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Engine started while changing oil

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by joedroid78, Aug 9, 2014.

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  1. joedroid78

    joedroid78 New Member

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    I recently bought a 2011 Prius two from an independent car sales shop. After 2k miles, I thought I'll replace with Mobil 1 synthetic. I'm doing the oil change for the first time and made a rookie mistake. Car on ramps, assuming the car was turned off (in fact, it wasn't), I removed the drain bolt and filter. Oil was almost drained and suddenly the engine turned on. I scurried over and turned it off, probably in 6 or 7 seconds. Car runs fine now. But, I just want to know what damage my silliness would have caused the engine. Any inputs from the wizards here will help.
    Thank you folks for the time.
    Joe
     
    #1 joedroid78, Aug 9, 2014
  2. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Great first post!

    Your lucky it didnt fall off the ramp.

    Dont do that again!
     
    #2 gliderman, Aug 9, 2014
  3. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I have to believe an engine that idles with only residual oil for just a few seconds will be fine. I'd be very surprised to find out this results in any problems whatsoever.

    I wouldn't worry about it.
     
    #3 KennyGS, Aug 9, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2014
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. ibmoses

    ibmoses Junior Member

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    You could get the oil analyzed next time you change it and see if any warning signs in the sample you submit.
    Other than that about all you can do is drive it and listen for strage noises(rattles), maybe listen very closely when the engine is first started...
     
    #4 ibmoses, Aug 9, 2014
  5. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Ask the advice of Patrick Wong.
     
    #5 Okinawa, Aug 9, 2014
  6. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    6-7 seconds? You'll probably be fine but keep an eye out for increased oil consumption or smoke or both.
     
    #6 GrumpyCabbie, Aug 9, 2014
  7. Beachnut

    Beachnut Member

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    I bet it will be no problem! How hard was the oil change on ramps? Do you have the cartridge filter like our 2014 has? I am stinking of doing the first oil change at 5k miles, so your input might help. Thanks, and ever glad it stayed on your ramps!!!
     
    #7 Beachnut, Aug 9, 2014
  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Nice scramble :)
     
    #8 SageBrush, Aug 9, 2014
  9. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    I'm surprised you didn't hear the inverter buzzing while on.
    Totally harmless at idle speeds. This is why you can harmlessly flush engine with kerosene (non-lubricant) at idle speeds.
     
    #9 Former Member 68813, Aug 9, 2014
  10. joedroid78

    joedroid78 New Member

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    Thank God that it did not come off the ramp (it was on parking though); I'm very lucky. Nice to read that some of you feel that it is harmless. A friend of mind came in just as I rode the car on to the ramp and I got distracted, man this won't happen again.
    This is my wife's prius and I was using it (while she is vacationing at her mom's) as my allroad gives horrible mileage. I started falling in love with this car; that I thought it would be nice to give her a nice new engine oil change and save some 50 bucks over stealership. I need to make sure all is well before I tell this to my wife, else she will literally and physically rip me into pieces and this will be the last time I ever touch the prius.
    As okinawa suggested, I'll wait to see if Patrick Wong responds here, else I'll PM him; not sure whether he will like it though.
    Cheers fellas :)

    This also clears a myth/rumor that a prius will not start when engine oil is low. At least i know for sure that this is not true with a 2011 Prius two.
     
    #10 joedroid78, Aug 9, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 9, 2014
  11. ibmoses

    ibmoses Junior Member

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    Dude, trust me on this.
    Some things she does not need to know.
     
    #11 ibmoses, Aug 9, 2014
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  12. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Sounds like you have been in trouble by telling too much. LOL. Me too. I have learned the hard way several times. I volunteer nothing now.
     
    #12 Okinawa, Aug 9, 2014
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the synthetic really does a great job of coating the metal surfaces, you'll be fine. glad you didn't get hurt!(y)
     
    #13 bisco, Aug 9, 2014
  14. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Paraphrased: Being quiet saves one from having to unsay something.
     
    #14 SageBrush, Aug 9, 2014
  15. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Wise man say when in deep sh-- keep mouth shut.
     
    #15 JimN, Aug 9, 2014
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  16. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    And don't tell mama anything,!!
     
    #16 Okinawa, Aug 10, 2014
  17. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    It takes more than 7 seconds without any oil to ruin an engine. My friend intentionally ran his car without oil to try to blow up his engine. It took him a good half hour before any unusual noise could be heard.
     
    #17 cproaudio, Aug 10, 2014
  18. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Whilst I agree it is very hard to seize an engine these days whilst trying, long term damage can be caused quite quickly causing oil consumption and/or burning smoke. I do appreciate what you're trying to say and the OP has probably got away with it.
     
    #18 GrumpyCabbie, Aug 10, 2014
  19. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Yes, because there is a residual oil film on all surfaces. It should protect for a few minutes (but not under heavy load!).
    When they did the mass killing of used car (cash for clunkers), they drained the oil AND put liquid glass inside.
     
    #19 Former Member 68813, Aug 11, 2014
  20. tv4fish

    tv4fish Member

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    Anybody else remember the commercials for "Slick 50" ??? :)
     
    #20 tv4fish, Aug 11, 2014
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