Hey

I'm not too far away from selling my 09 tc w/45k miles. I've always used 5w20 M1 full synth every 3500mi. The valvetrain is much noisier than most cars but Toyota says its normal.

Well, if I got to sell this car to potential buyers, the engine cannot sound as bad as it does, even if it is "normal."

What other oil can I use to help quiet this thing down? Someone told me regular (Not synthetic) 5w20 might help. What does SL say?

 

Thicker oil will quiet it down, but one hell of a douche bag thing to do. But not surprising.

 

Maybe I should clarify. I don't have to sell it but I was considering it because there are too many things I don't like. I would switch oils even if I decide to keep it. So, for my own sake. I get tired of hearing the racket of the valves on a daily basis.

And which part is "not surprising?"

 

Regardless if you THINK it is louder or if it isn't, I would only run the recommended oil in a motor. While thicker oil will quiet down the valve train, it can also disturb clearances and lead to engine failure. Is it a guarantee? No. Risk? Yes.

 

Interesting, anyone else wanna chime in on this?

 

Most 4cyl cars are pretty "loud" if you want to use that term. If yours is abnormal, your valves may need adjusting. However it's never going to purr like a V6 if that's what you're expecting.

 

Does it really bug you that much? I mean I have never had anyone that has ridden with me or someone come up to me and say "that car sounds loud, what's wrong with it?" if its so loud that it actually bugs that bad then maybe you have some other problem.

 

What are you expecting?

 

FUEL INJECTORS, tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tickkk

 

I have only found it to be noticeable if your windows are down in traffic with no music or when you walk by and the car is idling. I also don't see how it could bug you. Turn on some music. Now on to the other question. I switched from 0w20 mobile 1 synthetic to 10w30 mobile 1 synthetic and after 400 miles I have not noticed much difference in the valve train. You possibly could try it to quieting the up a bit but, for me I have yet to notice a difference. Personally I would leave the 5w20 and assure the buyer the car is fine. If they are still worried tell them to google "Scion tC noisy valve train".

 

No issue with running thicker oil, the 2az uses same bearings in all years but in 07 they started recommending 5w20 instead of 5w30 because it helps gas mileage, throw some 5w30 or 10w30 in there it'll be fine I run 10w40 hehe helps a lot especially when boosted it was recommended to me by ptuning

 

Also mobile one is thinner than the other competition so that has a lot to do with it, also having the valve cover plastic helps quiet it down a lot and the header heatshield ,