Thinking of using Restore Engine Restorer additive.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

What does it say on the oil fill cap? If it says oil, put oil in it. If it say "Pour any old crap in here" use Restore.

 

I have used restore myself in older engines......I can't see where it would hurt your 2004 Prius engine.......I vote "go for it"

 

I'd spend the money on a leak down and compression check. At least I would get something tangible for the money.

 

I'd agree with F8L - get the facts on compression first. If you're experiencing some MPG drop, check your 12V battery's condition.

That said, I've used Engine Restore for years on my '92 Integra, and it does help give your engine a bit more kick in its old age.

 

Never heard of the stuff but after doing web searches, I can't believe anyone would put something in their oil that is a secret. I guess I should believe it, this is from a 1985 article:

"An exclusive, secret formula that was developed by a metallurgist. He discovered a way to meld copper, silver and lead into tiny "soft-metal" particles called CSL."

Since they are still in business, must be a lot of trusting people out there. As a minimum, I would like the name of the metallurgist so I can check his or her background.

I like the comment about, Pour Crap Here. I know this is hard to believe, but there are some magazines that will give good reviews to advertisers, so don't quote some magazine article when giving a rebuttal.

 

What kind of engine oil do you use?

 

Lads, lads, in 1985 there was no secret 'cold' metallurgy formulas in US and in the world. There were trade secrets as to who can avail of information and who can't, mainly for competitors sake.

Currently its 2011 and not 1985 and there are still no official products for 'cold' metallurgy available for masses, product which would fit for purpose(such as what you need). However, recent disaster in Japan made things changed again. South Korean scientists offered as one of the alternatives to cool the reactor by using 'cold liquid metal', however, scientists in Japan decided to use water ( I personally think that because the ''shell'' of the building (not the reactor-the building) has been severely damaged and they would need to build new temporary building shell first and then fill it with 'cold liquid metal'. People used concrete in Chernobyl as the building had shell which was used as walls to hold the liquid concrete. Where in Japan there were no structural walls, it would drain. So used water. However in engines it is possible as the engine itself is a relatively closed structure (shell).
I heard that this technology won't become available anytime soon, due to new technology patents and secrets in a world technology race.

your post:

I heard that changing oil to an oil of lower viscosity can make improvements. But what are the sympthoms first? Do you need to change anything? 125k is not a huge mileage for toyoda at all.

 

Do what you want to do...but I think modern synthetic Oils offer protection enough...and if you aren't experiencing a problem?

Personally? I wouldn't use any "alternative" product in a vehicle I cared too much about. Big difference between throwing it in a 1985 Buick and throwing it in a 4 year old Prius.

But in this day and age with the internet, if the product did much or any damage, you'd hear about it...

I would have my suspicions that it is necessary, or that it would even help, but I'd imagine it wouldn't hurt...

Your call.....

 

Agreed.

Ok, I would try to oppose that

Having heard from Qualified Tech a story that while there was oil in the engine and the owner has added (topped up) with an oil of another viscosity. The troubles started when the chemical reaction caused two oils to create some bubbles. The bubbles then caused troubles for an oil pressure sensor sent error which resulted that oil light flashed on the dash.

I wouldn't add anything prior removal of old oil from the engine. Unless you want to topup oil using exact same oil that has been used in the first place.

Now, this is not what I have seen, this is what I was told. So take it with pinch of salt. However in using common sense I would be reluctant to mix two lubricants in modern engine oil. They may or may not mix well together.