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Oil change question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by unigeezer, Dec 28, 2015.

  1. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    I made my own car ramps using 2x10 boards, and it raises the front end a good 5". Seems very solid and I feel more confident with these vs the hollow plastic rhino ramps. Then I chock the back wheels, but also would like to put jack stands under each side, but unlike a hydraulic jack, the stands only have notches to lift it to a desired height. Problem is, I can't get it to contact firmly, and there's not enough room to lift it to the next notch. Any suggestions?
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. I am not sure why you feel the need to use jack stands if the car is raised up on decent front ramps.
    2. An alternative to using jack stands as a supplement to the ramps, is simply to use your floor hydraulic jack, on the side of the car that you are located at.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    slide some plywood under the stands?
     
  4. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    Possibly he wants to work on the wheels, check tires. I have had the same problem with every Prius.
    1 The car sets too low, can't fit ramps
    2 I don't trust or like the car jack

    Can anybody suggest one point where a hydraulic jack can lift the front end until stands are inserted.
    Am always leary of lifting point.
    TY
     
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I use a 2-ft length of 2x4 in the floor jack saddle and lift the car, one side at a time, near the lifting points on the rail. Then I place the jack stands at the lifting points.
     
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  6. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    TY Pat that is roughly the way I have done it. Using my elec jack on one side and a hydraulic on the other. With previous cars finding the balance point was much easier, behind the oil pan and on the strong portion of the driveshaft, always in the middle but not too far rearward. The Prius is not that open to lifting.

    Wishing you and all the other Prius Chatters a Happy and Productive New Year.
     
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  7. Manhal K Alrashdan

    Manhal K Alrashdan Junior Member

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    I wouldn't advise the use of water on the engine, water can spell havoc on the electrical wiring and cable.steam pressure or a degreaser foam can is the best option.
     
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  8. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    For the past 60 years I have been rinsing off with H2O, no harm at all. Do not saturate, a fine spray. Do not concentrate on wire cabling, openings, etc. I always use Simple green.
     
  9. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    Here are the ramps I made. The top piece is longer than it looks and measures about 16". I used 2x10 boards, and three layers was just a bit low, but another 2" thick board made it too high to clear the front end, so I used a 1" piece at the bottom. I get plenty of room underneath now. If I ever make another pair of these, I would make the steps a bit longer to reduce the steepness, but these work fine.

    IMG_0013.JPG
     
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  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Those look very good and I commend you for taking the time and effort to make them. Me...I just bought jack stands and a floor jacks years ago because it's just easier and you are not limited to just "on wheel" maintenance. Don't have much use for ramps.
     
  11. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    I just wanted something fast and easy to get the car up for oil changes. Still have traditional floor jack and stands of I ever want to do wheel work, but I usually have rotations and other stuff like that done at local shops. Btw, I decided to extend the length of each ramp step, so I just removed the second 2x10 and put the top piece in its place. Now just have to get a longer 2x10 for the bottom and it's done.
     
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  12. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    I have lightly sprayed my engine area once a month since August with no negative issues. I do stay away from the electrical side with high pressure as nothing but dust seems to affect that side. The engine side I use a little more pressure, but overall, I stay away from the electrical side. Has anyone gotten any notification to not spray the engine compartment at all?
     
  13. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    Very Nice Job !
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    someone here made full length ramps from 2 x 12's. he can drive the whole car up and work under it while it's level.
     
  15. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    That's really long, I may try something. I need another project. Just finished 4 more solar panels.
     
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nice, how many kilowatts do you have now?
     
  17. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    Had 1 now have 2, really doing it for tax break.
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does it charge your car?
     
  19. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    No too little, right now it's none, no Sun, imagine CA with no Sun, I'm going back to Boston.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yikes! had our first sunny day in two weeks.:eek: