Author Topic: Synthetic Oil Use and Poor Heater Performance (Read 1274 times)

aerecapt · « **on:** August 07, 2005, 11:29:28 am »

I have a '97 Toyota Camry purchased 1 year old. I have used synthetic oil since I bought the car. I have never found the heater performed well in the winter but everything has been serviced properly and is in perfect shape.<p> I was recently told it may be because of the synthetic oil, reducing friction so much that not enough heat is generated in the engine . <p>Does anyone have more information to substantiate this or have any suggestions why this might be happening? Does anyone have a similar problem with their Camry?

AVToller · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2005, 11:44:02 am »

Whoever told you that was wrong! Try placing your hand on the engine after it has been running for awhile. I suspect that you will find it plenty warm. You might, however, wish to bleed the heating system as well as checking the thermostat.

articsteve · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2005, 12:10:59 pm »

I was recently told it may be because of the synthetic oil,

NO, Henry, you say your an engineer? Think about it. After the car is at operating temperature can or would you wrap your hand around the exaust header? You can fry an egg on that part. Where is that heat coming from?

but everything has been serviced properly and is in perfect shape

How do you know that? Has the thermostat ever been changed? It is not a scheduled maintenance item. I would change that over to a winter one and replace both rad hoses while your at it and have your mechanic blow out your heater core if the heater hoses are accessible which they usually are.

safristi · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2005, 01:45:51 pm »

He's a CHEMICAL engineer.....how many of them does it take ta change a lightbulb....only one...but after he replaces the tungsten filament it takes him the rest of the day to put the glass back together...!!!!!!

rudyhiebert · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2005, 07:54:46 pm »

The amount of heat you need to keep warm would toast your engine so you s/b be grateful you had synthetic.

suds · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2005, 08:38:49 pm »

welcome to the forum,aerecapt.
id say,take it to your local dealer.ie,toyota
dealership.tell them your problem.iam pretty they will find the problem.

safristi · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2005, 07:40:36 am »

iam pretty too.....

..no problem...

barrie1 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2005, 12:21:32 pm »

With this car being a 1997 you are do for a anti-freeze change and have your rad flushed and a new thermostat installed. I can understand these items being your problem but not the oils fault at all.