 10W-40 semi-synthetic, and Valvoline MaxLife is a good example of the breed.
 
I got over 370,000 miles on a 04 4runner. I use 5w30 PP and it doesn't burn a drop. Don't listen to these 10w40 morons.
 
These morons and Castrol.

That's what Castrol Australia say to run in that year 4Runner / Hilux, 10W-40 semi-synthetic.

Valvoline also say 10W-40 or 15w40 semi-synthetic.

I think any of 5W30, 10W30, 10W40 and 15W40 would work fine in the '97 model.

Oh, for the record, Castrol / Valvoline Australia say use 5w30 synthetic or 10w30 semi-synthetic for the '04 model, which is consistent with your advice for your car.
 
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Originally Posted By: SR5
These morons and Castrol.

That's what Castrol Australia say to run in that year 4Runner / Hilux, 10W-40 semi-synthetic.

Valvoline also say 10W-40 or 15w40 semi-synthetic.

I think any of 5W30, 10W30, 10W40 and 15W40 would work fine in the '97 model.

Oh, for the record, Castrol / Valvoline Australia say use 5w30 synthetic or 10w30 semi-synthetic for the '04 model, which is consistent with your advice for your car.


We're not talking about dingo country.
 
Originally Posted By: KingCake
I got over 370,000 miles on a 04 4runner. I use 5w30 PP and it doesn't burn a drop. Don't listen to these 10w40 morons.


Originally Posted By: KingCake
We're not talking about dingo country.


You must be quite the charmer at parties.

Who did you used to be, your insults seem familiar ?
 
SR5 is one of the coolest cats on this site.... And you decide to be a donkeys rear end. Slow down and try to not be so harsh to others.

Ohh and south Texas is rather similar to many places down under in terms of climate.
 
Originally Posted By: SR5
These morons and Castrol.

That's what Castrol Australia say to run in that year 4Runner / Hilux, 10W-40 semi-synthetic.

Valvoline also say 10W-40 or 15w40 semi-synthetic.

I think any of 5W30, 10W30, 10W40 and 15W40 would work fine in the '97 model.

Oh, for the record, Castrol / Valvoline Australia say use 5w30 synthetic or 10w30 semi-synthetic for the '04 model, which is consistent with your advice for your car.


Thread hijack:

Where would one find the recommended viscosity for their vehicle if it was in Australia? Lets say a 2015 4Runner for example.
 
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The 4.0 V6 with the duel VVT-i.

Tacoma trucks with the original VVT-i design only require a conventional 5w30 IIRC (according to a good friend with a 2012), but this generation 4Runner requires a 0w20. The OM says a 5w20 can be used for an OCI, but it must go back to 0w20 next time or if the vehicle is used for towing, a 1 heavier weight (I am assuming 5w30) can be used. I am of the opinion that it needs synthetic regardless of viscosity. The recommended OCI's are 10k.
 
I have a 1999 4runner sport with the 3.4 and 255000 miles. Previous owner changed oil every 6K miles with whatever was on sale. I pulled valve covers which were spotless except for varnish. No engine noises, runs flawlessly.

The 3.4 Toyota V6 was designed by Hino to be an industrial engine.

I am only 3K miles into ownership so I started with Shell 5W40 that i bought at Kmart on clearance. I plan on running the $2 oils that i hoarded from Autozone at 4-5K intervals.

I bought a case of toyota branded filters on ebay for around $2.50 each.
 
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
The 4.0 V6 with the duel VVT-i.

Tacoma trucks with the original VVT-i design only require a conventional 5w30 IIRC (according to a good friend with a 2012), but this generation 4Runner requires a 0w20. The OM says a 5w20 can be used for an OCI, but it must go back to 0w20 next time or if the vehicle is used for towing, a 1 heavier weight (I am assuming 5w30) can be used. I am of the opinion that it needs synthetic regardless of viscosity. The recommended OCI's are 10k.
What are the oil change intervals?
 
Originally Posted By: DrRoughneck
If it's your first run on M1 change it at 1,000 miles or so this time because it will dislodge lots of gunk.


Even with zero signs of gunk under the valve covers? I know Mobil suggests short intervals in the beginning, but I believe that's a lot shorter than suggested. I am very eager to cut open the filter after the initial oil of whatever oil I choose.
 
Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
Maxlife 10W40 (Texas gets hot and that motor has clearances worn into by now), Wix filter (Napa Gold same...). 5K changes and drive on
smile.gif



I was initially looking at Wix/Napa filters, but when I was reading about them, many people didn't speak very highly of them. I think it had something to do with the media or filtration. I kind of lost confidence in them after reading that. Same goes for the Toyota filters and their construction.
 
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