carguy07

"At what millage do I change the weight of the oil? "

Probably never, maybe go to a 0w-30 for winter. I guess if I was burning a ton of oil I would try a little thicker, but other than that there is really no reason to mess with anything else.

TrueTexan

I bought my 2002 RX300 a month ago and will need to do an oil change shortly. I've had two sources recommend the Castrol conventional. Did you use conventional and how has Castrol worked out for you? Any engine noise, better or worse gas mileage?

Thanks!

ADKLEXUS

M1 5w30. $25 oil filter special at Autozone. 172k no oil use. Probably going to stick with a 7k interval, do the trans fluid every 4th change if the car lasts that long. Would do the Penn Platinum too if that were the weekly special.

bgross88

My 2000 RX300 didn't like M1 synthetic, so I switched back to Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra, depending what's on sale at the time. I use the 5w-30, with very little oil consumption.

jbl-1985

Can you let us know why it didn't like M1? Curious.

hypervish

An update:

I've now been using Pennzoil Platinum for the past few OCI's. I run a 5k OCI, and have no measurable consumption.

I did use Mobil 1 5W-30 once as stated in the above response, and it consumed oil. It consumed 3 quarts on a 2000 mile road trip. That was more than a year ago though and after switching back to Pennzoil Platinum I haven't seen a drop of consumption, it only consumed oil that one time and it was on Mobil 1. I'm convinced the oil consumption has something to do with Mobil 1 as I've seen people mention consumption issues with Mobil 1 here on Club Lexus before.

I still haven't tried 5W-20, it's very tempting.

jbl-1985

First of all, you being in Jersey, I hope you are doing OK after Sandy.

Second, I would love to start using some of the HQ synthetics out there but have just heard too many issues about increased oil consumption and possible gasket deterioration. For that matter, I have just stuck to the PYB 5w-30 Dino at 3-4k / 6 month oci's. Don't want to jinx anything.

In the Pittsburgh airport now headed out to AZ. Looking forward to getting acquainted again with my RX's and my motorcycle!!!

hypervish

Yes, I'm doing fine after Sandy, just a ton of damage around town. Thanks for asking!

I don't think switching to synthetic will create leaks, and increase oil consumption. I believe it to be a myth. Others may disagree.

I think PYB is a great conventional oil and it'll serve you well just as you are doing.

RX300CE

My 2002 RX300 did not like M1 synthentic too, because of rear main seal leak, so I switched back to Castrol GTX 5W-30

LA4Mead

'99RX300, 150,000miles
I have been using Shell RotellaT6 full synthetic 5w40 that I've come to really trust for various reasons including instant lubrication at cold start (listen for it), no oil added between long oil changes, longer intervals when the oil doesn't oxidize, the occasional puff of blue smoke at cold start I used to get from the RX that I read was from the valve guides (?) is history, smoother sound at idle (I can hear the difference!) and I've had great performance from this product in my other vehicles ranging from my Ford 6.8 V10 and single cylinder RV generator, and my single and V-Twin wet clutch motorcycles, none of which reccommend this oil from the factory.
Yes, I tried other conventionals and synthetics including Mobil 1 in the RX. I didn't care for Mobil 1, either. Like others, I think I also had some oil usage with that product. But I don't have that issue with the Rotella T6. I don't think that's because of synthetic vs. conventional.
The T6 is not designated as "energy saving" with the 5w40 rating and I think that's what puts other owners off. It did for me, too. It's also got a more complete protective/detergent additive package. It is packaged for large commercial vehicles, but does have a lot of loyal users among motorcycle and RV enthusiasts, who also use it in their cars. The RX is the last of my vehicles I tried it on, because of the lack of "energy saving" designation, however that was a few years ago, and I have been very happy with how well the oil performs during the interval.
I used to change every 3-4000 miles, but now I go 5-6000 and the oil still looks cleaner, there is no sludgy formation at the top (that I can see anyway) like used to form up near the top valve cover by the filler (what's that doing there?), smoother sound at idle, the smoke at start is gone, all giving the impression the engine seems cleaner.
I'm sure any old plain conventional oil will do if you change often enough. But my reasons for spending a few bucks more are include I can't afford a new car or a major engine repair, so I just don't want to take any chances. BTW, Rotella T6 is sold at Walmart around currently around $21/gallon which is a bargain for even conventional motorcycle oil, but pretty fair for synth auto oil, too. I use a coupon at the Toyota dealer to buy factory Toyota filters for the RX.

mckellyb

5W30 Mobil1, which ours has seen since new.

I do 10K mile changes. Yes, ten thousand miles.

LA4Mead...Mercedes used to recommend C4 diesel motor oil for all their gasoline-engined vehicles. My old Baby Beater Benz, a '95 E320, has high-interval changes, on synthetic Rotella, and it uses maybe a quart over 10K miles. I'm the third owner, and I know the second owners didn't understand the sump holds 7 quarts, so it was always run at least 2 quarts/litres low...for the 20K miles before I bought it.

The oil life indicator on the '05 STS V8 I have gives me about 12K miles between changes. Though, 8 quart sump.

That's a lot, sure, but nothing compared to the Cummins ISB in the motocoach...that sucker holds 4 gallons.

lexus114

Go for it! I tried it, ran very well. But did have a little valve train noise. Also, with the towing ability I have I feel more comfortable with the 5W-30.

hypervish

ugh, stop pressuring me....

Do you think a 20 weight can stand up to the "torture" from the 1MZ-FE? I mean we've seen 30 weight oils shear down to 20 weights, which is why I'm weary. I certainly don't want the 20 weight shearing down to something even lower.

Stemmer

Quaker State 5W30 conventional b/c that's what my Toyota dealer uses. I would have thought they would use Toyota motor oil but I suppose the Quaker State is cheaper. As I'm on a 4,500 mile OCI every 3 1/2 months, I think conventional is fine; I thought about moving to synthetic but was warned about possible leaks changing so late. I do use Mobil 1 EP in my wife's Infiniti, but I have that on a 9-month 7,500 mile OCI as I use an indy that's not too convenient and it all works well with a tire rotation schedule.

lexus114

I think it would be alright. 5W-20 doesnt loose much in visc. compared to 5W-30. Try it, (just make sure it doesnt consume it too much) And I recommend the PP 5W-20. On the flip side of the coin, I use Conventional 5W-30 in mine (GTX currently) and it runs fantastic! So I figure with the Conventional oil`stoday being better than they ever were (due to strict vehicle requirements) why bother with the Synthetic? This is why i`m not using it in mine right now. Choice is your`s, just depends on what you looking to accomplish I guess. Also I have a tow hitch on mine, and I just wouldnt feel comfortable towing anything on 5W-20.