5W-20 question

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sinker73

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I just bought a new 07 Camry 4-cyl. I need it to last about 200k (which is why I bought Toyota). The owner's manual calls for 5W-20 or 0W-20 oil. The Camry I just replaced (97) called for 5W-30 oil. I'm concerned that if I use the 20w the manual calls for rather than the 30w I'll lose engine life. I'm assuming heavier oil protects better. Maybe I'm wrong. I also read that newer cars need lighter oils due to smaller tolerences. I also read that the lighter oils are simply to satisfy CAFE fuel standards. I just am not informed enough to make the best choice.

ALSO>.. the manual does NOT give an API service grade (like SJ or SM). Are the current SM oils good enough for my new 07?

Help!!
 
Do a search. Lot of info on this subject. Use what your manual calls for.
 
There was some early speculation that XW-20's would cause excessive/premature/too much wear and would just be too thin......on the contrary. The 20's have been outstanding in Hondas and Fords, and Toyota should be the same.
 
There've been posts from others whose automakers recommend 5W-20 but nevertheless advise going up a viscosity grade when hauling and/or operating in hot climates. Whether it's merely CYA on their part or a legitimate durability concern is up for grabs, but until the issue's completely decided, I choose to err on the side of caution. The fuel consumption hit from using 5W-30 is marginal on an individual basis. Honda still recommends 10W-30 for the home market for durability, but accepts 5W-20 for fuel economy. "SM" is the API's latest service spec. Use it in confidence. Does your owner's manual list an ILSAC (international lubricant standards and acceptance committee which overseas lube standards by joint Japanese and American automaker membership) spec? The latest is "GF-4" - check whether that's listed in your owner's manual. Lube specs may be in the maintenance section or the vehicle specifications section in the back of your owner's manual.
 
quote:
Originally posted by sinker73:
I also read that newer cars need lighter oils due to smaller tolerences.
I also read that the lighter oils are simply to satisfy CAFE fuel standards.
Click to expand...
The first statement is wrong.
The second one is correct.
You can switch between the xw-20 and xw-30 oils with no adverse effects.
The conventional 5w-20 used to be superior to the conventional 5w-30 upon its initial introduction.
With the new SM standard it shouldn't be the case anymore.
 
I would run a 5w20 with confidence where recomended. Toyota always recomends ILSAC"energy conserving" grade motor oils.
Very nice Camry and now the I4 has a very nice selection of motor oils. I think the 5&0w20's have a bitt more premium ingredients than a 30 wt. The Havoline 5w20 carries a higher TBN and I have notices more Boron in the Conoco phillips lines with 5w20 than compared to 5&10w30's. The SM 30wts ater excellent oils but if you can run 20wt oils. Go for it!
 
No problem using a 20wt oil in that engine. You'll find fans of Motorcraft and other 5w-20 blends that seem to hold up very well in UOAs. Synthetic 20wts are easy to find today in which ever brand you prefer and may provide some peace of mind if you're leary of light oil or Toyota's recommended drain intervals. Let us know what you choose.
 
SM, GF-4, Xw20 weight oil will carry your Camry more than 200000 miles without any oil-related problems, as long as you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Period. It's not complicated.

You may be mistaken to believe thicker oils protect better. Better than what? If 30 is better than 20, is 40 even better than 30? Is 50 even better then 40? Where do you draw the line and say, OK, NOW the oil is too thick, so the decreased flow rate results in inadequate cooling of the parts? If you don't know where that imaginary line is, let the manufacturer's recommendation guide your choices.

You could (and maybe should) do Used Oil Analyis on your vehicle if you decide to go outside your manufacturer's recommendations, but, unless you have values on the recommended oil, you'll be dependent upon your analysis people to tell you if your wear patterns are within "normal" limits.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ray H:
Honda still recommends 10W-30 for the home market for durability, but accepts 5W-20 for fuel economy.
Click to expand...
I'd like to see the documentation that validates that statement.

"A senior staff engineer with Toyota’s Fuel and Lubricant Department...and chairman of the Engine Oil Subcommittee of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association noted that Toyota has begun recommending 0W-20 oils in Japan."

http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000463014.cfm?x=b11,0,w
 
quote:
Originally posted by vad:

quote:
Originally posted by sinker73:
I also read that newer cars need lighter oils due to smaller tolerences.
I also read that the lighter oils are simply to satisfy CAFE fuel standards.
Click to expand...
The second one is correct.
Click to expand...
Actually, tolerances have decreased over the years along with improved surface finishes. It may have not have happened on the particualr day manufacturers decided to make the switch. More like a manufacturing evolution over time that allowed much improved and lower viscosity oils to provide at least the same if not better protection.
 
ANY 5w-20 oil will do you great in your new car.

The biggest thing is to CHANGE it every 5k miles or 6 months. (Plus if you have any problems, you can show Toyota you did what they asked on THEIR engine ( it's theirs until 5years or 60k miles ))
grin.gif


Nice car! I'd love to get one with the 4 cyl and 5 speed.

I have a 05 Corolla that I need to get 300k out of! (it's got 45k on it right now.. Almost 18 months old)

I've ran quite a few different oils and done UOAs and they all have done excellent. My best one to date which had almost no wear in 4900 miles was with Pennzoil Dino.
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Take care, Bill
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PS:
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I recently bought a 2006 F250 with a V10...the owner's manual specifies 5w20 under all conditions, temperatures, towing or not, etc.

I have talked to a lot of V10 owners at campgrounds...most use the 5w20 without any problems, and some have well over 100,000 miles on their rigs. THere was a guy at Carlyle lake that used his V10 F350 for both work and play...had around 210,000 miles on it...he used 5w20 synthetic, as I recall. Most Ford owners use Motorcraft synthetic blend, including me.
 
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