Oil

Asked by Boris1991 Nov 21, 2009 at 03:16 PM about the 1991 Toyota Corolla Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

What weight oil should be used in a 1991 Corolla with a 1.6L engine?

11 Answers

125

As a toyota tech, I would recommend 5w30

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16,350

Thinner weight will get you better mileage.

1 people found this helpful.
135

depends on the mileage.. I have an 01 Corolla with 200K miles and use 10/40.. I also have an '88 Corolla with 480K miles and use 20/50.. works great

2 people found this helpful.
215

I have an 89 gts. Bought it with 200k+ miles and the tach had stopped working so mileage unknown. I run 10/40 and the motor pulls like a champ. I live in southern california so I don't need to run anything more (or less) than a /40. As for the weight, the rule of thumb I'v always gone with is run 0W or 5W (as specified by manufacturer) on new cars and switch to 10W around 100,000 or a little earlier depending on how it was driven. I'v never really used anything heavier in a small gasoline car motor... Only very old construction site trucks on their last leg and diesel motors. I'v also have had several late 80's toyota pickups with over 200k+ miles on the motors that will run forever on 10W as long as the oil is checked regularly. Just my .02 This has all worked for me but may be different based on where you live, how you drive, and the condition of your motor.

2 people found this helpful.
135

I agree with the 0-5-10W rule as the mileage goes up. The key is to increase viscosity without sacrificing fluidity* as the engine ages and it's internals start to show wear and tear. It really depends on how much you demand from your engine. Lucas Oil and Z-Max are great expensive additives to normal oil and claims to increase horsepower by increasing viscosity (thickness) without sacificing fluidity, which ultimately leads to better efficiency. If you race* or let the car idle for long periods of time (ex. urban camping), thicker is definitely better - especially in warmer states because thicker oil won't burn as quickly.. 20/50 in southern CA is like 10/40 + Lucas without spending money for Lucas... The main point: oil is oil, give it a try next oil change, I think you'll be glad with the result.

6 people found this helpful.
40

wat about 0/20 weight synthetic oil for 1988toyota 4A-engine.,with 36,000 original miles on it,for better gas mileage?

2 people found this helpful.

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