CDN_Drew

I have a 2008 ES350 and have used 5W30 PP since day 1. Fantastic oil, car drives well, etc. Been doing 5k oil change intervals.

Just got a 2011 Sienna with the same 2GR-FE engine as in my ES350. The Sienna recommends 0W20, inline with the "new" practices at Toyota/Lexus seemingly to get better fuel economy.

I know little about this stuff, and BITOG isn't that helpful...so many conflicting opinions.

I've still got some PP, but I'm wondering if I can run 0W20 in the ES350, and if so, should I stick to the same 5k OCI or if I can extend it...and the same question in reverse, if I can use the remaining 5W30 PP I have in the Sienna...it is the same engine after all...

safford197

In the owners manual it will list specific oil certifications the oil must meet. Look on the oil container, somewhere it'll list what specific certifications the oil meets. If they match then you're safe - my bet is you're safe. I've run Mobil1 full syn 0w-20 in my ES before but stopped after two oil changes because I started to notice some thick oil at the bottom of the filter housing. I've been running Pennzoil Ultra (full syn) 5w-30 for the last 25K miles. With the mobil1 I noticed no difference in gas mileage or performance.

Some time ago I read this great article on Wikipedia's site which explained the difference in viscosities of oil - a good read. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_oil

jagtoes

I would stick with the mfg's recommendations. I haven't seen the specs but it suggests that the tolerances are much tighter in the 2011 engine thus the change from a 30W to a 20W after the engine is up to temp. Going to a lesser weight oil on an older engine is not the normal way to go so I would keep the 30W in the 2008. The cold weight (5W vs. 0W) is not that significant. It is only effective in start up of a cold engine. When all else is in question then go with the OM.