Hilux LN109 - 3L engine - 10W-40 or 15W-40? (1 Viewer)

[MilkMyCookies23]

Hey guys,

Just picked up a 1996 Hilux with the 3L naturally aspirated diesel engine.

No owners manuals and not a lot of history with it.

The previous owner doesn’t remember what type of oil he used but he thinks it was 15W-40. From most of online digging, it seems the 3L is supposed to have 10W-40.

So two questions:

1) Does anyone know for sure what type of engine oil 96 Hilux 3L is supposed to have?

2) If it is 10W-40 and I currently have 15W-40 in the engine, will going from the former to the latter be bad for the engine?

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[advlars]

Im far from an oil expert but since nobody else has bitten on this thread...

I think youre overthinking it. The first number in a multi-weight oil is its winter-weight or cold weight. So that viscosity should only have a real effect between starting the truck and warming it up. In my experience L-series engines are grumpy bastards in the cold, so you should really let it warm up before driving anyway. Id also suggest that the naturally aspirated L-series engine is an absolute tractor and would probably run fine with an oil pan full of elmers glue. Im pretty sure Ive run both 10w-40 and 15w-40 and probably some 10w-30s as well in my 2LT and turboed 5L. Just make sure its diesel oil.

IMHO focus your anxiety on keeping the cooling system prime.

Congrats on the new truck!

 

[Rocky Mtn Hilux]

Just make sure you use a good quality synthetic. I use Mobil 1 0-50W diesel oil in my 3L. It's thinner for cold winter starts.

Make sure you change the oil every 5000 kms or so. This is VERY important.



Rocky Mtn Hilux

 

[eknomf]

I used 10w30 in mine - it always seemed happy with it. 15w40 is a little thick for the 3L from my memory.