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Had a Tony Schaefer moment...

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by efusco, Aug 16, 2009.

  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I was due for my 10k mile oil change, but had been on vacation, working, running errands, and generally too busy to do it all this past couple weeks.

    Finally, yesterday, the family was out of town at the lake house and I got out of work at a decent hour, and they weren't coming home for an hour or two. So as soon as I got home, without even shutting down the Prius, I drove her up on the ramps (I did then shut down).

    I immediately got to work draining the oil and replacing the filter, even changed the cabin air filter while the oil was draining.

    I closed the Fumoto valve, made sure the filter was snug, pulled the car off the ramps (in EV mode) and back into the garage.

    Then the trouble began. I went to get the oil...and there wasn't any! I usually buy enough for the next oil change and thought I had what I needed, but hadn't double checked before draining. Brilliant:eek:

    All's well, after dinner we took my wife's car to the store to buy some (decided to try 0W20 for the first time) then filled up the engine a on a delayed oiling program I plan to market! I would've taken the e-bike to buy some, but my wife would be home shortly after I got back, I'd be sweaty, and we had to head straight to dinner when she got home making that a not-so-desirable option.

    Anyway, most people are smart enough to do something this dumb, but always check that you have everything you need before starting an oil change.
     
  2. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Doc, it's just further proof that it really is Tony's world, and we are all just a little part of it!!!

    That will teach YA!!
     
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    hehe. Good story, doc.
     
  4. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    shall we break out the hair bleach and just send ya all the way blonde? :D

    [ducks]
     
  5. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Everything I need for an oil change for the Prius: An appointment at the dealership.

    The Porsche and the Xebra are a bit more complicated: How do you change the oil in a car that doesn't use any? Hmmm... I think there's a zen koan in there somewhere.
     
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Come on guys, keep the beatings coming...this horse ain't dead yet!:deadhorse:
     
  7. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Well, as a sympathetic guy who unfortunately has NEVER EVER made a mistake like that, all I can say is

    BWAAA HAAAA HAAA HAAA HAAAA!!!

    But seriously, a good lesson learned. And stop hanging around with Tony so much. He's turned out to be a serious Malfunction Magnet. I fully expect your Prius to lose its rear exhaust system now, or to have one of the taillights start flickering at random times

    As far as the 0W-20, if you have run your motor most of its life on a good synthetic, you shouldn't have any issues switching to 0W-20. I ran my Prius the first 60,000 on Mobil 1 0W-30, then switched to 0W-20.

    No issues at all, no difference in oil consumption (Very low anyway) even at 10,000 mile intervals. Actually, my wear metals very slightly declined using 0W-20

    I now have several cases of 0W-20, and since I recently sold my '04, am a bit unsure what to do with it. I found out my FJ does NOT like 0W-20. Hmmm, may have to buy that 2010 after all
     
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Thanks for the love and understanding.

    Good idea, I think my flux capacitor is already starting to become unharmonized.

    Good to know. I had a UOA done 20k miles ago and everything was in great shape. I plan to do another at 100k...more to prove the ICE is in good shape than anything else.

    I'd missed the news that you'd sold your Prius.:( I paid $6.27USD/quart for the 0W20 (5W20 was the same price), so that case is pretty valuable stuff.
     
  9. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Yer welcome!

    :boink:

    Just kidding.

    :hug:

    Just keep the car away from Tony

    Around 2 months ago. Had no more need for a commuter vehicle. On average, I put on 30 miles a week. I can now work from the home 4-5 days a week.

    Most of the 0W-20, no more than $4.50 a quart. Some on sale for $2.99
     
  10. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Better this than coming up a few clamps short in the operating room.

    But why are we associating all this with Cousin Tony? I can't remember if he's forgetful or not :)
     
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    :drum:
     
  12. LRKingII

    LRKingII New Member

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    It's a headlight thing if i remember right. :D
     
  13. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    hahaha Evan, hahaha you did what??
    oh my that is just soo funny.

    Actually, I almost did this myself, I couldn't find the oil filter I knew I had.
    Don't just be sure you have the stuff you need, make sure it is all to hand before you drain the oil.
    After over an hour of searching I found the filter, it had fallen behind a work bench.
     
  14. ctbering

    ctbering Rambling Man

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    Same thing happened to me when I lived in the suburbs. I had the Toyota Celica on the ramps in the garage and realized after draining the oil I had no new oil for a refill. Fortunately, I had a spare bike that was in the garage. The bike tire had a flat so I walked the bike to the bike shop where they discovered gear differential problems. It took about two hours on a weekend afternoon. I became preoccupied with the bike and forgot about the car.
    Long story short, I was able to get the bike fixed and rode it around the neighborhood.
     
  15. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Damn, you guys are brutal.
    And no, Doc, I always check the new oil and the oil catcher BEFORE I start the process.

    So it sounds like you actually had an Evan moment.
    Also, if you find yourself doing an organ transplant, please check that you have the replacement before you get started.
     
  16. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Awww, you know we laugh WITH you, never AT you

    Here ....

    :hug:

    Are your tender feelings any better?

    :rolleyes:
     
  17. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    The skin's easily sunburned but thick otherwise.
     
  18. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    Agreed:)
     
  19. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Mix it with vodka. Not only does it taste good, but it will keep you regular.

    Tom
     
  20. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    No doubt, but I actually have no trouble being "regular"

    Seriously