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2007 Prius using up a lot of oil

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by AJP, Mar 19, 2023.

  1. AJP

    AJP Member

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    I'm going through a tank of oil roughly every 3,000 miles over a 3-4 month time period. It's at the low dot on the meter (although IMHO the dipstick is a poor design, it always scrapes the oil upward as you pull it out and doesn't give a super accurate reading).

    Past three oil changes:

    5 months / 3700 miles
    4 months / 3000 miles
    3 months / 3000 miles

    My mileage is 170,7000.
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Wer you located ? This is common for a worn out 1NZ. Well worn
     
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    What is a "tank" of oil ?
    And what "meter" are you talking about ?

    Being at the low mark is a quart low.......not empty.
    Given your car's age and mileage, that is to be expected.

    Switching to a "high mileage" oil might help a little but probably not much.
     
  4. AJP

    AJP Member

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    I'm located in PA. What is a 1NZ?
     
  5. AJP

    AJP Member

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    The meter is the dipstick. I was just using the word "tank" for the oil reservoir in the car.
     
  6. AJP

    AJP Member

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    Do I need a full oil change, or just top it off with oil until I hit the 5-6 month mark?
     
  7. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Add a quart of oil when it gets to the low dot, no need to change the oil just because it is low.

    If you read the dipstick when the car is cold and has sat overnight most of the oil should have drained back, so the initial reading is cleaner. I agree that if the stick is read "conventionally", which is pull it out, wipe it off, put it back, pull it out, read, there is often oil smeared up the side of the dipstick.
     
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    THIS.