First oil change (free at 1k). Tech used a Mobil sticker but no sign of what they used. I had not asked for synthetic but the oil looks much thinner than any previous oils I've seen. I had to hold it against the sun to see it. Does that mean it's synthetic? This probably happened because they did not change the oil filter so even if the used 3.5 quarts it's still more than it should. Should I worry about it? The search function gives mixed results and suggestions. Thanks
Well, I'm a bit concerned that they didn't change the oil filter, as you stated. Did you actually check to make sure the filter is still factory, or did the tech indicate the oil filter wasn't removed? Short of having an oil analysis performed, there is no way to determine what sort of oil was used. A motor oil color or apparent viscosity is pretty subjective without analysis. FWIW when I change the oil in my Prius, I only refill with 3 litres. I power up and force the motor to start (Floor and release the gas pedal, the motor will instantly start and run for a bit, then shutdown if warm enough), then wait 10 minutes and recheck the oil level. With a filter change, 3 litres of oil will put the oil level a bit over halfway between the two dots. Around 350 ml extra will put it right on the full dot. I know there is heated debate here about when to do the first oil change. My dealership was quite firm when they told me to wait until the first scheduled oil change at 8,000 km. OTOH my new FJ Cruiser, they want me in between 2,000 km, no more than 3,000km, for the first oil change, on them. Go figure.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ May 24 2007, 09:44 AM) [snapback]448988[/snapback]</div> I didn't check but changing the oil filter was not listed in the services they performed. I'll find out tomorrow. I asked my local guys to order Mobil1 synthetic and use 3.5 quarts exactly So this stupid "free" 1k mile service is going to cost me about $50 ($30 in Mobil1). From 56mpg before the oil change I'm down to 53mpg now and risk some engine damage. The actual overfilling with the Hybrid system warm and the oil still warm but sunk (as Toyota suggests) is more than 1/2 inch which by others' estimates translates to a lot of oil.
ystasino, please do not attach significance to short-term variation in what the mpg screen says. That thing will vary a lot based on the type of driving done. If you have a full load of engine oil and the car runs and sounds fine, there is little cause for concern. If you want to take it further, go somewhere else and have them change the filter and put in 3.5 qts of the oil of your choice. If you want to take it further still, obtain a 125 milliliter sample of the 'old' oil in a clean bottle and pay $20 to have it analysed. From that analysis, it is likely we could tell you if it's synthetic or not. I would not agree that the debate about 1st oil change at 1000 miles or so is heated. Our few oil analyses to date of first change oils suggest that they are elevated in copper. The levels observed are not exceptional for other engines, it is just that the Prius engine is so clean, that they stand out. If I had it all to do over again, I would have first changed my 2001 Prius engine oil after 1000 miles. Then I would have used a quality synthetic oil and filter (Toyota or better) on 10-12 k mile intervals. This is a super well built engine, and the hybrid system puts major limits on how much it is 'loaded'. Mine is going to run for-freaking ever, and so will yours. Just don't skip a lot of oil changes henceforth, especially if using non-synthetic engine oil.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ May 24 2007, 05:56 PM) [snapback]449388[/snapback]</div> I'm having the oil drained and refilled today, I asked for 3.25 quarts. since the oil filter which will not be changed will also keep a 1/4 or a qt itself. He said he'll give me the rest in the box if I need to add more. The 1k mile oil change IS worth it in my opinion, but a mechanic who overfills by more than 1/2 an inch is dangerous. I have made 5 trips, like I used to prior to the oil change with the same fuel. I used to get 56mpg and since the oil change it's down to 52, same traffic same hours of work. Am I looking for a problem where there is none? Maybe, but then again maybe not. I know the Prius engine is well built, I'd like to keep it that way.
