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Excessive Oil Consumption?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by rgevans871, Mar 25, 2019.

  1. rgevans871

    rgevans871 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    My son is driving my 2012 Prius and reports he is having to add a quart of oil approx. every 4000 miles. The dealer tells him it would not be unusual to have to up to 3 quarts between the 10,000 mile oil changes. I think this is excessive. When I had the vehicle up to 65,000 miles, I didn't have to add any oil between oil changes. I'd appreciate some input as to what might be going on here. By the way my son is nearly 50 and is a very sensible driver with a lot of highway miles.

    Ron.

    PS. Forgot to note that the car currently has 130,000 miles on it.
     
    #1 rgevans871, Mar 25, 2019
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    On our 2010 with 199k miles, it burns a quart of oil every 5-6 k miles, so not abnormal.

    Tell him to continue checking the oil frequently and add as needed so as to not run it low.

    You’ll have other “non manualled” maintenance to do soon, like the egr circuit cleanse.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Mar 25, 2019
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The canary in the coal mine for Exhaust Gas Recirculation circuit condition is it's connecting pipe to the intake manifold. It's relatively easy to remove/inspect. If it's filling up with carbon that's what the rest of the circuit will be like, at the least.

    Have a look at @NutzAboutBolts videos, pinned at the top of 3rd gen Maintenance Forum. Firstly the EGR pipe cleaning, then the full EGR clean, and also the intake manifold cleaning.

    A good thread on the subject:

    EGR & Intake Manifold Clean Results | PriusChat

    And kinda related, on Oil Catch Can Install:

    Oil Catch Can, Eliminate that knock! | PriusChat
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Mar 25, 2019
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  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    How fast is he driving? If I keep it 65 and under, and drive like a tourist, about a quart or less every 10,000 miles.
    If I drive 70mph, and drive normal, I double that.

    From my experience, and MINE ONLY, the faster and harder you drive the Prius, the more oil it will burn.
     
    #4 ASRDogman, Mar 25, 2019
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  5. ALS

    ALS Active Member

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    ASRDogman that is so true. My Volvo 960 127K miles works the same way on the highway. 1170 mile highway trip each way at the speed limit (70mph plus) will burn through about 3/4 quart each way. Drive at a maximum of 65 mph and it goes through 1/2 quart round trip (2340 miles). Plus I get two and a half to three miles per gallon better mileage at 65 mph over 70 mph.
     
    #5 ALS, Mar 26, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2019
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  6. rgevans871

    rgevans871 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
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    Three
    Thanks for the input. I passed it on to my son. I think he might join the forum. I have a Ford Fusion Hybrid now, but miss the mileage of my Prius.
     
    #6 rgevans871, Mar 26, 2019
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