Do-it-yourself changing oil on the 2004 Prius

I still have the original in service. 34,000 miles, so that makes 6 oil changes that it's been re-used. Not one drop of oil shows under the drain plug. I never realized it was rubber, until now - thought it was metal .

I give it a casual inspection every change because even metal can crack or wear, but I remember it looking pretty good last time. I do not overtighten the plug though, just enough to get a good seal. 2 weeks to my next change, I will give it an extra special inspection and report back.

 

What is the washer part number should I call up my dealer and order some from them? Is the washer available from a third party, such as a parts dealer?

 

The Fumoto F103 fits most Toyotas including Avalon, Camry, and of course the Prius.

 

part number: 90430-12028

There are 2 photos of it on this document...
http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-oilchange.htm

 

Fram also makes a drain valve Quick Drain and the part number for the Prius is SD3 It comes with a copper washer, I had a look at it and decided to anneal it first. Works like a charm and don't have to buy the gaskets anymore. Toyota PN for the gasket is 90430-12031 opps John posted the number while I was doing the message. Your local Toyota forklift dealer has them as well.

 

Is there a different number specifically for Canada?

By the way, my dealer charged $1.61 for the one I bought last week.

 

I'm not sure John, I'll run your number thru the computer at work and see what's what. That's the only Toyota gasket that we use. Fit's every thing made in the last 15 years. But I'll still run the numbers.

 

John I ran the numbers and we carry both of them but don't use the 90430-12028 as that is the one we have had leaking problems with so only use the 90430-12031 it is a composite of aluminum and has a fiber layer on both sides. I pay .96 for it in CDN dollars so should be about 67 cent's USD. I'd suggest the next time your at the dealer have him pull the 031 and see what I mean. Try it you'll like it.

 

I put in the Fumoto drain valve but removed it during my 2nd oil change. It was sooo slow at draining that I just removed it in frustration. I installed the old drain plug and the original washer. The original looks good for lots of changes. I am familiar with copper crush washers that really did crush. They could leak if reused. The Prius washer seems pretty permanent. If it leaks I will proboably get a replacement from Toyota. I changed the oil at 1700 miles and again at 5000 miles using better parts store filters and Mobil 1 5w-30. The Oil change is very easy. I bought a strap type wrench to loosen the filter.

I expect to get 200,000 to 300,000 miles on this car. Getting 51.8 MPG at 250 miles on the current tank of gas. Highest so far since Dec 18, 2004 is 52.0 MPG