so ive got an 02 4Runner that runs really well right now with 148k on 6-cyl engine (original). it's my "daily driver" in the sense that it's my only car, but it only gets driven on weekends really, if at all.

because it doesnt get driven daily, i dont necessarily NEED an oil change soon (had one with regular oil back in feb), but i am driving it ~800 miles round trip this weekend to the beach and back, and was thinking about finally making the switch to synthetic so i can leave it sitting and change the oil even less than now. (like once a year maybe).

however, i dont want to mess with a good thing when the engine runs perfectly by switching right before this trip and the new oil not sealing something correctly or unsettling a deposit that was acting to seal something before.

however i was going to take it by my local shop tomorrow and have them give it a quick lookover before i head out of town, and while it was there might as well get them to change the oil.

you guys give me your advice on whether you'd just drive it as is or get the oil changed.

5/24/2010 1:02:52 PM

I think you need to install Linux and reboot the dev Kernel with a 64-bit Pentium coaxial switch. This way, your UNIX Gibson will be properly configured.

5/24/2010 1:08:12 PM

i think you need to reinstall the drivers!

5/24/2010 1:12:52 PM

damnit. .

5/24/2010 1:13:21 PM

Format C:

5/24/2010 1:16:05 PM

if you want this thread to stay in tech talk, turn to the next page.

if you want this thread to get moved to garage, turn to page 47.

5/24/2010 1:18:58 PM

well this is why most places say to change the oil every 3000 miles or 3 months [i](for example).

5/24/2010 1:41:04 PM

im asking about switching from regular organic oil to synthetic. not whether you enjoy spending $$ for no reason every three months

5/24/2010 1:42:35 PM

Quote :

"ORGANIC OIL"

5/24/2010 1:43:13 PM

stay with cheap stuff, forget a synthetic. bring your own wix or pureOne filter if you want some added peace of mind

5/24/2010 1:44:36 PM

standard/organic. the kind that comes from dinosaurs.

5/24/2010 1:44:44 PM

You're putting way too much thought into this. Just change your oil if it's time. Don't change it if it's not. Switch to synthetic if you feel like it.

5/24/2010 1:50:21 PM

with the high-mileage engine, you might run into the risk of some oil leak if you switch to synthetic, due to synthetic being thinner than conventional.

5/24/2010 2:03:12 PM

^which was my original concern. sounds like for now ill just get a conventional change and worry about any synthetic changes later on if at all.

5/24/2010 2:06:37 PM

Quote :

"with the high-mileage engine, you might run into the risk of some oil leak if you switch to synthetic, due to synthetic being thinner than conventional."

It's because of the detergents in the oil. It won't be an issue though. Even if a leak were to occur it would be so minor it wouldn't matter. Losing a couple drops of oil per day isn't going to hurt your truck.

5/24/2010 2:36:19 PM

Given that you don't drive the car often and had the oil changed in February I wouldn't worry about changing it again before you 800 mile trip. I'm assuming this 800 miles will be highway miles - which are the easiest type of miles for an engine. You'll be fine. If you'd like to switch to synthetic oil in the future but am worried about a slight leak developing just wait to switch it after this trip.

For what its worth I don't think you'll have any problem switching to synthetic oil I changed my Integra over to synthetic oil at 150k with no issues.

5/24/2010 2:36:32 PM

dang. got moved

5/24/2010 4:16:29 PM

no more than you drive it, it's not worth switching to synethetic imo

if it ain't broke....

5/25/2010 5:42:22 PM

am going to change it out because why not

but am going to stick with conventional for now.

5/26/2010 12:39:46 PM

why not? B/c $25 saved is still $25 saved.

5/26/2010 12:51:59 PM

the placebo effect i experience by having clean oil in a 100k mi engine before i go on a long trip is well worth the $25. even if my entire car shits the bed...

its like when your mom is like "always wear clean underwear!!!111".

[Edited on May 26, 2010 at 1:08 PM. Reason : .]

5/26/2010 1:08:10 PM

Quote :

"was thinking about finally making the switch to synthetic"

i'd switch to a synthetic blend before going for full on synthetic, but you've already got 148k on the engine so i dunno

5/26/2010 1:11:26 PM

thats also an option for next time.

5/26/2010 1:28:46 PM

Sorry, I misread your last statement. I thought you said you were gonna switch to synthetic anyway.

Like I said, its a misconception that this long drive is going to be hard on your engine. B/C it won't be! Unless you're driving in the mountains and/or towing something heavy this will be the best type of driving for your engine.

5/26/2010 2:39:53 PM

no no i know it isnt, but its like just close enough to the time when i would probably change my conventional oil anyway, i was contemplating making the switch

5/26/2010 3:03:58 PM