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Kirkland (Costco store-brand) oil

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by NewHybridOwner, Mar 31, 2020.

  1. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Just received my 10 quarts of Kirkland Signature 0w-20 for $27, including shipping via UPS. First time using a "non-big name" motor oil, unless NAPA counts.

    Seems like a great bargain. With my $4 Wix filter = $17.50 to change the oil in my Outback vs. $70 at my local mechanic.

    Oh, my Prius is starting to sip a bit of oil between changes. Not a lot, seems like 3/4 quart in the six month period, but I am keeping an eye on it. Had to drive to Portland early today and it was down about half a quart, so poured in 8 ounces of NAPA 5W-30 Semi-Syn (it was on sale a few months ago).
    kris
     
    #21 cyberpriusII, Aug 2, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
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  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You may want to think about installing an oil catch can to keep moisture in the gasses from the pcv valve out of the air intake. Many users here think it can avert a future head gasket failure.
     
  3. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    How does that work?
    I've installed one on the Ranger to reduce carbon build up, and it does reduce the amount of oil burned off. Won't help in the case of worn piston rings though.
     
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    The PCV valve apparently lets moisture through into the air intake. Over time this can blow the head gasket. They did some changes on Gen 4 that may help. @Mendel Leisk is one user that installed one.

    It basically uses steel wool to trap the moisture where you can empty it periodically.

    One long thread here. Oil Catch Can, Eliminate that knock! | PriusChat
     
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  5. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    NAPA has a deal on their oil and filter but in fact does not rate their own oil as the top choice for a 2015 Prius.

    I just bought 5 qts of Mobil 1 0W-20 at our local regional-chain supermarket for $22.xx, and my online submission of my $10 rebate claim has been approved.
     
  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The moisture in the crankcase mostly comes from combustion of the fuel. The PCV is there to let that water vapor escape, and some portion of the oil also vaporizes and vents out. Before those vapors were routed to the air intake, car engines just vented it to the atmosphere.

    I've only ever found oil in my catch can. I doubt it gets cool enough to condense any water vapor out in quantities of note.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    With our cold/humid winters I get water froth in the Catch Can when I do spring dump, about 50/50 water/oil. It separates after a day or so; you see distinct layers.
     
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  8. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    My winters are generally dry. If there isn't any sign of water in the crankcase, then it is getting boiled off. Which is what you want

    What I am really trying to get an answer to is how this extra moisture in the air leads to blown head gaskets? It is only a small portion of the intake charge.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah I doubt it does contrib to head gasket failure. More likely piston ring fouling, since the engine is combusting all this detritus.
     
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  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I keep forgetting it isn’t virgin olive oil.

    Bob Wilson
     
  11. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    This might be why your oil changes are every 5000 miles.
     
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  12. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    And I just got my $10 VISA e-card.
     
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  13. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    Seeing this post reminded me, I needed to change the oil.

    So, going to parts store, buying oil, sending in rebate, waiting for rebate....

    or

    Ordering from Costco and getting 10 quarts in four days at my doorstep...
    Guess which way I went. I am good for a bit. :D
     
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  14. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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  15. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Pends on your throughput. ;)
    When you guzzle wine, it just doesn't make sense to pay for the bottle yank out the cork every time you want to imbibe....

    I came upon a 6 gallon "enviro-box" of 5w30 that I still use for my pickup and Wally had on the clearance aisle for $20.
    Less than $1 a quart....
    For that kinds of savings?
    I'm happy to measure it out!!!

    For my new GMC they spec 0W20 and I've decided to use the 12q boxes and stick with a 5,000 mile OCI.
    I use Wally's "Supertech" brand and can usually find it for less than $30.....probably made in the same plant as Kirkland's (non olive) oil.

    Wally stocks my OEM oil filters too and I can have them delivered as a part of my weekly grocery run.
    :cool:
     
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  16. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Some non-cheap wines sell boxes now. They do so because the bag collapses as the wine comes. No air gets in, which would ruin the wine over time.

    That oxidation will also degrade motor oil over the time such a large volume would last for most.
     
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  17. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    There are a few O.K. wines that come in the bag -- hey, what about botas! --

    But, that took many, many years, and only a few wineries have gone that way. With wine, if I "pour" six ounces when I meant to pour five ounces, well, not much damage done (unless I run a bar).

    Motor oil, amount is much more important and I don't need another hassle when I am changing oil.
    kris
     
  18. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    I guess it would be more of an hassle pouring from a box into the engine, even with a tap. Though measuring out quarts means not overfilling.
     
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  19. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Yeah, but the bag gets stiff in cold weather, then you don't know how much wine you've got left.
     
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  20. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

    Oh, wait, you can always Shake it Sugaree!!

     
    #40 cyberpriusII, Aug 17, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2020
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