New model year requires 0w-20, current is 5w-30?

[MisterBen]

I have a 2009 Tacoma with the 4.0L. Recently I looked at a 2011 4Runner, which I was considering trading. I came to my senses and am keeping my truck (durr durr), but noticed the oil fill cover for the 4Runner state 0w-20. I know the motor has been updated as it is now 270HP instead of 240, but what else has changed for Toyota to move that far in the oil requirements?

I don't think I would do it, but does that mean it would be safe for my current engine? I thought I saw a Toyota motor oil chart that listed all kinds of weights as OK in my engine, maybe including 0-20.

 

[901Memphis]

Probably just so they can get better fuel mileage ratings on the truck.

 

[NateDN10]

With a little Googling, here's the chart.

According to the chart, the 2011 V6 Tacoma allows 0W-20, 5W-20, or 5w30.

 

[PontiacFan]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Probably just so they can get better fuel mileage ratings on the truck.


+1

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: MisterBen

I don't think I would do it, but does that mean it would be safe for my current engine? I thought I saw a Toyota motor oil chart that listed all kinds of weights as OK in my engine, maybe including 0-20.

It's more than safe it's preferred particularly in using Toyota's own brand of 0W-20 which great stuff.
You'll be minimizing wear while optimizing your fuel economy and power; what's not to like!

 

[sangyup81]

Only if you use the Toyota brand! haha at least that's probably what Toyota would want you to think

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: sangyup81
Only if you use the Toyota brand! haha at least that's probably what Toyota would want you to think

No Toyota doesn't specify that you use their oil.

But the Japanese OEM 0W-20 grade is unique.
They're classified as "ultra low viscosity, high VI" oils.
Toyota, Honda and ENEOS have their versions, but the formulations are very similar; a boat load of moly and a 200 VI.
There are a couple of competitors such as CAM II's 0W-20 and the SM version of Castrol Edge 0W-20; not the current SN oil. That's it.

 

[unDummy]

Some engines get different oil pumps, higher pressures, and/or different pans.....Don't forget oil coolers, improved fans or radiators, ... that might be HD/tow package dependent years earlier and standard or improved on now.

Since the new motor is different, you can probably hunt down a parts aficionado at the dealership to compare various components PNs from earlier and later years.

Other engines get a simple 'approval stamp' from the engineers in the marketing department, or the marketeers in the engineering department.

 

[MisterBen]

Originally Posted By: NateDN10
With a little Googling, here's the chart.

According to the chart, the 2011 V6 Tacoma allows 0W-20, 5W-20, or 5w30.


There's the chart! They have some strange suggestions.

I know for some models (not the Tacoma), they went to "dual VVT-i". So they upgraded the engine, but not sure to what extent. The chart shows 5w30 and 5w-20 is OK for my truck.

I would assume it's mostly just fuel economy, as well.

 

[Ram01]

wow there's going to be alot of worn out motors for toyota's following that 0w20 rec. but hey as long they meet their CAFE

 

[Artem]

Originally Posted By: Ram01
wow there's going to be alot of worn out motors for toyota's following that 0w20 rec. but hey as long they meet their CAFE

So true and sad aint it?

I say they get their MPGs else where.

 

[yaris0128]

Thanks for that link. Ive seen it before a few months ago but I couldnt remember if my yaris was ok for 0w20. Which is good since I just got a jug of Mobil 1 0w20 anyway. I just want to give it one go and Ill stick with 5w30 again after that.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: NateDN10
With a little Googling,
According to the chart, the 2011 V6 Tacoma allows 0W-20, 5W-20, or 5w30.


Then by all means I'd be choosing 5w30.

 

[Indydriver]

Originally Posted By: MisterBen
what else has changed for Toyota to move that far in the oil requirements?

It's not as far as you think, and the move is in the right direction. Go to the BITOG home page and read all ten chapters of Motor Oil 101.

 

[fsskier]

I suspect Toyota has tested the 0W20 oils extensively for their vehicles.

Our last commuter car (Escort) and our 3.1 liter extreme use Chevy tow vehicle (towing 5,000 lbs 4 days a week, 9,000 lbs GVW) are my first two vehicles to use 0W20 exclusively. They are also the first two to reach 300,000 miles and both seem like new. No oil consumption, no leaks, no blowby, clean inside, quiet, smooth..... way better than any 5W30, 10W30, 10W40 results that I have had. Much longer life, combined with dynamite winter starting.... whats not to like?

Use the 0W20 without worry.

 

[steve20]

what kind of Chevy truck came with the 3.1?




Steve

 

[fsskier]

Originally Posted By: steve20
what kind of Chevy truck came with the 3.1?




Steve


1994 APV, weighed 3980 lbs on the DOT scale. Triple rig Hydrodyne (3 175 hp outboards on the back, 500 lbs of lead in the nose): 5080 lbs with a full gas tank.

www.5sst.com for a picture of what it pulls.

 

[Artem]

^i'm lost... Aren't we talking about a truck?

 

[fsskier]

Originally Posted By: Artem
^i'm lost... Aren't we talking about a truck?


Yup, and if 0W20 is ok for them!!