5W-20 in a Camry

[rimfire,22]

Hello to all,

I have an 89' Camry with the 4 banger and I was wondering if that new Mobil 1 5W-20 synthetic oil can be used in the engine with no ill effects?

Currently I use M1 5W-30 and have experienced a small amount of oil consumption ( about 1/3 quart per month ) with good results. My goal is getting the best mileage outta the lady.

Any advice is aprreciated.

rimfire,22

[Mike Gerber]

rimfire,22,

Your oil consumption will probably increase slightly with the 5W-20 oil. Since you are seeking better fuel mileage, you might achieve about 1/2 mile per gallon more, if that. If the oil consumption increases, you will have to add more oil between oil changes; this at about $6 a quart for the Mobil1. It's really a trade-off. IMHO, I would just continue to do what you are doing.

Mike

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

rimfire,22,

Your oil consumption will probably increase slightly with the 5W-20 oil. Since you are seeking better fuel mileage, you might achieve about 1/2 mile per gallon more, if that. If the oil consumption increases, you will have to add more oil between oil changes; this at about $6 a quart for the Mobil1. It's really a trade-off. IMHO, I would just continue to do what you are doing.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for your reply. Here in the city of the angels the gas price is increasing several dents/cents per week instead of the usual couple here n' there. Within the next couple weeks regular gas will be over $3 bucks and it's become not a funny issue anymore. For the money of M1 per quart it's worth the chance/experiment to see if any additional savings can be acheived.

Instead of dealing with gas price out Mayor and Governor talk about spending billions on car pool lanes and tow roads. What a rip-off for us poor consumers.

rimfire,22

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

Originally Posted by rimfire,22

was wondering if that new Mobil 1 5W-20 synthetic oil can be used in the engine

===
Just my 2 cents, but I would not be putting 20 weight oil in an engine designed for 30 weight.
If you do harm the engine, it's going to be to late to change back.
I know synthetic oil has higher film strength but to me wouldn't be worth the risk.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Daniel M. Dreifus

===
Just my 2 cents, but I would not be putting 20 weight oil in an engine designed for 30 weight.
If you do harm the engine, it's going to be to late to change back.
I know synthetic oil has higher film strength but to me wouldn't be worth the risk.

Dan,

Thanks for your reply also. I like to hear it all from as many people as possile before I decide to try this out. According to my manual it should accept this kind of oil of all the ranges depending on the temperature/climate. If you stress caution can you elaborate on why? Constructive please.

rimfire,22

[Brian R.]

I have used 5W-20 Mobil1 in my '96 5S-FE with no ill effects for around 6,000 miles. My mileage varies so much from tank to tank, depending on how much city driving I do, that I can't tell if it made any difference in my mileage or not. I have been getting quite good mileage when I am on the expressway alot (not positive it was the change in oil weight from 5W-30), but I am not sure of the reason. Might or might not have been the oil weight change.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I have used 5W-20 Mobil1 in my '96 5S-FE with no ill effects for around 6,000 miles. My mileage varies so much from tank to tank, depending on how much city driving I do, that I can't tell if it made any difference in my mileage or not. I have been getting quite good mileage when I am on the expressway alot (not positive it was the change in oil weight from 5W-30), but I am not sure of the reason. Might or might not have been the oil weight change.

Brian R,

Thank you for your posting. I may just decide to give it a try. personally I too don't think 5W-20 synthetic would be too thin for my 89' 4 banger.

I am curious about your last paragraph? "Not positive it was the change in oil weight from 5W-30" Did you mean there's not much difference between the two oil weights? If it was you are right in my mind.

I'll be ready soon for my next oil change so I may just ask about the oil since my dealership carries M1 5W-30.

Take care,

rimfire,22

[Brian R.]

I meant that I have done other things to my car to increase the gas mileage and I haven't tried to modify one thing at a time to give good assignment to any changes I measure. The oil weight change probably had some effect, but I don't know that it did or how much.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I meant that I have done other things to my car to increase the gas mileage and I haven't tried to modify one thing at a time to give good assignment to any changes I measure. The oil weight change probably had some effect, but I don't know that it did or how much.

Brian,

I understand where your coming from now :-) Here in Los Angeles I need all the help I can get. Again I just may decide to give it a try. Thanks for the reply.

rimfire,22

[Brian R.]

Just remember that Toyota doesn't advocate using 5W-20 in your engine.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Just remember that Toyota doesn't advocate using 5W-20 in your engine.

Brian R,

OK then is there a really big difference between 5W-20 weight oil and 5W-30?

rimfire,22

[Brian R.]

I don't know what you would consider "a big difference". There is some difference. To me, the 5W-20 is a superior oil since it has a smaller difference between the cold and hot viscosities and thus employs less VI improver (polymer that imparts the multi-vis rating). The less VI improver, the more base oil in the formulation, which makes it more stable.

There is a significant difference in hot viscosities also, but it is a matter of opinion as to whether it is a big difference or not.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I don't know what you would consider "a big difference". There is some difference. To me, the 5W-20 is a superior oil since it has a smaller difference between the cold and hot viscosities and thus employs less VI improver (polymer that imparts the multi-vis rating). The less VI improver, the more base oil in the formulation, which makes it more stable.

There is a significant difference in hot viscosities also, but it is a matter of opinion as to whether it is a big difference or not.

Brian R,

I know something about what you talked about in your last statement. Personally since Toyota doesn't advocate using this oil it's just better I stayed with the M1 5W-30 instead of the other. Thanks for your posting.


rimfire,22

[arfa1980]

I don't feel the oil change will increase a lot of the mileage. According to my research experience with the oil formulation, as long as the cold cranking and pumping test(5W or 0W) are passed and kinecmatic viscosity (30 or 40)at 100C is in the reange, you can use the oil for your car. the thing you are considering is how this lubricant protect you engine from varnish forming, soot forming and wearing. the gas mileage is not directly related to the oil you added.
One good thing about the synthetic oil is that it's viscosity index is high, which means that the viscosity of the oil doesn't change that much when your engine gets warm and this will keep the antiwear film between the metal surface.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by arfa1980

I don't feel the oil change will increase a lot of the mileage. According to my research experience with the oil formulation, as long as the cold cranking and pumping test(5W or 0W) are passed and kinecmatic viscosity (30 or 40)at 100C is in the reange, you can use the oil for your car. the thing you are considering is how this lubricant protect you engine from varnish forming, soot forming and wearing. the gas mileage is not directly related to the oil you added.
One good thing about the synthetic oil is that it's viscosity index is low, which means that the viscosity of the oil doesn't change that much when your engine gets warm and this will keep the antiwear film between the metal surface.

arfa1980,

I understand a little about what your saying. Most of it goes over my head. I'm more of a try it and see what happens guy. I like synthetic oil since I tried it in this car. It appears to stay cleaner longer than dino oil for sure. Why I can't say but it does. Since my quest for better mileage is not directly related I guess it's just better to driver slower and smoothly. I'm starting to wonder if different brands of gasoline might have some impact. Hmmm maybe?

rimfire,22