fabchef

Hi gang, i've been using synthetic oil for a while now. I don't really have much oil loss between oil changes (5000km), i do hear a bit more of valve chatter, mostly at startup and more as it's getting cold outside. My 2009 rx350 has around 266 000km on the clock. Should i consider using the High-Milage oil at this point?
if you are using it, does it help with valve chatter?
fab

Buzzltyr57

I was told that the high mileage oils have additives that are supposed to help “swell” seals if there are any leaks. If you don’t have any leaks it’s unnecessary. The claim to swell seals is highly suspect in my opinion. Others may disagree.

WagonRut

It helps if your valve covers or other seals are leaking. It won't stop a big leak, but it'll stop a small one in about 2 weeks time. If you have leaks, use it. But if you ever go to regular oil or one of those "brown and slick" jiffy lube places it'll wash it all away and it'll leak again.

fabchef

Hi guys, I don't really have leaks, none that i can see, or oil consumption. As i mentioned, i usually go up to 5-6000k km between oil changes.
i think it's the slight valve tick, mostly at startup, then quiets down. Till now, the one oil that i find made the engine run quietly was Mobil 1 super 1000 (redish label), but I can't really find it anymore.
the last 2 oil changes i put synthetic super tech (walmart brand). So far, it's okay.

Oro

fabchef - Here are some points to take home:

- First, the sound you hear may be the known valve gear rattle common on that engine. You can google 2gr-fe rattle/vvt etc. to learn more about it.

- There is nothing in HM oil that is not in regular oil - just generally a bit more of it. You can use HM oil in new cars (and many “in the know” do this).

- The seal swell/can’t go back/etc. myths are just that - myths. I’ll link an informed discussion with actual petroleum chemists on that below. Again, nothing in HM oils that are not in regular oils - just a bit more. A good thing all-around.

- Try the Mobil 1 5w-30 HM if you are routinely in extreme cold, 10w-30 if not. You’ve had success with Mobil before, these are widely available, and many of us have had great success with them.

Informed discussion on the topic:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/th...ellers.331495/

Since pictures speak a 1,000 words, I’ll use this to drive it home. This ES has 340k miles on it. I have run it on Mobil 1 HM 10w-30 *almost* exclusively since 2012, and it runs as perfectly now as it ever has. It has used about 16ozs of oil in 7,500 mile oil change intervals since new - and still does.

fabchef

Oro, thanks for thr info, will check out link after. Your car is very nice. Always liked the ES's. Does yours have the 3.5 or is it the 330?