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did i get cheated at an oil change?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by fortheanimals, Apr 25, 2012.

  1. fortheanimals

    fortheanimals Junior Member

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    i always bring in my own 3 quarts of mobil1 for an oil change and tell the dealership not to top off as i will add another half quart later. while checking the oil level before adding to a recent oil change, i noticed petrol smell to the dipstick oil. does this mean the mechanic just kept my mobil 1 and pumped in whatever dyno oil they had? the level does come to the expected halfway between min and max. does dyno oil smell like gasoline? mobil 1 sure doesn't smell like whatever's in my car.
     
    #1 fortheanimals, Apr 25, 2012
  2. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    No, neither dino or synthetic should smell of gas (when new). After a few cold starts however then you will get some fuel contamination of the oil, so yeah this does mean the oil may have a slight smell of fuel to it.

    If the oil was just changed however, then the amount of fuel contamination should be minimal. Did the oil look new?
     
    #2 uart, Apr 25, 2012
  3. fortheanimals

    fortheanimals Junior Member

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    oil seemed pretty fresh. certainly not as dark as pre-change oil. i did drive about 400 miles before checking the oil. i just don't recall ever smelling such a strong gas smell to the dipstick.
     
    #3 fortheanimals, Apr 25, 2012
  4. cnschult

    cnschult Active Member

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    why wait 400 miles to top it off? if you have your dealer only put in 3 quarts I would drive home immediately, turn the engine off and allow a few minutes for the oil to settle back down and top it off.
     
    #4 cnschult, Apr 26, 2012
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  5. fortheanimals

    fortheanimals Junior Member

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    i'd just been busy taking a couple trips since the oil change.
    and as i understand it, having the oil level halfway between min and max is perfectly fine as opposed to overfill being potentially detrimental.
     
    #5 fortheanimals, Apr 27, 2012
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