Amesoil 0w20

[orlin03]

I placed a big order with Amsoil on Friday; I plan on switching the Solara over soon from the Mobil 1 I've been using (which is still at the full mark and nearly clear after 4,500 miles). I had to buy the oil in a 12 quart case to get a good price (under 6 bucks a quart), so I ordered 2 extra quarts and three filters to cover three oil changes. http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/2007/pr_ASM.aspx
The 0w20 they offer is 100% sythetic, and rated for an extended drain interval of 25,ooo miles when used with their filter (after an oil flush when neccesary) for normal service, or 15,ooo miles for severe service. I can not fathom leaving the oil in for 25,ooo, but I would like to see how well it holds its values as it approaches 15,ooo. I have had good results with Amsoil in the past, having used it in dirt bikes and my truck, and have always been surprised at how clean it is when it comes out at drain-time (I have left it in my truck for 12,ooo with a filter change & 1 quart at 6,000); it still looked like it could last much longer.
I know that some of you use this oil, or have used it in other vehicles. What are your opinions on it? How many of you run your Toyota on synthetic, and how do you like it? Would you chance the 25,ooo interval, or do you think I am crazy for just hoping for 15,ooo?

PS I make a habit of checking all my fluids regularly!
I placed my order with Ches Cain (AMSOIL Regency Gold Direct Jobber
The Synthetic Warehouse
www.syntheticwarehouse.com
EMAIL: ches@syntheticwarehouse.com); he was very helpful and had awesome prices!

[CosmicGrooves]

Never tried Amsoil

[crispone]

I have been through all the Amsoil Testing data by third party labs. VERY IMPRESSIVE. I, too, intend to switch everything over to Amsoil.

Similar to YOUR situation, the "change" intervals are "mind boggling" compared to OTHER oils. HOWEVER, Amsoil STILL outperforms most other synthetics.

All those I've spoken to who USE Amsoil, SWEAR by it. (Mostly racers, motorcycle, truck, etc... fanatics. They should know.)

Anyway, let us know YOUR experiences... as I intend to make the switch very soon.


-crisp

[crispone]

^^^ PS: I use 100% synthetic. Either MOBILE 1 when I do it... or a local family owned quick-stop that uses Valvoline products. I get THEIR synthetic then.


All my MOTORCYCLES use Mobile 1 15w50 synthetic.



-crisp

[MCOjerry]

I try to get my oil changed by 5K, but sometimes go over some.

[gnegroni]

I try to get my oil changed by 5K, but sometimes go over some.

All I know is that my engine behaves a lot smoother when the oil is new...I try to change it between 4-5k miles...depending on how much I wanna stretch it...BTW, its Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W30 for my 2AZ.

[MCOjerry]

Well, I'm sure I could change my oil if I wanted to, but I don't want to, so I go to the dealer....whatever synthetic they put in is what I use. I don't notice any difference after an oil change.

[PXLpainter]

Jerry - as long as it's a quality synthetic (not a blend) then you'll be fine going a little over 5K.

If you DO notice a difference after an oil change, then something's dreadfully wrong with your engine!

[MCOjerry]

Well, I guess that's good then, cuz it seems the same even after the oil change.

I figure if they are using the wrong kind of oil, they are screwing themselves, cuz it's the dealer, and I always go there. They screw it up, they pay.

[PXLpainter]

^^ Good luck trying to enforce that after they screw up and you r engine grinds to a halt at about 100K!

I only trust the dealer to honor TSBs and to provide me with Solara floormats. Other than that - they don't get to touch my ride!

Hehe - my GF got to drive it for the 1st time today (I was a little too "buzzed") after having it over a year! LOL! Milt popped its cherry last month so I figured what the heck... plus I was nice and relaxed from the alkeyhaul so I didn't freak too much until she went to park it in the garage!

[trdkamuri51o]

why on earth 0w20.. you dont need that unless you are sitting in ultra cold environments...

[orlin03]

why on earth 0w20.. you dont need that unless you are sitting in ultra cold environments...

I would probably use 0w20 in ANY car if I lived in the artic circle, but... have you ever started an older car and had to listen to the valves clatter while you waited for oil pressure to build up? The 0w properties mean that oil flows through the engine faster at startup than any other engine, yet it delivers the same viscosity as the standard 5w20 once the pressure and temperature has built up, so cold starts - where most of your engine wear occurs - are less harmful. The only reason Toyota gives us the choice between 0w20 and 5w20 is because they realize some people don't want to go synthetic; Porche, for example, only condones the use of synthetic 0w40 in the late model 911!

[gnegroni]

Jerry - as long as it's a quality synthetic (not a blend) then you'll be fine going a little over 5K.

If you DO notice a difference after an oil change, then something's dreadfully wrong with your engine!

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with my car...but then again, I have 30k miles one it, and its only been 1 year and 2 months since I got the car.

I do put a lot of stress on the engine on everyday travel. About 3 months ago I moved from my ex-gf house (30 minutes to work, all level highway), to a friend's a bit more distant (1 hour drive, uphill takes about 15 minutes). I usually go down to 4th while going uphill on my I4 Solara, even though it would go up in 5th. I usually get 2-3 mpg more than on 5th, but the engine is going at around 3500-4000 rpm the whole way, with slightly lower gas pedal input (I guess this is why I save a bit in gas). I guess this puts the engine to work and gets the oil cooking (metaphorically).

After all of this is said, my engine does feel a bit smoother, but not something that you should be worrying about. Remember, I have the I4, so every bit of helps (reason I switched to Synthetic).

PS. Finally, the dealer went on to install the oil change reminder sticker with a 5000 mile interval. Prior oil changes had a 3000 mile interval written.

[gnegroni]

I've read of some guy using 10w40 on his 2AZ-FE instead of the recommended (no higher than w30)...he mentioned engine was a tad quieter with it. I still think the 2AZ is a bit noisy for my taste, even left the car to the dealer and have it checked out (for it and some other TSBs), but I dislike 1ow40 because I lose the energy conserving properties in the oil.

Anybody actually tried this AMSOIL recently?