I'm not sure but perhaps the answer is embedded in this 8 minute video: In the old days of straight cylinder, push-rod valves and flat-heat engines, the lower end, the crank shaft end and oil pan were the largest volume of the engine. So it was easy to use a rigid oil dipstick to measure the oil level and then things got complicated. The V8 engines pretty well blocked a straight path to the oil pan. Then the quad-valve, dual-overhead cams made the top as large as the crank shaft and oil pan. So flat, flexible oil dip sticks were needed that could take a bend to reach the oil. Bob Wilson
Ask a simple question.... I still need to reset the main/required light. Would be nice if all you had to do was "touch it" for it to go away. I had a bit of a hassle this time changing the oil. Went the cheap route and bought a five quart jug -- since the price was so low. But, miscounted the "glugs" and overfilled the oil by about 1/4 of an inch. Thought about ignoring it, but knew it would bother me.... so, lucky I have the Fumoto valve installed http://www.fumotousa.com/ So, it was no big deal to drain the extra oil, but while the oil on the dipstick was pretty near clear and next to impossible to see, the stuff I drained was fairly black and dirty looking. This was after I had "changed the oil and the filter." Never again with the five quart jugs. Sticking to the quart bottles.
Just use an intermediate container. Fill a 1 quart container from the 5 quart jug, pore in engine, repeat... The total refill amount seems to vary by how patient I am in draining the oil. It takes less when I rush everything, and more when I go off and do something else while it drains. 3.9 quarts is too much in my experience. So I start with 3.5 quarts and watch the dipstick.
A lady never tells, but if it helps you out, I had two older brothers....it was survival of the .... (I originally mistakenly wrote four brothers -- it actually seemed like four -- I am tired --). The good thing about this was that while they had no trouble giving me trouble, if anyone else tried it, it was like I had a US Marine guard squad.
I almost always use the 5 quart. For Prius needing 3.5, I pour off 1.5 into 2 old oil cans. Next time I top off the half and fill 1 more. Now I have 3 full qts. After the next change, I have the full 3.5 qts + 1 extra. I don't have to buy any oil the time after that. Pouring off 1.5 qts each oil change is easier than pouring off 3.5 qts each oil change.
It's because the Prius dipstick really likes being inside its engine. Other dipsticks, not so much...
I have four younger sisters, and we all have many Toyotas among us. However, I'm the only Prius driver. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Well you see cyberpriusII, when a boy reaches a certain age he goes through changes.... and.... umm..... Here's a book, read it, and if you have any questions, ask your mother!
