My Prius started using oil

My Prius is a 2005 model, with 155k miles.
It started using oil recently. It was not leaking anywhere.
I changed the PCV valve that had not been touched (book says change every 30k)
I did not see much change in oil consumption.

We were leaving on a trip so I dumped about 20 ounces of Seafoam in the crankcase...
This is the recommended amount to put in an engine the size of the Prius.

We drove the Prius down to the Alabama coast (from Missouri), I checked the oil, a little dirty, same level as when we left the house???

Headed back home, got to Natchez, I checked oil, it was very dirty, same level

Stopped at a 10 minute oil change place and told them to put good synthetic oil and a filter change on it...

That Toyota has stopped using oil!!!!

My thoughts are that there may have been a valve seal leak, or a ring sticking on a piston.
Whatever the problem was that was causing the oil use I think the Seafoam loosened up some debis, sludge, whatever and it caused the engine to stop using oil.

Thank You Seafoam



John kb0ou

 

jc91006,
I have been changing oil on the Prius at about the 10,000 mile mark. It usually is not very dirty,
Due to oil consumption I had to add oil about every week before we took the trip to Alabama.
Previous to the oil consumption issue I never had to add oil between changes.
Note, the oil was "very dirty" from the seafoam cleaning the inside of the engine.

bisco,
The Book is Haynes Number 92081 "Toyota Prius 2001 thru 2011 All models"
On page 1-22 item 21 which has to do with the PCV valve the header says to do a hose check and PCV replacement every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
I do not necessarily agree with the book. I had not even inspected the PCV or the hoses at 155k miles.
I purchased a new PCV so I could just replace the valve when I got it out, I inspected the hoses and cleaned them.
The old PCV looked okay, a little dirty, not bad. I think the valve could have been cleaned and reinstalled with no problems.
I just wanted to make sure the PCV was not an issue with the oil consumption.

I think I will pull the PCV every now and then in the future and clean it/check it. Not sure how often.

 

Well, as near as I can tell the oil consumption has stopped, we have put a couple thousand miles on the last oil change and the level of oil showing on the dip stick is staying put.
Permanent,, My Wife gets those every now and then, they are not. Even a Toyota may not be Permanent.
I hope I can see the odometer go a little more digits before I have to overhaul that little engine.
Maybe at least wear out those Spark Plugs I put in a while back!!

I did edit the Pius to Prius,,, sorry...

 

WOW!!!
You guys are like a firing squad!!
Yes Mr. Xstudent, I use FULL SYNTHETIC OIL, who would use anything else?? Especially on a Prius...
AND yes I have the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL, I like to read rags too, I'll keep the Hayes Thanks.

Mr. bisco,, who said anything about the AIR FILTER???????

Mr. Mendle,, I would never start my car or any other piece of EQUIPMENT after someone else supposedly change my oil without checking the oil level and looking under the engine, especially around the oil filter before I start the engine.
I have employed a lot of people, trust is a earned thing.

I have worked on Nuclear Powered Submarines and a lot of other high valued equipment, been in Engineering all my working life.
I hope someone finds some value in my post,
This may help, if you have a oil consumption problem, with your Prius. No Guarantees are implied.

John kb0ou

 

Howdy from Missouri.......
By the way, I did replace the Air Filter the other day, I had the air cleaner out so I thought that I might as well. The filter was somewhat dirty, not bad. Not sure when I replaced it last, did not look it up.

2500 miles on the oil change and the level has dropped!!
When those guys in Alabama changed the oil it was about 1/8 inch (0.125") (3 mm) above full.
Now it is exactly even with the full mark on the dip stick.
I am not alarmed, will keep watching it.
I don't like to fill the oil sump to FULL, I fill it about a 1/4 inch below full when I change the oil (I usually do change it myself).
I will try to post when anything changes...

 

I am checking the oil when the car is sitting in my shop, level floor. Zero slope. But, it is Missouri...

 

It would be nice to know what is causing the oil consumption in these Prius engines. It seems that a lot of them start using oil in the 140k to 160k miles area. I am sure this is why some engines have damage such as rod failure etc.
I know that I failed to notice that our Prius started having a oil problem until the oil level was really low on the dip stick.
I got lazy because the engine did not use oil for so long. Then suddenly started using oil.
It will also be interesting to see if the Seafoam treatment will actually work for a while.
The Seafoam treatment has slowed the oil use but not stopped it.

Oh, I need to make a correction...
The miles above on the level check should have been 1500 miles. Not 2500 miles.
Still not bad to have a small loss of oil in 1500 miles especially with it being over filled with oil.

John kb0ou