engine oil went dry

Driving style has a lot to do with it too. When I drive my oil burning 2006 really aggressively, the oil burns much faster. When I baby it on the freeway, it seems to burn a whole lot less.

I thought oil was the issue but on my 2010 that burns a little oil, I used Pennzoil Platinum Ultra 0w-20, their top end synthetic oil......2 changes so far and no real improvement.

But on my 2008, I ran Pennzoil platinum 5w-30 and I saw a big improvement. Maybe 5w-30 really is the oil to use.

 

Additional possibility:
4. PCV valve/system malfunctions causing oil to be sucked at a higher rate than normal through the throttle valve/air induction system. This goes unnoticed by people who do not check their oil level regularly until the engine runs low on oil, starving valve guides and cylinder walls and causing excessive wear to these parts, and subsequent high engine oil consumption.

I mention this because when I clean the throttle valve I notice engine oil in it which has also been report by others in this forum.

 

I believe it's normal to have oil in the throttle body. it's part of the engine design

 

I said it was normal to have some oil in the throttle body. What I am suggesting is a malfunction of the PCV system which causes an abnormal amount of oil to be consumed. What is your point?

 

You said:

I mention this because when I clean the throttle valve I notice engine oil in it which has also been report by others in this forum.

and I just mentioned it's normal if you notice oil while you are cleaning the throttle body.

 

Update:
Correction, burning 1 quart every 2K miles not 3.3K miles.
Received a phone call and email from Toyota that Prius not part of oil recall
and that 1 qt/2k mi normal. Switching to 5-30 full synthetic Mobile 1 high mileage.


Waiting for reply from Toyota:
Increased oil consumption past 100k miles normal for a 2010 Toyota Prius at 1 quart per 3300 miles? Towel has oil soot from exhaust.

 

yes, it is normal. 2010's especially. keep an eye on it between changes, preferably once a week, or every time you fill up, and top it up as needed. you'll be surprised to hear from toyota, what they consider normal, it's pretty high consumption. all the best!

 

1 quart per 3300 miles isn't very bad. You could try heavier oil grades (maybe low ash?) to extend catalytic converter lifespan..

 

Hey, I take that personally. Actually, this is the first car I've had that seems impervious to consumption. Any. More typically, our parade of previous Hondas would consume about 1/2 liter between oil changes. So anyway, based on my survey of one 2010, I'd like to refute that.

Barring neglect, oil consumption could be due to bad roll of the tolerance dice?

 

or maybe, because they are the oldest gen III's, i feel like i'm seeing more complaints. oil, brakes, 12v battery. how many miles on yours?

 

Well, there's that. We've got a grand 53,000~ kilometers. It leads a sheltered life.

Still, I think we just got a lucky bounce with those tolerance dice: I've never seen oil levels so monotonous, with our Honda's, even when near-new.

 

and a lot of TLC.

 

Has anyone seen a case of oil burning 3rd gen which isn't 2010 model?

Toyota Prius Problems | CarComplaints.com On this page all are 2010s...

 

hmm...

 

Well, oil changes every 6 months, it's the Canadian schedule! And that's working out to about 4000~5000 km's between changes lately.

Sheltered.

 

I still say it's a combination of 0w-20 10K oil changes, not checking the level weekly (oops), aluminum engines intolerant to abuse/neglect and the unrealistic bullet proof standards Prius owners perceive. But hey...what do I know.

 

Well, the 2010s have a nearly two year head start over the 2011s.

 

Did a lot of 2010's sit around on the lots; could that be a factor? Ours, as I gleaned later, was 15 months past build date, when we bought it "new". It fine though, knock on wood.

 

All that needs to be said.

 

yes, many did sit around. cause of a lot of 12v issues, i think. could that affect oil consumption? no idea, can't think of a reason.