1999 Tacoma TRD Makeover

[Lola]

1999 Tacoma, 4X4, TRD, Auto, V6 3.4L.

Guys I have been reading the posts and searching for info!
Question: I have used Quaker state and now Pennzoil with Fram filters for the last 80,000 miles (10W30), every 3,000 miles. I have never had to add oil or experienced any (Known) problems!
I'm contemplating a change to Mobil 1, 5w30 and Ams oil filters.
A lot of people on this site talk about something called Auto-RX! This is supposed to be used before the makeover! I take it that this is an additive of some sort, how do you use it?
I thought additives were frowned on here? Is this additive/cleaning agent recognized and accepted by Toyota?
Lola

 

[cryptokid]

the only additives that are not frouned upon here are the additives which make donations to this website and are called site supporters.

 

[Amkeer]

Lola,

Just switch right over to Mobil 1. You will want to change out your first batch of Mobil 1 at 4 months, 4500 miles, whichever comes first. You will then proceed with 6 month, 6000 mile changes. I would use a Wix filter.

No need for RX in your Toyota! Just use a quality oil and you will be fine.

Daily Drives:
-2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner,2.7 liter, 4 cylinder, Mobil 1 5w30 ODO 12200
-1995 Toyota 4-Runner,3.0 liter,6 cylinder, Mobil 1 10w30 ODO 93000
http://community.webshots.com/user/amkeer

 

[JohnBrowning]

You do not need to use auto-rx before switching to synthetic. It would be a good idea to use auto-rx first though. Auto-Rx is not an additive. An additive is susposed to add something to your oil to improve the oils performance usualy by replaceing something that was left out. Auto-Rx is not their to fortify your oil. Auto-Rx is a mild ester based cleaner that will clean and condition seals; remove any sludge; and clean the rings of the pistons. It does this over a period of 1800 miles of cleaning then 1800 miles of rinseing. It is not a solvent type cleaner. If you never switched over to synthetic and kept on running Quaker State forever I would still recomend that you do a treatment of Auto-RX!

 

[Lola]

Amkeer, why would you use a Wix filter over an Ams Oil filter. Also I was intending to change the oil/filter every 9000 miles or 6 mos, whichever comes first. is this "pushing" the Mobil 1? Ams Oil says 25,000 miles (there oil) but I can't mentally do that!!
Lola

 

[Lola]

Is anyone going to answer my last reply?
I am very serious about my posts. i intend to do everything I said, I just need input and verification before going off blindly and performing something on my truck. I hope you guys understand.
Lola

 

[Amkeer]

The Wix and amsoil filters are very good. Wix is easily available. If you plan on keeping the vehicle a long time I would go with 6000-7500 miles changes. The only reason I wouldn't change at 9,000 miles is the vehicle has been run with mineral oil the past 80000 miles. The synthetics will get contaminated, tbn depletion faster.

 

[Lola]

I don't understand why the synthetics would get contaminated any faster now than when the engine was new? If you start with a new filter and an oil change what is the difference, it had Dino in it from the factory?
Lola

 

[JohnBrowning]

Lola, When an engine is new it is relatively clean inside. As an engine is used it build up deposits. A lube can either clean or lubricate well. When it ihas to do both one of the two will suffer. Conventional oil is natural dirtier then true synthetics. The first time you run a synthetic in an old engine that has seen a lot of conventional oil it will sacrifice it's lubricity and additive package cleaning out some of the stuff conventional left behind. This is why the first oil change with synthetics often uses some oil and it turns dark quickly. If you use Auto-Rx once then most of this can be avoided!

This same thing would apply to the first time Lube Control is used on an older dirty engine. The cleaning propertiys of the Lube Control are going to clean more stuff out of the engine then the oil can safley hold for an extended drain. Once you use it as a flush or a short oci you are then fine.

Your engine while in great shape has 80,000 miles of oxidation. If you have no sludge I am sure that you still have some varnish in the engine.

We are not trying to talk you out of anything. We just want to see you maximize your investment. So if you decide not to use Auto-Rx,Lube Control, 131 then just do not do an extended drain with synthetic your first time around!