RNDRX

Can you use 0-20 W oil in a 04 3.3 instead of the recommended 5-30?

kingofire

Yup, If you can find it, shouldnt be a problem. I wouldnt use it for more than 5K miles as these 3mz engines run hot and are prone to shear the oil.

xfirechief

Would stick with what is suggested unless Lexus says OK.

RNDRX

I have heard the 0-20 and 5-20 give better mpg, so I would like to try it.

I change oil and filter every 2000 miles.

However, the following was the response I got from the Valvoline tech line when I asked them about it.

"Absolutely not, the SAE 5w20 product is to light for the engine requirements. We strongly suggest you use the SAE 5w30 product for use."

howdybob22

The Val tech is either not giving much thoughts into his answer or just giving a 'safe' answer base on your owner manual recommendation. There is just not that much difference between 5w20, 5w30 and 0w20. My 06 IS350 recommended 5w30, but newer ISx50 recommendation and a TSIB going to 5w20. The only difference between 5w20 and 0w20 is better cold start for the 0w20. Also, 07 RX350 probably recommended 5w30 - now the 2010 RX with the same engine recommends 0w20 (surprise). Oil analysis for 5w20 have shown to have good results. There are newer trucks out there that also recommend 5w20.

As for my 04 RX330, I currently running 10w30 for the last two oil changes (I stocked up on a bunch of Halvoline Synthetic $1/quart). I'll run 5w20 or 0w20 if/when I see reputable names on SALE.

xfirechief

Many race teams crew chiefs quilified on the thinnest lube they could & then changed oil before the race to a heavy weight oil.
With new rules & with the impound races now days this practice has probable been discontinued .

jfelbab

I also suggest that NO Nascar team would try to run the 500 mile race with this thinner qualifying oil. There would be too much risk of engine failure.

Thinner oil will likely yield slightly better mileage due to less friction but unless your engine is specifically designed around this oil you likely will not see the same engine longevity, not to mention the voiding of the warranty.

I'd also suggest that while the 2010 model year recommends it, doesn't mean that the new engines haven't been slightly changed to accommodate the thinner oil. Maybe they use higher oil pressure or larger journals, or perhaps a different oil cooler. There are a lot of things that might have been modified in this model year engine to accommodate the use of lighter oil. Until the manufacturer changes their recommendation for the earlier model years I'll stick with what I know works.

Boognish

Out of curiosity, why are you worried about fuel economy so much, but change your oil more than twice as often as it's recommended?

No way I'd put 20 weight oil in this vehicle. Sure, you might get a slightly better mileage, but it's not worth the risk of the oil shearing. I bought the Lexus in large part because of the Toyota reliability. I would have purchased an Audi if I planned on getting rid of the vehicle after 50 or 60 thousand miles.

If you want to try it, I'd recommend getting a couple oil test kits from Blackstone labs. They will send you a collection kit for free, then you mail it to them and they analyze your sample in the laboratory. It's the only real way to know what is going on with your engine oil.

RNDRX

Good idea! Thanks!

howdybob22

How many of us race our RX like nascar? Had anyone done an oil analysis between 5w30 and 5w20 (Goto BOBistheoilguy forum and read on the oil analysis of 5w20)? Also, why did Toyota put out TSB for a bunch of cars that use to recommend 5w30 to 5w20 (My ISx50 is in here)? Another thing is that not all 5w30 is the same (some thicker like German Castrol syn and some thinner like Mobil 1). Mobile 1 5w30 is very near 5w20 (especially when the engine warms up, it goes to a 20).

This same issue was brought up way back in 03 when Honda and Ford started to recommend 5w20 for their cars. I ran both 5w30 and 5w20 and even 10w30 in my 03 accord V6 with no issue. My take is that our engines (3.3 and 3.5) are pretty easy on oil so I don't loose sleep over oil weight issues (20 or 30).

BTW: For me this discussion has nothing to do with saving fuel. I'm the sort that just jump in my car and drive and don't ever bother to check MPG.

xfirechief

Agree with u as I have used a 0W-20 for a few years now & have never done it because of MPG. I do it because I believe it is the best available, it is a 100% Synthetic lube.