Does Toyota factory fill these engines with 5w20 for break in?

The owners manual only specs 5w30, but actually suggests using a higher viscosity oil for high speed or extreme load conditions although it doesn't specify a grade. I would not be apposed to using a 5w20. I'd probably start with RedLine and as you mention King do a couple of UOAs to ensure wear is OK. When you look at RL viscosity numbers its almost a 5w30. It would be intersting to see how viscosity affects milage. It might have more of an affect than octane rating of the fuel.

 

I just looked at the invoice and they put in 5w30. I will be sure to ask for 5w20 at my next oil change. Is that ok for winter temperatures in Massachussetts? Why do they use 5w30 and not 5w20 if you can get better mileage?

 

My IL dealer put in 5w30 when my car was in for the 5,000 mile service in October.

 

They used 5w30 because that's what the manufacturer recommends.

 

There is a revised bulletin by toyota to use 5w20 in most cars produced after a certain date. Pheonix, has a thread about this and the ES350 is included. I would use 5w20 especially during winter to have better start-up protection due to a thinner oil.

 

King - Is the TSB you are referencing in the thread below? I don't see the 2GR-FE (ES 350/Camry V-6) engine listed. What am I missing? It also doesn't refernce Lexus models.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=232049

 

The reason you cant see it is because it only lists engine built before 04/06. All cars manufactured after april 06 automatically use 5w20.

 

Presently mixing 93 and 89 octane (can't get 91 in charlotte nc)
Intend to try 87 in the near future to see if any difference

 

After the first few tanks of premium, I switched to mid grade (89) and noticed no changes. Have been using the regular (87) unleaded since about Oct. without any noticable drop in performance. She runs smooth and strong.

 

Here in No Cal, on the Peninsula, I need to fill up every 10 - 14 days and I'm still getting about 26 mpg overall. I use top grade Shell because that is what is at the corner. Right now it is $3.45 a gallon for self serve (mind checking the oil there fella?). About $50.00 for a fill (more like a top off since I never let it get too low). No more steak, Top Raman anybody?

When I first started driving I could get low test in LA for 0.199 per gallon.

 

WOW! 20 cents a gallon; how old are you?

On the more serious side, the MPG has got to be one of the better aspects of this vehicle. 272hp and great mileage to boot! Its nice to get over 400 miles on a tank of gas and if I ever took it across the desert, I'm sure I could make it to 500 miles.

 

Ancient (50)

 

I remember working at a cut rate gas station in late 1971, changing the dials on the pump of regular gas from $.299 to $.329 a gallon. OPEC was just feeling their oats back then.

 

I use 95 octen ( 0.16 cent for liter) .... full up with 8.5 US dollar>>>>

 

Then, you must be someweher in the Gulf region to get such a price!