Break-in

[Critmonkey]

I’m not going to die on a hill here. Do what you please. This is just my suggestion to follow the manual.

Your 10k rated oil is not going to oxidize right at 10k or less. There’s no need to change it earlier, even if there’s particulate in the oil. Just my 2 cents.

If you’re having that much worry about break in particulate in your oil it’s not going to be an oil problem lol.

 

[Critmonkey]

Here is some great advice from a Toyota engineer.
Start watching at 6:28.

David was a production engineer who conducted evaluations and supply chain monitoring and consulting. He is not a chemical engineer or automotive engineer specializing in engines. Albeit, he is a great resource on YouTube, but he's not a be all end all. Like my peers here, he recommend shorter oil change intervals. That's totally fine to do, but if someone can show me data to back why the V35A-FTS engine needs shorter oil change intervals than what it says in the manual, I'm not convinced.

 

[NoriGreen]

Some more great info from this guy.

"It's not because I'm smarter than Toyota, it's because we have different objectives." - that's a great statement.

Critmonkey, point here is not every service interval but just that first 'break-in' interval as that's the topic of this thread. An interval from 80k-90k is not the same as 0-10k.
Can the engine handle it? Yeah, but if I want to get 250,000 miles out of it and pass it down to my kids I'm going to do what I can to help that.

Auto manufacturers design to get through the warranty. They aren't concerned with what happens after that.

The manual doesn't say wash and wax the paint, or store indoors, but yes, that will also help prolong the life of the vehicle.

 

[Gunner]

Totally agree with you NoriGreen!

 

[rangertrace]

Not GX related, but back in my Texas Highway Patrol days, when we'd pick up a new patrol car in Austin, we were told to break it in like it was going to be driven. So we would take them to 120+ numerous times on the 200 mile trip home. Those cars get driven hard and idled for days. Didn't seem to hurt them.

 

[Gunner]

This is the way we would break in a diesel tractor on our farm in Kansas growing up. (Per my Dad who was a "dumb farmer" with a college education from KU and a air force pilot in WWII, (Captain) I know a diesel is different than a gas engine but I do believe the "hard break-in" did help with the overall performance and longevity. I've done it with our 2010 Limited 4Runner and it has done very well at 272,000 miles with no issues.

 

[sschreib]

Does anyone know how to reduce the amount of engine braking when letting off the accelerator? When on the highway and you want to coast, it often aggressively engine brakes (activating rear lights). It makes me nervous, since it can be strong, but also looks like I am brake checking people behind me for no reason. Is there any tricks to changing the level?

 

[rangertrace]

Does anyone know how to reduce the amount of engine braking when letting off the accelerator? When on the highway and you want to coast, it often aggressively engine brakes (activating rear lights). It makes me nervous, since it can be strong, but also looks like I am brake checking people behind me for no reason. Is there any tricks to changing the level?

I think that is one of the safety features that can be turned off. My wife commented on it today.

 

[sschreib]

I think that is one of the safety features that can be turned off. My wife commented on it today.

I figured it out! It was in the Driver Assistance menu as a toggle. Much better now!

 

[ianmcall]

Manual is available online. Resources

 

[sschreib]

Oh man I’m glad you said this. Was wondering myself. Glad its something that can be turned off

 

[killy]

View attachment 2989

This is interesting. Someone should forward that screen to the tflt guys to adjust for their tow test that they weren’t happy with the decel performance on.

 

[F90Guy]

David was a production engineer who conducted evaluations and supply chain monitoring and consulting. He is not a chemical engineer or automotive engineer specializing in engines. Albeit, he is a great resource on YouTube, but he's not a be all end all. Like my peers here, he recommend shorter oil change intervals. That's totally fine to do, but if someone can show me data to back why the V35A-FTS engine needs shorter oil change intervals than what it says in the manual, I'm not convinced.

You said you won't die on this hill yet you're arguing for the sake of arguing. For one, shorter intervals are not AGAINST the manual. Open up your booklet and see what it says for each 5k interval towards the bottom, change oil for heavy use. Before you say well its heavy use, doesn't matter, the point is manual says change oil every 5k. Regardless if its heavy use or light use 5k oil changes are good to go and not AGAINST the manual as your main argument is. The bare MINIMUM is a 10k interval. If the people here were saying they want to change at 12 or 15k then yes they are going against the manual.

There are plenty of oil analysis videos and the common consensus, from different automotive mechanics, engineers, youtubers is that for longevity 5k interval or 6 months is the golden standard. I used to be like you and say 5k interval is a waste of money, but when multiple different mechanics and engine builders with years and years of experience preach change your oil, change your oil, change your oil, as they stand over a block filled with sludge, I listened.

Yes you'll be "fine" with 10k intervals, even David explained that there 3 different guidelines for NEW vehicles. If you plan to keep your car 3-5 years, 10k intervals is fine, you won't have issues, 2 or 3rd owner might. For people that will keep 7 to 10 years, 5k/6months is okay. But if you buy this vehicle and plan to keep it until the wheels fall off for 10+ years, David recommends 3k/4k intervals with filter change every other time. I think 3k is a bit excessive.

5k and 12 month is my sweet spot, as I drive very little some years.

Lastly V35A-FTS is a very complex engine, and needs meticulous maintenance to be reliable. Toyota reliability does not mean neglect the car and it will last, with these new turbo engines, if you take care of them they will take care of you.

My BMW and my Mercedes required break in oil service at 1200 miles. So i disagree with oil change at 500 miles, its too early. Arguments that 800-1200 is the sweet spot, after which you can start at 5k miles. Yes the GX550 is not high performance, i'm no engineer, but all are ICE engines, with oil, spinning metal and two turbos. Something tells me GX will have similar factory deposits as an AMG engine.

 

[F90Guy]

Manual is available online. Resources

View attachment 2987

The turbo cooling is very peculiar, I haven't seen this as a requirement since the 90s turbo cars where you had to idle the car after each drive. In fact my first turbo car a 2004 WRX manual stated you don't need to idle the car, as the coolant will cycle through even when the engine is off. It is conflicting as continuous drive of 62mph or more, which is literally every highway in the US, should be at fairly low rpm with a 10 speed, with zero turbo boost. Its not the same as turbos continuously spooling going up steep hill and race track driving.

This is a good indicator that V35A-FTS needs meticulous care