Thinking of changing oil brands in the Avalon

[synthetic_crazy]

We are currently using Castrol Edge 5w30 in our 2002 Toyota Avalon. It is a great performing oil as the last analysis showed very little wear metals. The engine this car contains is the notorious Toyota "sludger" 1mz-fe V-6. The car has had no sludge problems and runs excellent. We have used the Edge for over a year now, but as a BITOGer that dreams of motor oil

, I have been thinking of switching over to Pennzoil Platinum 5w30. I feel that the PP has better cleaning abilities than the Edge and would be a better "match" for the car. I know the PP would handle the hot-running 1mz-fe V-6 as it meets the GM 4718 and Honda HTO-06 specs for higher-temp engines. I read on the Castrol site that the Edge contains some PAOs; PP as far as I have read, does not. Is this an issue I should consider in changing brands? Should I stick with the Edge or try PP?

 

[bodeh6]

Why don't you try Pennzoil Ultra?

 

[moto94536]

same here. I am thinking about switching oil brand. 2006 toyota camry v6 1mzfe engine. I am currently using castrol syntec 5w30. it is great.

last week I picked up 12 qt chevron supreme for $21.99 with the coupon from costco. $1.83 a quart.

The reason I bought chevron oil is not about the price. chevron is the great company with about $190 billion asset. I am pretty sure they make good oil. so I want to try it out.

the production date on the bottle is 01/17/2011. gf5. so it must be good. I am switching to chevron in march.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Since it is a known sludger, you should have fairly short OCI, 6-8k miles, with any synthetic of your choice. I didn't try Castrol Edge in my cars so I don't know how well it performs, but I tried PP in 1 of my cars and PP seems to make the engine very quiet at all RPM's and better MPG too.

 

[crazyoildude]

ultra really has cleaning power i have used it and i like it..

 

[JeremyInMT]

In the spirit of BITOG, by all means, change!

Otherwise, I'd have to ask why you are trying to fix a problem that Edge seems to be solving already? Just curious.

 

[chubbs1]

The PAO really shines in the cold temp department. G II+ and III are excellent bases. Both oils are great, but I think PP (and especially PU) hold a very hot candle to EDGE. I use both but the cleaning selling point of PU and PP would suit your needs well. Use either without hesitation, the high temp is a non issue comparing these oils since they are both great. Flip a coin?

 

[moto94536]

stick with edge.

 

[dtt004]

Hi.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either oil. Whether one is better than the other is a matter of...brand loyalty.

The best thing you can do is, try the new stuff and get it analyzed after you drive it similarly and use the same interval. Then you can compare and contrast and boom make a decision. I've used synthetics before, but for me, I don't really see a noticeable difference in the vehicles I own. So I elected to save the extra dollar or two. It's a matter of choice really.

Also, I have never owned a 1MZ-FE engine, so I can't really say how your case should be.

But I am 99% confident that you will like both as they are great oils.

The Chevron Supreme conventional oils are also excellent by the way. Like the other poster, you should try them out too.

 

[sangyup81]

from what I've seen about the 1MZ-FE and the 5S-FE, using synthetic and having a clean PCV Valve eliminates the sludge issue

I don't think you will have much to clean in that engine unless you've been using dino with a bad PCV for extended periods of time

 

[EricF]

Back in 1998 when I told my sister in law she should be using synthetic oil because of the sludge issue she went back to the dealer and requested it for her next oil change. the dealer refused to put it in stating it wasn't specified by toyota, and there was no "sludge" issue with any toyota vehicle.
So I've had to deal with the car since. Mobil 1 since 9800 miles.
OCI is about 8000 miles with a Wix or Puro oil filter. When I R&R'd valve cover gaskets, engine was as clean as it can get with 130,000 miles. I attribute that to the Mobil 1.

 

[electrolover]

id go with PU... but thats just me

 

[wiswind]

I have the 1MZFE in my 2003 Sienna.
A clean PCV valve and a quality oil for around 5K mile oil change interval is my program.
I also am using the slightly longer filter.....slightly longer, exact same otherwise.
WIX 51516, FRAM XG3600, Purolator Pure 1 PL20195

This is a very good motor that should give you years of great service.

 

[Mark_S]

I have a 99 Avalon (bought it new) with 257,000 miles and no sludge. I use Mobil 1 HM 10W30, either a Mobil 1 or Pure One filter, and change it between 7 and 8,000 miles.

 

[demarpaint]

Why not stick with what's working? You stated: "It is a great performing oil as the last analysis showed very little wear metals". And: "The car has had no sludge problems and runs excellent".

Seems like everything is working well, including Pennzoil's advertising. We really have no concrete proof of how well any oil cleans. It took me quite a while to find Edge, and discover it to be a very good oil. I don't think I'll be changing anytime soon. JMO

Good luck in your quest! Keep us posted!

 

[moto94536]

I have respect for your avalon.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

Why not stick with what's working? You stated: "It is a great performing oil as the last analysis showed very little wear metals". And: "The car has had no sludge problems and runs excellent".



Thanks for all the input everyone! demarpaint confirmed by underlying feeling, I should stay with the Edge. I suppose my reason for considering changing is my inner BITOG coming out in that I become bored with an oil over time. The Avalon's V-6 is very smooth--probably the smoothest engine I have ever driven--I think the Edge accentuates it even more. My Corolla currently has Platinum in it and I LOVE it. So, bottom line...if it isn't broke don't fix it; the Edge will stay.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy

Why not stick with what's working? You stated: "It is a great performing oil as the last analysis showed very little wear metals". And: "The car has had no sludge problems and runs excellent".



Thanks for all the input everyone! demarpaint confirmed by underlying feeling, I should stay with the Edge. I suppose my reason for considering changing is my inner BITOG coming out in that I become bored with an oil over time. The Avalon's V-6 is very smooth--probably the smoothest engine I have ever driven--I think the Edge accentuates it even more. My Corolla currently has Platinum in it and I LOVE it. So, bottom line...if it isn't broke don't fix it; the Edge will stay.


LOL! It took me a while before I landed on Edge, I tried M1 0w20, PP 5W20 and Amsoil ASM 0W20. I'll be sticking with Edge. My only regret is they don't run it on sale as often as I'd like. The good news is they run it just enough so that I can easily maintain a 12-18 month stash and replenish at sale prices w/o issue.

 

[kcfx4]

+1, im hooked on edge myself

 

[Steve S]

44% better cleaning? Consumers are so easy.