2010 Prius Oil Burn

[khoober2]

I've read the threads on a 2010 Prius that's burning oil (I'm using 0W20 syn) and have learned a lot, but the many proposed solutions have me confused. The issue started happening right after the 110K mile checkup, and Toyota has offered to pay for the parts to rebuild the engine, but labor would still be $2000. The car is still getting good MPG but now hiccups and hesitates on occasion. Do I need really a rebuild? Various suggestions I've seen include: 1) check the PCV valve 2) get a compression check 3) use a heavier weight oil (5W30? Does it still need to be all syn or can it be a blend?) 4) use Kreen to unstick valves 5) use half a can of Lubromoly with an oil change. Thoughts on where to start and in which order?

I am adding 1 to 1.5Q every 4-5K now. I've changed the oil every 10K and am at 120K (mostly interstate miles at 75 mph). My wife may have let the oil get too low, but not for that long--is the engine toast, or should I try some of the above? Thanks!!!

 

[UNC017]

I have no frame of reference to know how a quart per 3k on a hybrid equates to a conventional engine. My guess is that since its not a plug-in, its about equal, and that's not terribly bad.

What are the symptoms other than "hiccup and hesitate" (which also seems odd on a hybrid since the electric portion should smooth that out). More diagnostics are needed. I certainly wouldn't get an engine rebuild without confirming a lot of cylinder leakage (a cylinder leak-down test, not just a compression test). And also verifying that the "hiccup and hesitation" isn't in the electronics instead of the gasoline engine.

 

[hisilver]

I don't own a Prius, but I would certainly try some/all of what you listed before dropping 2k for a new motor. Clean the top end with a fuel additive, if that does nothing, maybe try an oil add to clean things.

 

[GutsyGecko]

1 quarts every 3-4k? Are you crazy? Forget about it.

 

[mikered30]

Why does Toyota offer to pay for the parts and not the labor? Is there a TSB for the issue?

 

[stchman]

What weight/brand do you use?

I assume by 10K oil changes you are using synthetic?

 

[The Critic]

If Toyota is offering a 2k rebuild, I would seriously take it and run. The problem is only going to get worse with time and this will be your only chance to fix it for that amount of money.

For some reason, we’re starting to hear about a couple cases of these 1.8 engines in the Gen III burning oil as they get up there. No one’s really sure why, perhaps the 0w20 has something to do with it. Some of the Gen II Prii would consume oil as well, but those were usually very high mileage (150k+).

My own 2011 Prius just turned 77k and I do consume a small amount of 0w20 between changes. I have found that this behavior varies by brand. With Pennzoil Platinum, the oil level did not move at all during the 10k intervals. With Toyota 0w20, I’m down about 1/3 qt. My driving profile recently changed so now I am back to 4-5k intervals, so it’ll be hard to monitor oil consumption with such short intervals.

Just remember that with 120k, it’s possible that this may be the start of your higher dollar repairs. You’re probably going to become a candidate for a HV battery by the 200k mark as well, and who knows if any of the electric water pumps will need replacement in the near future. This may very well be a pivotal point that may bring you to consider moving on from the car.

Originally Posted By: mikered30
Why does Toyota offer to pay for the parts and not the labor? Is there a TSB for the issue?

It's called out of warranty goodwill. At 125k, they have no obligation to cover the engine, which was out of warranty at 60k.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: GutsyGecko
1 quarts every 3-4k? Are you crazy? Forget about it.


Agreed, far to many worry about a little oil usage when it's a total non-issue, several have reported oil loss in far greater amounts than this... If they are doing the rebuild in house it would not surprise me if it used even greater amounts after rebuilding...

As far as the hesitation, chances are just about zero & none it's caused by loss of oil...

 

[cmorr]

Originally Posted By: khoober2
The issue started happening right after the 110K mile checkup


Most likely coincidence but what service was performed during that checkup ?

 

[CELICA_XX]

Any check engine codes ?

There is no way I would rebuild a motor this new because it was burning a bit of oil.

Even a well worn motor over 400,000 miles isn't necessarily going to hesitate. Many old oil-burners still run smooth.

Sounds like something else...

 

[Plumber]

I find it a little odd they would gladly supply the parts, but not the labor.

Try a thicker oil weight...

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Plumber
I find it a little odd they would gladly supply the parts, but not the labor.

Try a thicker oil weight...

Usually Toyota would not be so quick to offer assistance. I suspect that they know something about this issue.

 

[Chris142]

Is this like 5000 engine miles or a combination of electronic too?

 

[Smokescreen]

Originally Posted By: hisilver
I don't own a Prius, but I would certainly try some/all of what you listed before dropping 2k for a new motor. Clean the top end with a fuel additive, if that does nothing, maybe try an oil add to clean things.


+1

I would try a good conventional oil like Pennzoil Conventional 5w30, try a couple of 2000 mile intervals and give it a good Italian tune up once a day for a week or so. Give it a good dose of fuel system conditioner, If you don't see an improvement then consider the rebuild, but only as a last resort. On a stop/start engine like the Prius I would never use a 10K interval. By the definition in any other gas engine (non-hybrid) frequent engine stop starts = severe service IMO.

 

[cancov]

Use the circumstance to bargain a great trade in, if you're in a position to do so. Like Critic said, if the dealership/Toyota is willing to give the parts for the rebuild, there has to be an alternative motive behind it. Spin the situation in your favor and bargain a great trade.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Plumber
I find it a little odd they would gladly supply the parts, but not the labor.

Try a thicker oil weight...

Usually Toyota would not be so quick to offer assistance. I suspect that they know something about this issue.


Exactly! There is no way Toyota would offer engine rebuilt for a mere 1qt every 3-4k mile oil consumption when their acceptable limit is around 1qt every 1k miles.

Something doesn't add up here.

 

[EA82]

I don't know much about hybrids but from little experience ive had with my oil burning cars, they never hesitated because of engine was burning oil, they usually hesitated when spark plugs and wires needed to be replaced.

 

[xBa380]

1qt every 4-5K miles is not that bad.

My dad's 2010 Prius (which I have posted on here a few times before) is currently burning around 1qt every 1,500 miles or so. Have tried thicker oils, different oils, replaced the PCV, MMO, etc... Nothing has worked yet.

His car is nearing 100,000 miles now. Toyota refused to do anything (even with extended warranty after doing oil consumption tests) because they say up to 1qt every 600 miles is in spec per the manual.

 

[The_Jeff]

When my saturn burned a quart every 500 miles it hesitated a bit, generally from the vacuum sucking oil in. It burns with low octane which triggers the knock sensor and cuts timing and power.

IDK how that would feel on a hybrid though... and these all have drive-by-wire, right? I figure the electric motor boost should mitigate some but not all of the gas engine hiccup.

 

[Merkava_4]

0W-20 is basically lacquer thinner with some WD-40 added to it. It's no wonder you're
consuming oil. The cylinder walls are probably scarred and the piston rings are shot.