michelinmn

I have a 2001 Rx300 that was bought used at 66000Km. Mileage now is 85000Km. After reading threads on the oil sludge problem, was thinking of switching to synthetic engine oil and as engine is not "new" , wonder if there should be any concerns.
We have pretty cold winter temp here in Toronto and synthetic would certainly be a plus for cold starts. Also vehicle does not get driven too much and at present oil is changed more or less at the 6+ months interval , 5000 km .
Previous owner says they service vehicle according to lexus schedule, prob oil changed every 8000Km.
My question , is there any concerns with switching to synthetic with 85000Km on the engine.
The lexus dealer I use do not have synthetic but the toyota dealer nearby has Mobil1 syn and they can do the oil change as the engine/oil filter is same as the highlander/sienna?
Thanks in advance.

Lexmex

You will have no problems in switching it. That is a little over 52K miles where you are at now. Mobil 1 will do you just fine. For where you are at 5W-30 is the proper grade. Being in Ontario, at some point you might want to try 0W-40.

The oil filters for the cars you mentioned should work on your RX.

I use a K&N HP-1002 oil filter, and you will notice all of the cross applications, http://www.knfilters.com/search/appl...x?Prod=HP-1002
The oil filter

michelinmn

Thanks Lexmex. Will be going synthetic on the next oil change. Was quoted around C$70 at the toyota dealer for the Mobil1 so its not that bad compared to a regular oil. With frequent oil changes, hope this will prevent any engine sludge, that is, if its not yet in the engine already !

Lexusfreak

Where abouts in Toronto are you mich?

I agree you will have no problems switching to synthetic.......I would give serious consideration to using Amsoil ASL 5W 30 synthetic. There is a dealer I go to in Mississauga that I get a fantastic price (cheaper than M1 synthetic) as I use the same oil for my 2001 ES & my wife's 2003 Subaru Forester XS. Good luck & PM me if you would like more info

TunedRX300

Why Amsoil 5w30 (ASL) not 0w30 (TSO), I thought 0w30 has a lower viscosity 56.9 @ startup temperature than 5w30's 57.3 at 40 degree C. The difference should be larger at 0 degree F on a cold Canadian winter morning.

Fern

Normally temperatures in Toronto as pretty cold in winter, this winter is an exception... I'm in Vaughan, lexus freak is in Mississauga, where are you michelinmn?

I do my own changes with Castol Syntec... If you have a Toy dealer with Mobil 1 for $70 all in, sounds like a good deal.

BTW have you replaced the "D" light in the instrument cluster yet? LOL!

don't worry, you will......

michelinmn

Glad to see quite a few Gta guys around. I'm in Pickering but the toyota dealer I went for the oil change is Brimell Toyota at Markham/Sheppard Av. E. When I did my regular oil change last week, I was quoted a price of $68 plus taxes for the Mobil1.

I get my car serviced at a Lexus dealer but they dont do synthetic and their toyota express lube will not do my lexus as its one of those toyota/lexus dealer ( according to their service guy). Instead of paying full price for the in-between oil change at their lexus service dept., i just go to the other toyota dealer express lube which is also cheaper.

Found the thread on the 'D' light. Mine still ok for now but I'm sure its going out anyday soon.

However, the"brightness" on my middle console display is pretty "dark" esp.on cold mornings, and seems to be getting worst eventhough the dealer replaced it once under warranty.

BTW Lexusfreak, thanks for your suggestion but I'll stick with the Mobil1 as thats the oil they have at the toy dealer and its close to my work. Fern, hope you are enjoying your 540i as much as I do. I have a 00 540iA and haven't driven anything else that I like more, except for the 6speed.