I just picked up a used 4runner with 74k miles and plan on using standard HPL PCMO 5w30 in it. It has a fresh fill of whatever the dealer bulk oil is, probably a bulk 0w20. Looking at the history, it seems like the dealer changed the oil every 10k miles. I drained one qt of dealer fill, then added a qt of HPL PCMO for a bit of cleaning for a while before switching to a 100% fill of HPL PCMO. From what I have seen here, the HPL EC is a bit more gentle of a cleaner. I plan on running this for a couple k's and dropping it for all HPL PCMO. Sound like a good plan?
What Is The Difference Between Using 1Qt HPL EC Or 1Qt of HPL PCMO for cleaning?
- Thread starter OCD-OCI
- Start date
Dave from HPL told me that EC30 should not be in there no longer than 90days. However many forum members go a full 5K OCI with great success and zero negative outcomes. On my 14 Venza V6, I did 90 days before switching to HPL Euro 5W-30 for a 10K OCI.
Your plan is good. HPL EC is a milder cleaner meant for transition to HPL. Run the EC for 1500-3000 miles. (Though some have gone 5k+ miles) Then switch to PCMO.
MolaKule
Staff member
The HPL EC has a mix of additives with an ester complex that is targeted for cleaning/decarbonization.
It will not only loosen solid carbon, but the softer carbon deposits present will be softened further and suspended in the oil, so after cleaning, a filter change is definitely in order.
After EC use, many have taken the filter apart and have not only seen trapped carbon particles but trapped sludge. Myself, I have seen a thick sludgy oil roll out of the filter after using EC and I change oil at less than 5k miles.
From reading your post, you used a quart of their pcmo instead of the engine cleaner as that is what you had on hand?
From what others have said the engine cleaner is a milder/softer cleaner than the more “aggressive” or more powerful/potent pcmo. After your several thousand oci do like you said, oil AND filter change and refill with just the pcmo.
Are you planning on 10K mile oil changes? I would think you would want to change your oil filter around 5K and cut it open to see what may have accumulated in it. Once you don’t see anything anymore I start your normal oil/filter interval whatever that may be
From what others have said the engine cleaner is a milder/softer cleaner than the more “aggressive” or more powerful/potent pcmo. After your several thousand oci do like you said, oil AND filter change and refill with just the pcmo.
Are you planning on 10K mile oil changes? I would think you would want to change your oil filter around 5K and cut it open to see what may have accumulated in it. Once you don’t see anything anymore I start your normal oil/filter interval whatever that may be
I'm in no way trying to hijack the thread, but I just bought HPL Premium Plus 0W-30 for my 2023 Type R. I have 30,000 miles on the clock and none of my OCI have gone longer than 5800 miles. ( most are around 4-5k) . Other than the factory fill I have used nothing but quality oils i.e. PUP. Would there be any reason for me to use the HPL EC before going full on HPL?
I agree 
Correct, I did use a qt of the PCMO as a cleaner. Thanks for the answer. That sounds like a plan, a few thousand on this fill, change oil and inspect filter, then the usual longer OCI with full fill of PCMO after if the filter is good.
Dave Is The Oil Guy.
If you would like to send to me I will use one each oil change. I will pay shipping
Looks like your lawn mower is in for a treat. To thin of oil you say? well, just smash a few fingers worth of moly grease in the fill hole and call er' good.
I've been using conventional 5W-30 and Amsoil 15W-40 in my lawn mower. Thing is like 30 years old and goes through oil every time I use it. I thought about using it but don't want to waste it in there.
I don’t see a need or benefit. The K20c runs quite cool in non track-use (my coolant temps in my K20C4 Accord are 170-175F typically) and only the pistons are really risking some deposit accumulation with most oils. And that takes more miles on longer OCIs than you did.
I went straight to HPL at 163K in my GX460. At 6k later, it’s darker, but not at all “nasty.” And I’m using Toyota oem filters, so it’s not like some super filter is keeping the oil clean. The engine was just clean enough already. Surely your CTR is much cleaner still.
