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2005 Prius Burning Oil - Can I use a thicker oil?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Mike Carambat, Jan 23, 2018.

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  1. Mike Carambat

    Mike Carambat Junior Member

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    Hey folks, my 2005 Prius has started burning oil over the past year. No spots under the car in the parking lot, so I don't believe it's any kind of leak, and every now and then you can smell an oily burn smell for a few seconds in the cabin if recirculate is off on the fan. So, as she's already pushing 250k miles, I'm not really interested in doing a full ring job on her, just gonna keep her alive as long as she can go. So, can I simply put a thicker oil in her than what she's been using? I believe the last fill was 5w-20, and she's blowing like about 2qts every 3000 miles. I keep an eye on it and keep her topped up every few weeks, but I believe something like SAE30 would slow it down. Is that ok? I live in southern Louisiana, so I really don't need winterized oil. We're past the really cold part of winter. Thanks -Mike
     
    #1 Mike Carambat, Jan 23, 2018
  2. danlatu

    danlatu Senior Member

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    5w30 would not hurt. Have you changed your pcv valve. That may reduce oil burning. I also would check your intake plenum to see if there is any oil as you open the throttle body. If you see any, I would remove the entire intake manifold and clean it out. If you install an oil catch can, you can trap a large majority of oil/water/fuel before it enter's you intake plenum/manifold. Have you experienced any cold start knock at all? The catch can will eliminate this as well. The cleaner your combustion process is the longer your engine will last. With 250k on the clock you may already have coked up piston rings causing more blow-by.

    Pcv systems problems <<<-------click here

    Screen Shot 2018-01-23 at 4.33.16 PM.png
     
    #2 danlatu, Jan 23, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2018
    Mendel Leisk and scona like this.
  3. Jimi1976

    Jimi1976 Active Member

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    Try some Lucas Oil stop leak
     
    #3 Jimi1976, Jan 23, 2018
  4. Mike Carambat

    Mike Carambat Junior Member

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    ok! will try both. thanks!
     
    #4 Mike Carambat, Jan 24, 2018
  5. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Yes absolutely.
    Given your mileage, a 15W40 high mileage oil would be good.

    And give the top and sides of the engine a good inspection. There might be leaks that are not reaching the ground.
    And if you haven't serviced the PCV system lately, do that.

    Oh......and slow down !! ;)
     
    #5 Sam Spade, Jan 24, 2018
  6. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Sorry but if there are no real gasket leaks......that is BAD advice.
    It may actually make oil "burning" worse.
     
    #6 Sam Spade, Jan 24, 2018
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