Consistent low oil (on dip stick) after change

[DasKeyserSoze]

This is the 3rd oil change (in a row) that I've performed on my 2018 LC200; all previous ones were done at dealer. All three of the ones I've done (never checked the ones dealer did) result in the level on my dip stick being below the "low marker". I ensure the filter housing and pan are fully drained then fill with 8 quarts (probably slightly less since I don't leave the quart to drain at all, just dump it until it is dripping) of Toyota Synthetic 0W-20 before warming it up and driving around for about 5 minutes. I then let it settle for another 5 minutes before checking (pull/wipe then replace/pull/read) the dip stick. Thoughts?

 

[WCDAVE]

I thought the same thing, but in my case I used some TP to see how high up the oil was and found it to be fine. New oil is so light in color and weight that it is tough to see how high the oil goes on the dipstick. The TP reveals that the oil is present above the fill line. It’s just so thin at the upper reach, it looks like it’s not there. By the time you pull the stick back out the oil has receded down the stick and only a thin, imperceptible, film remains to indicate true fill level. The glob of oil that appears to be the upper reach is actually where it has pooled to. My exp., YMMV.

 

[WCDAVE]

Also, always check the dealer fill. I have been on my way home and had the oil light go on only to find out that the last, most critical step was not done.

 

[DasKeyserSoze]

last, most critical step was not done.

meaning they didn't add oil?!?!

 

[04UZJ100]

5W-30 solves the too thin to see problem. Also better for your engine.

 

[txclimber]

5W-30 solves the too thin to see problem. Also better for your engine.

I use 5w-30 a well, but I'm curious as to why you say it's better for engine. I assumed it was climate dependent. And seeing Alaska on your avatar would make me think you'd actually prefer 0w-30. Insight?

 

[04UZJ100]

I use 5w-30 a well, but I'm curious as to why you say it's better for engine. I assumed it was climate dependent. And seeing Alaska on your avatar would make me think you'd actually prefer 0w-30. Insight?

In Illinois now but used 5W-30 in every climate in US ranking from 105F to -40F.

Lots of technical info on why I choose to run 5W-30. There are myths about tighter bearing clearances in the 3UR which are incorrect seeing as the 1UZ had sighted main bearing clearances than the 3UR which is 25 years newer. The GSF V8 which is a modified 3UR calls for 5W-30.

Moreover, ROTW (rest of the world) 3UR Land Cruisers have recommended oil weights from 5W-30 all the way to 20W-50. These countries do not have EPAs.

Lastly, the EPA requires the manufacturer to mandate the oil used during efficiency testing. Toyota used 0W-20 because of its lower flowing resistance in an attempt to squeak out every last bit of gains possible. Note how it says in the manual heavier weight oils may be used if excessive speed/towing is the norm. What’s excessive speed in a Land Cruiser?

Bottom line, manufacturers are under ridiculous oversight from our lovely big government. 10,000 mile OCI’s, “lifetime” fluids, and low viscosity oils are all attempts by manufacturers to lower their environmental impact for investor relations and public imaging purposes.

I have noticed no material impact to MPG (I drive a cruiser so who cares really), and a quieter valvetrain in both my brand new 2020 Cruiser and 14 LX. I swapped the LX over at 95k and the mysterious consumption between changes is now gone. The light weight oil was vaporizing in the combustion chamber. I swapped my Cruise over at 2,500 miles.

I use regular M1 synthetic 5W-30 as it’s shear strength is significantly higher than its EP counterpart.

 

[JohnPW]

Thanks for the post. 0w20 is not specified in other countries for this engine? That is really interesting. Where do you find that information?

 

[04UZJ100]

Thanks for the post. 0w20 is not specified in other countries for this engine? That is really interesting. Where do you find that information?

Search around the forum. Snips of the manual pictured. You can’t even get 0w-20 in lots of places the 3UR is sold.

 

[bloc]

I’m on the 5w-30 bandwagon too, though I’m up closer to 160k. From what I’ve seen with mine I’d be switching a new truck at the initial oil change, between the significantly quieter valve train and documentation supporting this viscosity in much of the world.

 

[gaijin]

Search around the forum. Snips of the manual pictured. You can’t even get 0w-20 in lots of places the 3UR is sold.

Do you mean this snip?

HTH

 

[04UZJ100]

Do you mean this snip?

View attachment 2529770

HTH

That’s the one.

 

[FerzLC]

So if I’m not going to the snow and I tend to tow a significant amount I should run 20W-50?

 

[gaijin]

So if I’m not going to the snow and I tend to tow a significant amount I should run 20W-50?

I still run 0W-20 because that's what it says in my Owner's Manual - quite specifically and exclusively.

U.S. spec 5.7L engines have run over a million miles (Tundra) using 0W-20. Call me old fashioned, but that's good enough for me.

HTH

 

[04UZJ100]

I still run 0W-20 because that's what it says in my Owner's Manual - quite specifically and exclusively.

U.S. spec 5.7L engines have run over a million miles (Tundra) using 0W-20. Call me old fashioned, but that's good enough for me.

HTH

That million mile tundra was a 2UZ

Manual says higher weight oils may be used. So it’s clearly not exclusive.

Do you follow everything you read? Ever think it might not be in the best interest of extreme long term use? Ever think Toyota has to do things because someone else (EPA) says they do?

 

[bloc]

So if I’m not going to the snow and I tend to tow a significant amount I should run 20W-50?

Do some digging on bobistheoilguy.com about our engine, which is the same as the 5.7 tundra. Lots of discussion there.
My gut is saying the benefits of 50w (which probably aren’t significant in a modern engine.. “thicker is better” definitely has some limits) are outweighed by the poor cold flow performance and resultant damage on start. IMO 5w-30 is a home run between the availability, cold and hot performance, low cost, approval by toyota (in other bigger markets).. etc.

 

[gaijin]

That million mile tundra was a 2UZ

Manual says higher weight oils may be used. So it’s clearly not exclusive.

Do you follow everything you read? Ever think it might not be in the best interest of extreme long term use? Ever think Toyota has to do things because someone else (EPA) says they do?

Geez, someone pee in your Cheerios this morning?

I have my opinion, you obviously don't share it. That's fair.

Ever think that others are entitled to their own opinions?

Happy holidays!

 

[04UZJ100]

Geez, someone pee in your Cheerios this morning?

I have my opinion, you obviously don't share it. That's fair.

Ever think that others are entitled to their own opinions?

Happy holidays!

Merry Christmas

 

[DasKeyserSoze]

I run the 0W-20 as I recall reading that it was better for daily drivers that aren't afforded time to warm up with every start.

I just read that some folks had the incorrect dip sticks put into their vehicles at the dealers during service. Anyone know the part # for our dip stick? Anyone with an 2018 200 that can measure their dip stick for me?

 

[FerzLC]

Happy New Year Honestly All this information is helpful.