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This is a discussion on When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it... within the Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting forums, part of the Gen II (2004-2009) Toyota Prius Forums category; You could probaly fabricate one from a turkey baster from Target/Wal-Mart, some tubing from an aquarium shop, 2 sizes, one ...


When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

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Old 07-17-2008, 11:30 AM   #11
dwreed3rd
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

You could probaly fabricate one from a turkey baster from Target/Wal-Mart, some tubing from an aquarium shop, 2 sizes, one to fit in the dip-stick tube and one to fit the baster, and an adaper connector and clamps, from Home Depot/ Lowes/ or an R/C hobby shop, to connect the two different size hoses. Thanks for the idea, I may just make one to take along for dealer oil changes. Just a thought, if you can't find an oil change pump.
P.S. don't forget to take alone paper towels and a container to put the extra oil in.
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Last edited by dwreed3rd; 07-17-2008 at 11:32 AM. Reason: P.S.
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Old 07-17-2008, 12:01 PM   #12
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

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Originally Posted by dwreed3rd View Post
and an adaper connector and clamps, from Home Depot/ Lowes/ or an R/C hobby shop, to connect the two different size hoses.
I think that the tubing sizes would be close enough (assuming the dipstick one won't fit over the end of the baster) that you could fit the dipstick tube one inside the turkey baster one and just duct tape it. After all, duct tape is VERY GOOD at holding things together (except ducts; really). Save some money.

It would be pretty slow and messy since every time you release the bulb on the baster to suck some oil up, you need to pull the tube out to release what you got into a container and gravity will be trying to drain it back down the tube in the meantime. I guess you could buy an inline one way valve but then you either need to take the bulb off the baster each squeeze or add a side tube with another 1 way very close to the baster tip that would let the air out when you squeeze and the oil would come up when you release.

The other option is to find a friend with a boat that has an inboard engine. If they do their own oil changes, they WILL have what you need. Plus, they won't be using it until fall anyway.
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Old 07-17-2008, 12:52 PM   #13
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

All good points. Another option would be to replace the drain plug with a Fumoto valve, easier to drain a little out, and just check it when you get home. It's only if you don't have time to wait for the dealer to put it back in the queue to drain it. I like the post I read somewhere on PC, that went something like this on the order form: "...be sure not to over fill the oil, The customer will check it in the lot.". I perfer dealer maintenence for items under warranty. It's makes for one less area for them to try to blame a failure/problem on. I did my own oil changes on our Quantum and the VW dealer tried to blame or egine problem on not changing the oil. If I hadn't keep good records they would have stuck us for the $3K for the new engine. They had a sludge problem with the Quantum, cooling systems undersized for both water and oil.

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Old 07-17-2008, 12:56 PM   #14
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

you can get one of these

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/inde...=oil+extractor


One of these should be handy since I can pretty much guaranty the dealer will overfill each and everytime, they did put in the right amount of oil per manual, but they simply do not allow enough time for the used oil to drain before refill, the service writer agrees with me on that, he asked me to bring the car back and leave it overnight for them to correct the problem, I decided to leave it as it is since there is no impact on MPG, btw, my car was overfilled from the factory when delivered.

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Old 07-17-2008, 02:22 PM   #15
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

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I can pretty much guaranty the dealer will overfill each and everytime, they did put in the right amount of oil per manual, but they simply do not allow enough time for the used oil to drain before refill
Maybe not, but that just means they over filled it even MORE than the 3.9 quarts will.

I put Fumoto valves on both Prii. I let it drain FULLY and rotate the tires while I wait. Others on PC have verified that almost no oil is left in the pan due to the valve threads protruding slightly into it. I'm not sure the dealer would be willing to wait for a Fumoto to drain as it takes a lot longer (MUCH smaller diameter) than just pulling the plug. I suspect they would pull the Fumoto off instead. Don't know how much damage they might do to the valve body and threads with repeated removals.
Benefits of a drain valve:
  1. Being able to drain oil due to over fill or a desire to do a used oil analysis.
  2. Being able to drain the oil yourself CLEANLY. Just jack up the car a bit and stick a 1 gallon plastic milk container under the valve, then open it with the lever. The filter is still a bit messy.
  3. Don't have to thread and un-thread the drain plug every time. Not likely a problem, but my local cranked it on so tight I couldn't get it off. Clearly a LOT more torque than called for in the service manual. When I complained, the service manager said they only do them "three fingers tight'. How VERY specific. It is supposed to be 20 something (I think), I pushed to 40 on my torque wrench and it didn't come off. Not wanting to do damage that would make the car undriveable, I wasted my time and made them do it. They also cranked the lug nuts to 90+ Ft-Lbs when the manual says it should be 70 something. Could not get those off either.
Now I change my own oil, when *I* have the time and I don't have to sit in the dealer's admittedly nice waiting room (Reading PriusChat ) for an hour or more.
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Old 07-17-2008, 02:34 PM   #16
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

did anyone mention removing oil filter and dumping its contents, should be enough to get you to the right spot
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Old 07-17-2008, 02:48 PM   #17
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

Bruceha 2000: Good point on the dealer's handling of the Fumoto valve. They'd probably ruin the copper washer.

Lefat1: Wouldn't that get a little messy pulling the oil filter off before draining the oil? Or, doesn't draining the pan, also drain the oil lines above the filter?

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Old 07-17-2008, 04:28 PM   #18
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

I spun by the dealer this afternoon. Told them I noticed my oil was 1/4" above the full mark and asked that they drain some off.

They fixed it right away with no questions asked. Lady doing the paperwork said she'd bring it up with the manager to make sure they check Prius' extra closely when servicing their oil from now on.

This was a speedy lube that is part of the dealer...toyota sponsored but still employing the guys you'd see at jiffy lube..

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Old 07-17-2008, 05:16 PM   #19
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

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Originally Posted by NaptownPrius View Post
I spun by the dealer this afternoon. Told them I noticed my opil was 1/4" above the full mark and asked that they drain some off.

They fixed it right away with no questions asked. Lady doing the paperwork said she'd bring it up with the manager to make sure they check Prius' extra closely when servicing their oil from now on.

This was a speedy lube that is part of the dealer...toyota sponsored but still employing the guys you'd see at jiffy lube..
That's good! If enough owner's do it, perhaps they will learn they it's quicker and easier and less expensive(extra time) to do it right in the beginning.

I do have to ask though. Do you think that's a "PLAN" for the dealer. Or just "HOPE" on your part?
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Old 07-17-2008, 05:59 PM   #20
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Default Re: When checkingyour oil after the dealer changed it...

Quote:
Originally Posted by dwreed3rd View Post
Bruceha 2000: Good point on the dealer's handling of the Fumoto valve. They'd probably ruin the copper washer.

Lefat1: Wouldn't that get a little messy pulling the oil filter off before draining the oil? Or, doesn't draining the pan, also drain the oil lines above the filter?
The fumoto has a fiber washer, doesn't it....It's a baby blue color anyway.

The oil should all be in the pan, so taking off the filter should only take away 1/2 a quart or so, or so I am WILDLY Guessing.

It's just a "little guy" filter, so I can't imagine much is in it. And not much should drain after removal...I WILDLY Guess....
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