3rd gen model year and oil consumption

Don't know why I waited so long. Just added my vote(s):
2010 253K Heavy
2015 73K Minimal

 

I've been lurking and researching so I have already checked out your links and they have been extremely helpful! Sure hope its not the head gasket but I guess the good thing is that if it is starting to go I will already be half way to replacing it with all the egr/intake removed. I also decided to do the water pump and thermostat since those have never been replaced.

 

My 2010 has just shy of 265,000 miles today. The oil level hasn't moved since I replaced the head gasket and got it running 3 months and about 2,500 miles ago.

 

I know 7 ways to diagnose a head gasket... but u always start all diagnostics w pulling codes. If MIL off pending will show histeresis of past 5 triggers. U need techstream.

 

Which one do you use the Gallon Jug (3.78 Liter) or multiple Quart Bottle (946 mL each) ?

Because the owner's manual says to refill 4.4 qt. (4.2 L) with filter or 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) without filter.

 

In my case it is 4L to the Max level with a filter change. Try 3.8 L first and you will be at the mid point.

 

Would it be ok to fill up 3.78L with a new filter?

 

Yes, minimum is 3.5L, maximum is 4L. At least for my 3rd gen with catridge filter. if I put 4.2L, it is always 3-4 mm above the max line and I leave it alone and never cause issues either for less than 1L overfilled.

 

That makes sense, I drained using a Jackstand that was just enough for my hand to remove the filter. I did not raise it too high from the right side (engine side) of the car. 4L is just close to the Max line.

 

It is not an exact measurement. Many factures involved. How much is completely drained.
Is the car level?
Just check the level afterward. It's always best to keep it near the full mark. But if it's half way
it's still okay.

 

Do you replace the oil filter every time you put new oil? Also for the new oil filter, do you soak it first with the oil before placing it?

 

Some in the USA change the oil every five thousand miles but change the filter at ten thousand. Every time is best but the filters are rated for 10k miles. Your country may be different.

Most do not oil the filter element.

An upgrade can be the use of a spin on filter and bracket rather than the element.

 

I changed the oil every 5k miles but filter every 10k miles/1 year. Just because the filter takes more time to remove but damn cheap €4.
I like the cartridge filter because I can always see the filter condition anytime I open it and the anti drain back and by pass valve is guaranteed right.

 

Oil filter EVERY time. There's no point in changing the oil if you're not going to change the filter.
Some do the filter and not the oil. Some oil and not filter.
The BEST thing is to change both at the same time. Filter's are $5.

An engine is $2000 and up. Plus $1500 and up for labor.

I soaked it in oil, like I would do for the canister filters. But it was a mess installing it.
It's side ways, so the oil will pour out. I tried once to soak it, then drained the oil out.
It was still messy.

The bearing have enough oil left on them to protect them for the 1-2 seconds there is no pressure.

 

The oil in autopartstore in the USA like Autozone, O'Reilly, Napa, Advanced, etc. often offer 5Q oil+filter as a deal. I replaced the filter all the time when changing the oil but now I am getting lazier. The filter does not work that hard in Prius engine unlike heavy duty diesel. Not much particulate carbon or oxidized oil.
However, the oil still often trap on the oil control rings that is too small and not enough tension to scrap them back.
In combination with low tension piston rings, the oil standard in 2010s are also still API SM instead of SN or much better SP. If we can use European ACEA C5 standard or manufacturer standard like 508/509 or BMW LL-17, then go with it if the price are the same.

 

What do you suppose it is that when I change the oil and the filter dumping 5 quarts in brings the oil level exactly to the full line?

 

I think 5Quarts is overfill but still OK. It is up to you. I usually starts with 4Q or 3.8L, It is right at the middle but I usually top it off till max line or about 4L, 4.3quarts. I only jack the car from the passanger side so I have space to open and fold the engine cover to drain the oil.