daryll40

Any reports of this engine sludging?

RX330inFL

On a properly maintained engine, no. That includes engines using only dino oil. The 3MZ-FE V6 is very good in this regard no matter if in an RX330, Highlander or other. The prior engine in the RX300 was terrible for this though.

hypervish

NO, not a large scale. I've seen one sludged at my uncle's shop, but the owner hadn't changed the oil in over 32,000 miles. Needless to say it was in dire need of an engine replacement and new owner.

But, it's possible to sludge any engine. Just don't change your oil, and you'll be able to see it first hand. (not suggesting you do this though... LOL)

diverchris

What are people's thoughts about running Toyota engine treatment one a year or so as preventative maintenance?

pauljcl

Why don't you just use synthetic oil?

lexus114

Synthetic oil is good, but it`s more for longer drain intervals. And really not necessary in the 3MZ-FE. Dont get me wrong, it certainly isnt a bad idea to use Synthetic. But if you change the oil out @ 5k, its a waste to use Synthetic for that. I`m going back to the Valvoline Nextgen after this run of Platinum.

diverchris

I do run synthetic oil- just looking for people's thoughts

pauljcl

Cleans out engine of sludge little by little, and does not cause new sludge.

DixieLex

buy a Lexus and use cheap-a@@ oil in it. I use nothing but Amsoil in my wife's Sienna, my Tacoma TRD and my daughter's RX. Why chance it?

RX330inFL

Because it is not needed. A quality dino oil is all that is required along with the need to stick to the maintenance schedule. I use Mobil 1, however, that is a by choice and not by any particular need.

lexus114

Thats right ^^^ It becomes a problem when people dont change out the oil regularly. But it`s all a matter of personal preference. Heck I was using Pennzoil, and Castrol GTX in my 84 Chrysler Laser turbo for years, and believe me, I had some fun in that car! Put some V-8 owners to shame . My point is, I never had a single problem using Conventional oil in it @ 3k change outs, and running it hard and havin fun!

RX330inFL

Thought I should qualify this statement a bit more.

I use Mobil 1 in other vehicles I own. Untamed beasts, like my Chevelle, that spend time at the track, benefit from using a synthetic and who eat dino oil. Saves me labor in not needing to perform oil changes as frequent in my advancing age. And even though I consider the RX330 to be much easier on oil and I still change the oil at 5K intervals, I use Mobil 1 as I am usually buying this stuff in bulk and it is easier to keep with one brand. That and NAPA filters made by WIX. While the dealer was maintaining my RX under warranty I only had them perform the regular dino oil change.

neilaz

Well i will buck the trend and say i used Dino oil in my Toyota. Changed the oil every 3000 miles and at 60k had a sludge problem. I had records of all the oil changes and the dealer agreed to clean the engine on there dime. I switched to Mobil 1 and pulled the valve covers at 110k and there was no sludge. So for me no more Dino oil.

daryll40

Your story doesn't pass the smell test. WHAT Toyota? And if you really had serious sludge, how does a dealer just "clean the engine" and it's fine again?

RX330inFL

I agree with daryll40. Which Toyota product? Which engine? Which oil?

This is the 2nd Generation RX forum for RX330 and RX350.

If you had a problem with the 3.0L V6, then I could see that. Just not with either of the 3.3L or 3.5L V6 engines of the 2nd Generation RX without some other issue as a cause. As I have stated previous, I would not run dino oil in my Chevelle. Just asking for problems.