Coming up on 300,000 miles starting to get some engine noise

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ktthomas, Sep 14, 2017.

  1. ktthomas

    ktthomas Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2015
    20
    8
    0
    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello all,

    My prius is getting real close to hitting 300,000 and I sure would like to get there !! I'm starting to get some engine chatter, sounds like a lifter, when accelerating slowly. If I step on the gas it intensifies and then disappears.
    I am using a bit of oil now too. about 1 quart every 1800 miles. One thing I have noticed is that when I get an oil change I don't hear it until I have driven about 2000 miles or added some oil. The longer I drive on an oil change the more I notice it until I get an oil change again (every 5000). I'm toping off with Pennzoil but that is not what the mechanic uses. I don't know if that matters or not.
    I have never used high mileage oil, synthetic or anything other than basic oil. Mainly because the guy who owned it before me never did so I just kept doing what had worked for him for so long.
    Now I am wondering if I should try a different oil of if there is anything else you would recommend I try.

    Thanks
     
    #1 ktthomas, Sep 14, 2017
    amos likes this.
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,632
    8,492
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Change your oil every 2500k miles
     
    #2 JC91006, Sep 14, 2017
  3. maximusdec

    maximusdec Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2014
    108
    54
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    That is the way my car has been for the last 90K miles. No issues. I am closing on 225K now. You will surpass 300K. Mine burns a quart every 1300-1500 miles now. Just fill her up in between oil changes. I use the $10 walmart oil. No problems. It's going to burn it anyways so don't use expensive oil. Like you said that lifter noise appears when the oil gets dirty and I guess thins out in viscosity. So shorten your oil changes to 3K or so. Also I used Mobil 1 once to see if it helps, I think it did but it could also be just in my head.
     
    #3 maximusdec, Sep 15, 2017
    amos likes this.
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,490
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Why not use 10W-30 oil, at least during warm weather.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Sep 15, 2017
    jerrymildred likes this.
  5. The Phoenix

    The Phoenix Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2016
    217
    84
    0
    Location:
    Fredonia WI
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    I too seem to consume a good amout of oil between oil changes. I use synthetic and recommend it to anyone who will listen. It's greener for sure and I believe it's just a better product. I use Amsoil which is supposed to be the best out there. I buy it from a dealer who also works on my car. He recommends 10W40 and that's what I use. I also bought a big 5 quart jug of Mobil1 10W40 synthetic at Wal-Mart for like $22. With the synthetic I use a 10,000 mi change interval but I do agree with everyone about increasing the frequency especially if you use conventional oil. I have 251,000 mi on my Prius and I really think the synthetic oil helps
     
    #5 The Phoenix, Oct 23, 2017
  6. chelvis

    chelvis Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    83
    49
    0
    Location:
    Long Valley, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I am original owner '05, just turned 275,000 miles and have been running synthetic since 100k miles. I burn a bit of oil and have same lifter noise.

    I change oil every 5k, run 5W30 and am aiming to keep it rolling past 300k. If needed I was going to pick up a used engine.
     
    #6 chelvis, Oct 23, 2017
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)