Wrong Type Oil in engine?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015.

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  1. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    i have been using 5 w30 in my 2005 Prius with 155 k. Made a mistake of picking up 5 w20 this last time. I have 4k on current engine oil in car. Both are full synthetic ..I change I change my oil every 8 k and the oil filter, at the halfway point 4k . Plan to go back to 5 w30. Would it be advisable to switch back to the 5 w30 now, or run car another 4 k, when oil change is due.
    I live in Florida.
     
    #1 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The impact of using 5W-20 is that your engine's oil consumption may slightly increase. Just keep an eye on the engine oil level when you refuel. If you don't see much of a difference in the rate that oil is consumed, then don't worry.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Jun 7, 2015
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  3. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Thanks Patrick, apparently I would go back to 5 w30 and stay there, next oil change, right.
    Btw I'm using Pennzoil full synthetic , last time I changed oil it was 18.00 for a 5 qt container, now it is 25.00 at Walmart . Advance Auto wants 36.00 Ouch!!!!
     
    #3 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, you could return to 5W-30 for the next oil change.

    I bought Mobil 1 full synthetic at Walmart recently, for ~$23 per 5-quart jug. I bought 0W-20, 5W-20, and 0W-30 viscosity - stocking up, for use with the various cars in my household.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jun 7, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2015
  5. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    It's made from natural gas, was under the impression natural gas was cheap. Go figure...
     
    #5 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  6. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I'd go back to 5W-30 ASAP, but that's because I'm very picky about following manufacturer advised viscosity.

    MT2L03 ?
     
    #6 jzchen, Jun 7, 2015
  7. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Thanks
     
    #7 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It is true that TMS USA recommends 5W-30 for Classic and 2G Prius. However other parts of the world are looser in allowing a wide variety of oil viscosity. So I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as you keep an eye on oil consumption when using a thinner viscosity, and are willing to accept impaired fuel economy when using a thicker viscosity.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Jun 7, 2015
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  9. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Patrick, will stick with your recommendation . I am losing a slight bit of oil anyway from high mileige on car, but have not noticed anymore than that since the 5 w20 was put in 4 k ago.
    Plus I can save a little money by keeping the oil in car for another 4k
     
    #9 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  10. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Concur with Patrick's advice.
    Monitor your oil level a bit more, but I'd let it ride for another 4k.
    It's warm in Central FL, but your car has a radiator and a fan.
    My guess is that if the normal operating temp for your car is 195-degrees, and it's 95 out then the fan may cycle a little more often but your coolant temps are going to stay about 195.......summer or winter....New York or Florida.

    Good Luck!
     
    #10 ETC(SS), Jun 7, 2015
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  11. roamerr

    roamerr Member

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    No big deal. Worst case it uses a little more and you have to top it up sooner.


    iPhone ?
     
    #11 roamerr, Jun 7, 2015
  12. yugoport

    yugoport Junior Member

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    That's one thing I don't get, here in Portugal I am constantly discussing with the dealer asking for 5w30 and they insist I should use 10w40.. Go figure..
     
    #12 yugoport, Jun 7, 2015
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  13. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Seems that use to be the norm, way back when. Hopefully they have some 5w30 on hand.
     
    #13 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe I've heard you mention that before. How does that go, I mean: is the level of the oil completely below the filter? I guess it is.

    Really though, that doesn't seem necessary (I've probably said that before too, excuse the Alzheimer's, lol.) FWIW Honda schedules change the oil filter at every second oil change. The dealerships ignore it though. I didn't, no negative consequences.
     
    #14 Mendel Leisk, Jun 7, 2015
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    What does the Owner's Manual recommend? I know the Australian manual shows a full gamut of oil grades, no special recommendation. It's a little odd, seems like mpg goals are driving Toyota's decisions, to some extent.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Jun 7, 2015
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  16. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Mendel,
    Your right, I did bring up oil filters before, but we won't go there, lol
    I just like keeping the oil filter more current , just seems to work for me to change it at halfway point.
    Sort of a small investment for the filter, and I really don't mind changing it.
    I just lift car a little, preferably cool, change out filter( it will stop flowing) maybe loose a pint, if that.
     
    #16 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
  17. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Be happy they are not using 20W-50...

    Maybe you should DIY if you can easily purchase 5W-30 in your area.
     
    #17 Patrick Wong, Jun 7, 2015
  18. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    I like these oil recommendation charts based on ambient temperatures.

    motor oil vs ambient temperature.jpg
     
    #18 exstudent, Jun 7, 2015
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  19. Fishcrab

    Fishcrab Member

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    Looks like according to that chart, you would have to live in a very cold climate to use 5w20, hmmmm.
    So if I was to go by this chart alone, not for sure of the charts originality .
    I should go out and change this oil, soon and not run it 4000 more miles.
    Anyone else have any thoughts?
     
    #19 Fishcrab, Jun 7, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2015
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  20. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    they probably have 10w40 in bulk and its cheaper than bottled 5w30 so they just trying to keep their profit margin up at your expense. learn to diy your oil changes, you save money and get the correct oil.
     
    #20 69shovlhed, Jun 7, 2015
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