5w20 in '95 Camry 5S-FE

[JustinC25]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has run 5w20 in a 5S-FE.
I am in NH and am toying with the idea of running PP this winter.
My normal fill is Pennzoil 5w30 conventional, with a Wix or Purolator filter for 3k run All highway (60 miles a day). But I want to run Syn in the winter for it's cold pumpability, and flow charactistics to reduce cold start wear, and improve fuel economy. If I do switch to syn, I may change to a 5k run (With possible filter change mid run) b/c of the Excellent numbers that PP provides.

The short block came from a 2001, and I rebuilt the engine 60k ago.
(New Valves, Rings, Main, and Rod Bearings)

What are your thoughts ?

And I almost forgot the 5S-FE is the 2.2 L 4cyl, incase anyone was not familiar with the engine code.

 

[Drew99GT]

I wouldn't. Just stick with 5w30.

Why 3,000 miles? All highway with Pennzoil Patinum 5w30? 7500 mile intervals would be EASY, and 10,000 would likely be safe.

 

[Smokescreen]

From what I can tell your engine code is not listed along with those back spec'ed to use the 20wt oils on the 2006 TSB. It lists the 2AZ-FE Cary but not the 5S-FE. Unless you find other information, I would stick with the 30wts. I agree about the 3000 miles, highway is the easiest miles on oil you could do.

 

[huffmuds9320]

On my 92 Camry 2.2L, 10w30 is recommended and that is what I'm using. They probably changed the spec to 5w30 in 97 or so.

Yeah I would stick with 5w30 and you could extend the interval especially with the synthetic. The normal service interval is 7500 miles if I remember right.

 

[JustinC25]

Thanks for your quick responses.

As stated earlier My block and all internal components are from a 2001 Camry, The cylinder head is from the '95, however it is identical to that of the head from the '01 except for the valve cover. This is why I am running 5w30 vs. 10w30 as my engine is essentially a 2001 5S-FE and not a 1995 5S-FE.
As far as the 3k OCI on dino, this is for a couple of reasons.

#1 I like to change my oil (It's a sickness)

#2 I saw many slugged 1MZ-FE's when I use to work for the dealer,
and this freaked me out (most with OCI's between 5-8k on dino). As a result I will never run a dino beyond 3k in anything that I own. Not to say that it can't be done, or that it will cause any problems. This is just my personal choice.

I will probably go to a 5k OCI if I use syn.

Is there anyone out there that has run 5w20 in a 5S-FE ?
And if so, what were the perceived results (Quieter, Louder, MPG difference etc)?

 

[02zx9r]

can understand your reasoning, but with your mileage, oil constantly at operating temp, 5K will not be an issue with sludge.

but it is your decision and no one can fault you for that

 

[Max_Wander]

I've tried this in a 97' 5S-FE, Mobil 1 5w20, no less in an attempt to increase fuel econ. No problems at all with it, other than slightly more oil consumption and an even louder than usual valvetrain, but nothing major. Engine had about 200Kmiles at the time

 

[FZ1]

No filter change mid run for a 5k run. Just change at 4k if you feel better about it.

 

[JD34]

I have a 95 5S-FE with 122K mi. Last fall I put in Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 having used dino Havoline, Mobil(dealer) and TropArtic in it. After a 1000 miles with the Pennzoil Platinum it started to leak - in MN last winter. I was very disappointed.

In the spring I put in AutoRx with dino - ran 3K miles, then the flush for 3K. Leak slowed but it still leaked. I decided to have the timing / balance shaft belt changed and also changed the crank and cam seals. The mechanic also recommended changing the oil pump gasket which involves removing the oil pan since he was 90% of the way there and he has seen this gasket leak. He said there was sludge in the sump but the top end (cam cover) was clean. He thought the seals were seeping. Oil and filter is changed every 4K miles.

No leaks now. Currently running Chevron Supreme 5w30 and it looks very clean even after 1500 miles. I will try the synthetic again early winter. Hopefully there should be no leaks!

Car always started easily in the winter - though I think the IAC valve is having problems - low idle speed when cold. Anyone changed the IAC and have any tips?

Engine turns over easily with both the 5w30 conventional and the 5w-20 Pennzoil Platinum in the cold winter months.