I guess I feel like asking stupid questions this morning.Do any of you 2004 and up RX`ers use the 0W-30 German castrol??

 

I would STRONGLY recommend against using ANY castrol products until they stop their idiotic ad campaign!

 

I use it in my A4, but for me, with a viscosity @ 100 degrees C, cSt of 12.1, it is almost a 40 weight oil (12.5 is the cutoff for 40 weight) and I prefer an oil like Pennzoil Platinum (PP 5W30 has a viscosity @ 100 degrees C, cSt of 10.5 (30 weight minimum is 9.3)). YMMV.

 

The reason I`m asking is because I just traded in my old 2001 RX. A lot of the guy`s use GC in the 1MZ-FE with very good results.I was wondering if the results were the same in the 3MZ-FE?

 

My neighbor across from me uses it in their 2004 RX330 (at my behest), and hasn't had any issues in over a year of use. They also use the larger K&N HP-2009 oil filter. They used to have an RX300 and notice that the engine in the RX330 was quieter in the first few days after its use with the GC. They've seen no negative issues in MPG either, but their daily commute differs since they work in home health care.

Keep in mind, the 3MZFE has better oil passages than those of the 1MZFE and any issues about using such oil should be placed to rest. Over time, the '40' weight will shear down, it doesn't stay at that high weight forever.

 

thanx Lex.

 

Agreed, I don't believe anyone will suffer any issues running a heavier weight oil, but I do believe fuel mileage will suffer. But, I haven't run it in my wife's RX, so that is pure conjecture. I know some people that have used it felt the car was sluggish. But, you can't trust a butt-dyno either.

It is my belief that Toyota/Lexus engines prefer a lighter oil (as Toyota moves towards 5W20 in newer engines -- obviously for fuel economy).

As for GC shearing down, I have several UOA's that showed it staying near its heavier grade; it is an excellent oil ... I just think PP 5W30 is a better choice for Toyota/Lexus engines. As usual, YMMV.

 

Can't go wrong with PP 5W30. It's actually the cheapest of the bunch and you can usually score a good deal on it at most stores.

My fondness for GC 0W30 also stems from the fact it's the one oil that I used in Mexico that didn't give me consumption issues, while other oils I needed to run additives or ran way to heavy, Redline and Lubro Moly (Liqui Moly in Mexico) ran really heavy for me.

 

Where can you find GC 0-30 these days? I haven't seen it on the shelves of my local auto parts store for a couple years.

 

+1, I'd like to throw a shoe at the TV when they run it

 

Am with Lexmex on PP 5W30...only oil I use for the RX.

 

AutoZone or Pep Boys.

 

I don`t know about that,Some times the ole butt-dyno is pretty accurate!

 

I saw 0w30 at Sam's club. I perosnally have never used it, but your thread sparked my attention. I believe in the butt-dyno as well, but have never believed the butt-dyno can distinguish between motor oils in non high performance engines. Thats just me....

 

You would be surprised Mike,I can definitely tell the difference between Synthetic,and conventional oil. And these motors are kind of high performance. Being a 10.8 compression ratio,double over head cam,VVT-I etc. Granted its not a Chevy 383 stroker motor,or Chrysler 440 magnum (the old ones,not this new crap!) but they are high tech motors.