TSB: FL-2009-05-01
UPDATE (January 2010) – Clarification on Oil Filter Service Life in Toyota Engines
AMSOIL Technical Service Bulletin
Date: 05/11/2009
Product Description: AMSOIL EaO09, EaO10 and EaO57 Oil Filters
Subject: Toyota Applications
OBJECTIVE:
Inform customers of an issue regarding the oil sensor tripping in the following applications:
- All Toyota/Lexus Vehicles
- Pontiac Vibe Featuring the 1.8L Toyota-Built Engine.
ISSUES:
A small number of customers with Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles with Toyota-built engines have reported that their vehicles’ oil pressure light has illuminated prior to reaching the end of the AMSOIL-recommended 25,000-mile drain interval.
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION:
To protect the engine, the OEM has engineered the oil pressure sensor to trigger the oil light when there is insufficient oil pressure to maintain an adequate level of protection. Each filter is equipped with a by-pass valve, so when the filter is at or close to capacity, the engine is continually supplied with adequate lubrication oil, although unfiltered. However, if the filter reaches maximum capacity, the level of restriction can become significant enough to trigger the oil pressure warning light. In extreme situations, oil starvation could occur.
Premature oil filter capacity can be attributed to a number of factors such as poor air filtration, a leaking air intake system or excessive contaminants being produced in the combustion process. As discussed in the AMSOIL Technical Service Bulletin Using AMSOIL in Engines with Possible Sludge Issues, certain engines are prone to accumulate sludge, including some engines from Toyota/Lexus.
RECOMMENDATION:
AMSOIL no longer recommends EaO09, EaO10 or EaO57 Filters with any Toyota/Lexus application, or with the Pontiac Vibe featuring the 1.8L or 2.4L engines built by Toyota. For customers operating any of the above listed applications, AMSOIL offers MANN Filters as an alternative to the Ea Filtration line. MANN Filters can be used for up to 7,500 miles when used in conjunction with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil.
BY-PASS SYSTEMS
When an AMSOIL BMK21 or BMK11 By-Pass Filtration System is used in conjunction with any Toyota/Lexus application, or with the Pontiac Vibe featuring the 1.8L or 2.4L engines built by Toyota, AMSOIL recommends changing the full-flow and by-pass filters according to the OEM-recommended interval for full-flow filters. If a MANN Filter is used, it, and the by-pass filter, must still be changed at 7,500-mile intervals. The AMSOIL BMK23 and BMK13 By-Pass Filtration Systems can facilitate the use of an EaO15 or EaO26 Filter, both of which provide additional contaminant-holding capacity and are compatible with Toyota/Lexus applications, and with the Pontiac Vibe featuring the 1.8L or 2.4L engines built by Toyota. When an AMSOIL BMK23 or BMK13 By-Pass Filtration System is used with an EaO15 or EaO26 Filter in conjunction with any of the above listed applications, AMSOIL recommends changing the oil filters according to the by-pass system instructions.
REFERENCES:
1AMSOIL Technical Service Bulletin Using AMSOIL in Engines with Possible Sludge Issues, MO-2005-09-29, 09/29/2005
