Car burning oil, weird smell

yeah, that wouldn't be much of a diagnosis, i'd want to do some checking before switching to a heavier erl.

 

Respectfully speaking...the OP had to be told it was burning oil.

Going from 5W-30 to 10W-40 on a engine that has 155,000 miles and burning oil (very common) is a wise first move, even with the cold BWI winters.

 

but what if someone didn't put enough oil in?

 

This would then indicate the OP is not aware of their vehicle's status...were this the case. Pending further details and analysis...recommendation stands.

 

since they had to take it in to find out, your probably right.

 

It sure does say that in the manual. You had me freaking for a second because I use synthetic.

 

weird, i always used dino.

 

My manual simply calls for an oil that is either api SL (or later) rated, or ILSAC energy conserving rated. It says nothing specific about whether it is mineral or synthetic based. With the North American 5000 mile oil change interval, using any oil that meets those specs (whatever the origin) is fine.

To be honest the majority of modern 5w30 oils meeting the latest of those specs (api SN or ILSAC GF5) will probably contain some synthetic components anyway, regardless of whether or not it actually says so on the label. Now days the distinction between what's labelled "synthetic" and what isn't is somewhat blurred.

 

i guess i was confused because the gen II came new with conventional oil, and that's what my guy continued to use. i do realize you can switch to synthetic if you want to.

 

Do you know what specific brand of oil your mechanic is using bisco? In the past when I had my oil changed at the dealers here they used a semi-synthetic (Castrol FMX) as their bulk oil.

 

no, sorry. i just drop it off and pick it up. it's only $36. for filter, oil and disposal fee, so i assumed it's not synthetic. it's a mobil station, maybe they use all mobil products? did your car come from the factory with synthetic?

 

I think the concern was that when you say "toyota doesn't recommend synthetic in the gen II" most people read that to mean "Toyota recommends against synthetic in the gen II". Common use of the language makes it tricky.

I've used nothing but synthetic in all of my cars for the past 5 years. I know of no OEM that recommends against its use.

 

That doesn't mean synthetic oil isn't a good idea in a Gen II. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but it provides superior lubrication over non-synthetics. Because of that, lighter grades can be used, which reduce friction, due to their lower viscosity.

Unless you are needing to add oil more frequently, or you can see visible smoke in the exhaust, there's no need to jump to the conclusion that your car is burning oil. You may have a small leak in the engine, and that could account for the smell.

 

agreed, poor choice of words, my apologies. my comments were directed to 'the electric me's' second paragraph statement in post #4 preceding mine, 'toyota recommends the lighter synthetic oil'. i believe he was referring to his gen III model.

 

I didn't buy it new. It came s/h from a dealer and had previously been serviced by them, so presumably had the same "Castrol FMX" semi-synthetic that they used in subsequent services.

Like I said above, most SN or GF5 oils these days will contain some synthetic components, and whether or not they choose to say that on the label is largely a marketing decision. If your oil change place is using mobil oil then even their lowliest product is "mobil super 5000 (formerly mobil clean 5000), which according to the linked site is a synthetic blend. See: Mobil

 

wouldn't surprise me. i wonder what they'll use when i take the pip for her first change? i'll have to remember to ask.

 

For the Gen III's you're supposed to use synthetic 0W20.

 

agreed.