Changing Oil While Hot

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by New Revelation, Sep 10, 2006.

  1. New Revelation

    New Revelation The Master Captain

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    This may be an old thing that would be done with older cars, but from what I have learned over the years, I have heard that when you change the oil while it's hot, theres a better chance of draining out whatever sludge, acids and other by-combustion products the oil collects while taking its journey through the engine.

    I am kinda wondering if the same could hold true for the Prius. I have always done my own oil changes with the Olds but when my Prius arrives and the time interval comes for me to change the oil, I wonder if this still would be a good idea or not to change it while its hot? Usually when oil is cold (before engine startup) it's a bit thicker and alot of the stuff still remains in the valves, rings and such.

    Any thoughts on this?
     
    #1 New Revelation, Sep 10, 2006
  2. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    hot? yes, carry on.
     
    #2 Frank Hudon, Sep 10, 2006
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    My only though is that if your oil comes out more than slightly cloudy (hot or cold) from your Prius I'll be pretty suprised.

    While it probably makes sense to do it hot I don't think there will ever be enough sludge or contamination to make a difference...and if/when there is you probably need to have the ICE checked and/or rebuilt b/c there's something seriously wrong.
     
    #3 efusco, Sep 10, 2006
  4. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Hot or at least warm oil changes are the recommended procedure by purists. In Prius it seems unlikely that you will be getting any sludge out. However at least one has had too much water in the oil, apparetly as a result of exclusively short trip driving.

    If you take a sample for used oil analysis, it is supposed to be from a pre-warmed engine, otherwise the water and fuel contamination %'s will not be meaningful.

    I have found that 'rinsing' the engine by adding a bit of new oil with the drain plug out is pleasing. The first little rinse is dark oil, and then subsequently it comes out very clean. Then attach the new oil filter, close the drain plug, and fill as desired.
     
    #4 tochatihu, Sep 10, 2006
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