Ok, I've been reading a lot recently that Toyota engines are prone to sludge problems. I found a few articles detailing this. Here are just a few of the links:
Car Bibles : The Engine Oil Bible
Toyota/Lexus Class Action Settlement-Official Court Website
I didn't know this when I purchased my 2005 Tacoma. Don't get me wrong I love my Tacoma but that would have weighed in my purchasing decision. I don't currently have a sludge problem with my Tacoma. I usually use Penzoil 5W-30 or the Toyota dealers grade(?). Since I try to change my oil myself as much as I can, I have taken to changing my oil myself every 2500 miles and every 5000 miles at the dealer at least while my vehicle is under the factory warranty.
My prior vehicle was a 99 Saturn SC2 with 60k with a major sludge problem. The car was maintained basically the same except oil was changed every 3000 miles instead of 2500 miles. It was driven the same basically the same also (slow starts, shift at 2250-3000, etc)
I've recently thought about switching to synthetic to help eliminate the possibility of sludge. But I've also read multiple sources that state synthentic (although superior in many ways) alone is not a good choice since it can lack vital motor protection (too thin to cling on cold starts). Some articles have even suggested a much thicker oil 5w-50 with a mix of synthetic. Let's face it, I'm not about to start experimenting on my vehicle.
But, I was thinking of running a split formulation. 2.5qts of Penzoil 5W-30 and 2.5wts of Mobile 1 5W-30. Of course, I know that brings up other major issues. Many people have stated sludge problems when mixing oil.
I'm not trying to play the devils advocate just looking for opinions and some truth out of all the mis-information. What do you all think? Any reputable sources? It's hard to believe what you read when it comes to motor oils.
One last unrelated question. I've looking to do the major checkups (25k, 30k, 50k,....) on my vehicle but I'm looking for a nice guide for the new Tacos that states what needs to be done with pictures, torque specs, and specifications. I want to leave things I'm not familair/comfortable with to a few good mechanic friends of mine. I just don't feel comfortable spitting up about $280 for 25k check up when I may be able to do most of it myself. Basically, I want to maintain this vehicle the best I can and not rely on a shop.
Sorry for the long post.
Thanks guys (and gals),
Kris
Car Bibles : The Engine Oil Bible
Toyota/Lexus Class Action Settlement-Official Court Website
I didn't know this when I purchased my 2005 Tacoma. Don't get me wrong I love my Tacoma but that would have weighed in my purchasing decision. I don't currently have a sludge problem with my Tacoma. I usually use Penzoil 5W-30 or the Toyota dealers grade(?). Since I try to change my oil myself as much as I can, I have taken to changing my oil myself every 2500 miles and every 5000 miles at the dealer at least while my vehicle is under the factory warranty.
My prior vehicle was a 99 Saturn SC2 with 60k with a major sludge problem. The car was maintained basically the same except oil was changed every 3000 miles instead of 2500 miles. It was driven the same basically the same also (slow starts, shift at 2250-3000, etc)
I've recently thought about switching to synthetic to help eliminate the possibility of sludge. But I've also read multiple sources that state synthentic (although superior in many ways) alone is not a good choice since it can lack vital motor protection (too thin to cling on cold starts). Some articles have even suggested a much thicker oil 5w-50 with a mix of synthetic. Let's face it, I'm not about to start experimenting on my vehicle.
But, I was thinking of running a split formulation. 2.5qts of Penzoil 5W-30 and 2.5wts of Mobile 1 5W-30. Of course, I know that brings up other major issues. Many people have stated sludge problems when mixing oil.
I'm not trying to play the devils advocate just looking for opinions and some truth out of all the mis-information. What do you all think? Any reputable sources? It's hard to believe what you read when it comes to motor oils.
One last unrelated question. I've looking to do the major checkups (25k, 30k, 50k,....) on my vehicle but I'm looking for a nice guide for the new Tacos that states what needs to be done with pictures, torque specs, and specifications. I want to leave things I'm not familair/comfortable with to a few good mechanic friends of mine. I just don't feel comfortable spitting up about $280 for 25k check up when I may be able to do most of it myself. Basically, I want to maintain this vehicle the best I can and not rely on a shop.
Sorry for the long post.
Thanks guys (and gals),
Kris