Toyota now recommends 5W-20 for most cars

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Apr 17 2006, 11:29 PM) [snapback]241311[/snapback]</div>

TSB Number: EG018-06
Title: Engine Lubrication - ILSAC GF-4 Oil Recommendations

It says - The recommended viscosity grade for this oil differs according to the vehicle model.

Use the recommended grade specified on the oil filler cap or in the Repair Manual or Owners Manual for each vehicle.

For Prius vehicles refer to TSB EG-050-04 - "Engine Oil Specifications"

 

I don't see how a 0W-20 will cause "smoking" but a 5W-20 won't, since both have the same viscosity at running temp.

I ran Mobil 1 0W-20 over this winter and noticed: improved cold temp fuel economy, *no* oil consumption, and *no* "noise."

As far as engine "wear" I posted my used oil analysis comparing the Mobil 1 0W-30 I ran last summer to the Mobil 1 0W-20 I ran this winter: very low wear results, except the Si as I remove the air filter every month to tap out the loose dusties.

In hindsight, I might as well leave the filter in there for 5-6 months before checking it. Every time I remove the filter from the housing I must be dislodging dust that ends up in the intake.

 

I'm confused. EG018-06 likes 0W-20, but the Prius-specific version doesn't??...

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Toyota/11371392...0R-04/5004.html is the only version I can find...

OK, hang on, I'm now less confused. Page 2 of EG018-06 makes a sweeping statement about smoke, but Page 1 defers to EG050-04 for a Prius anyway. That may mean they didn't test in a Prius...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 18 2006, 11:30 AM) [snapback]241495[/snapback]</div>

Attached

 

on page 2 they do show a list of which engine series can use the 0w20 and 5w20 oils.

while the nz series is listed as being able to take 5-20, they do specifically state that this tsb does not apply to the prius and to refer to the previous tsb specifying prius oil specs.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 18 2006, 11:32 AM) [snapback]241520[/snapback]</div>

Evan:

There are a *lot* of mixed messages regarding the use of a 5W-20 or 5W-30 in the Prius. When I look up the Maintenance Menu for my 2004 Prius - at the Toyota Canada site - it states both can be used.

When I read of a 5W-20 being "ok" but a 0W-20 will cause "engine wear" and "smoking" the only thing I have to ask is what were they smoking? The issue of viscosity always seems to come up and I find it amusing how some ad writers think a 0W-20 will blow up a motor but a 5W-20 is fine.

The GF-4 oil spec is starting to catch up with older European ACEA oil specs with regards to TEOST (Thermo-oxidation Engine Oil Simulation Test), viscosity increase, cold sludging, hot crown deposits, etc. A conventional oil can be reformulated to meet this spec.

I noticed they still allow an oil to "pass" if it allows stuck oil rings though.

So I'll stick with a good synthetic with a lot of detergents, thanks.

j

 

all i got out of it was that they were changing the oil used in their 06 MY engines and some older engine series may also be eligible to use 5-20.

they made it much more confusing than necessary.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 18 2006, 11:30 AM) [snapback]241495[/snapback]</div>

The Prius gas engine does not run all the time like non-hybrid engines do and has a 5000 rpm limit. Therefore the Prius engine won't as hot as other cars. Common sense tells me that 5w-20 would work better in cooler engines such as the Prius.

Any thoughts?

Tommy Kahn

 

Use the oil specified by the manufacturer: 5W-30.

 

So the bottom line is will the warranty be void if i run mobil one 0w-20 in my '06 prius? Will the 0w-20 not give the best fuel mileage possible? I live in FL so is there any problem running this thin of oil in the hot summer? I have read that going up in viscosity (i.e. 5w30 to 10w40) will lower your mileage from 3-5% so doesn't it stand to reason if you lower it to say 0w20 it would go up about the same amount?

TIA,
Swamibob

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Swamibob @ Aug 5 2006, 04:14 PM) [snapback]298323[/snapback]</div>

Unless the dealer provides the fluids they cannpt require somethign specific (just ask ferrari about the oil in the enzo) however if negligence on your part (using antifreeze as the oil) causes a problem your SOL.

 

Actually in 2007, the Prius along with the 4 cylinder Camry(non Hybrid) Solara, Highlander, 4 runner, tacoma, Sequioa will all take 0-W20

 

So did they change the engine any to change to 0W-20 or is it the same as what I have in my '06?

Swami

 

From my knowledge, the engines are the same, Toyota switched for a cleaner burning oil that reduces emissions.