I just bought a 2001 Toyota 4runner and it didn't come with any manuals. Its the 3.4 liter V6 with automatic transmission. It has 118,XXX miles on it and it does not have any maintenance records. I believe the recommended oil weight is 5w30 but I was wondering about the specs of the oil it requires. I'm pretty sure it's probably had dino oil its whole life and at this mileage would it hurt me to switch to a high mileage synthetic or should I just stick with dino? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
2001 4Runner...3.4v6 (no manuals)
- Thread starter FDryan85
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5W-30 is the correct spec from the factory. I recommend a treatment of Chevron Techron as for a oil additive I do not recommend one at this time for your engine. Need more info on engine condition. The only additive I recommend if the engine/transmission is Auto-Rx.
I would just use a quaility conventional like pennzoil yellow bottle with a 5K OCI until you get to know the engines condition. Also welcome.
I used Kreen for my Toyotas, no more ticks..And the stuff that came out, OMG
I would do an oil change & substitute 20% MMO in the mix. PVC valve would be on my short list for a change too.
I would just stick with a quality 5W30. No additives needed unless there is a clear reason...
In 1990, the spec was 10W30 or 10W40...and it's never needed anything other than oil and filter changes (sure, a PCV here and there...plugs, etc....)...and it's very clean inside.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
In 1990, the spec was 10W30 or 10W40...and it's never needed anything other than oil and filter changes (sure, a PCV here and there...plugs, etc....)...and it's very clean inside.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Originally Posted By: FDryan85
Yeah I'm not sure what the inside of the motor looks like yet...I plan on replacing the timing belt, all of the fluids and filters, plugs and wires and possibly popping off the valve covers to take a peak/change the gasket.
When replacing the t-belt, it is smart to replace all the front oil seals, timing idler pulleys, timing tensioner, and water pump.
You don't want to redo the timing belt halfway in its life.
Anyway, I deal with this kind of engine frequently. It has no weaknesses, basic maintenance is all that is usually needed.
Yeah I'm not sure what the inside of the motor looks like yet...I plan on replacing the timing belt, all of the fluids and filters, plugs and wires and possibly popping off the valve covers to take a peak/change the gasket.
When replacing the t-belt, it is smart to replace all the front oil seals, timing idler pulleys, timing tensioner, and water pump.
You don't want to redo the timing belt halfway in its life.
Anyway, I deal with this kind of engine frequently. It has no weaknesses, basic maintenance is all that is usually needed.
Use any 5w or 10w -30 in this engine, it really does not care. It seems to work well IMHO using Valvoline or Mobil 1. I am running Mobil Super HM in mine now and it loves it. 5.5 to 6qts.
The problems to look out for on this model 4runner is bad lower ball joints, leaking rear axle seals, and having the ATF cooler located in the bottom of the radiator come apart, thus dumping coolant into the A340, which, as you could imagine, does quick work of destroying the clutches.
The problems to look out for on this model 4runner is bad lower ball joints, leaking rear axle seals, and having the ATF cooler located in the bottom of the radiator come apart, thus dumping coolant into the A340, which, as you could imagine, does quick work of destroying the clutches.
Take peak under the oil cap. You'll tell what condition the valvetrain is in.
I don't disagree with artificialist, but seals on these rarely need changing. You can get an Aisin basic timing belt kit with the pump, the belt, the idler, and tensioner pulleys for around $200 or less. Its what I used for my Tundra.
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Just use a decent 5w30 oil and enjoy. It's a good engine
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