I'm the proud new owner of a 2010 IV (solar package) with 87,500 miles. After spending lots and lots and lots of time reading this board and watching videos, I'm going to do the full EGR and intake clean on my next oil change, which I'll do at 90k. While I'm in there, I'll install an oil catch can. My questions, are they all pretty much the same? Is there a brand or a feature I should want (or avoid)? My only real requirement is that it be inconspicuous under the hood. Also, while I'm going nuts, I'll install new spark plugs, change the coolants, and clean the hybrid fan. Is there anything I'm missing? PVC valve, maybe?
Welcome to PriusChat!! If you're still using the same batch of factory fill Toyota WS, you might consider swapping it with something a bit fresher.
It's a pretty easy service, about on par with an oil change. The transaxle fill and drain bolts are identical, are 10 mm hex socket head (recessed pocket, requires Allen-Key style tool). You can buy a 3/8" drive "socket" in that size, typically in a set for around $10~15. Do NOT try using an allen key on a pipe though, get a proper ratchet wrench socket. Torque on both is 29 foot pounds. They have aluminum washers, similar to oil pan drain bolt. Best to loosen the fill bolt first, just to make sure it's doable. I would recommend to have a long handled ratchet wrench, the bolts are a little stubborn. The car should be (raised and) level when pouring in the new fluid. Proper level is basically when it starts coming back out. How you get it raised is up to you. A hoist would be sweet. Personnaly I put the whole car on jack stands. others have run the front up on ramps, raised the rear with a jack. Whatever you do, MAKE SURE IT'S SAFE. You can't change the initial fill too soon. One year mark or 10K miles would be my recommendation. Subsequent changes are less important, just judging from color. Regarding Oil Catch Can, I'm using a Moroso 85474 Air-Oil Separator (actually using two in series now). It's around $150~200 range. I suspect it's only moderately effective, which is one reason I've currently got two in series, to see what the second one scavenges. There's OCC's for around $20~30 that are also reasonably effective, if installed carefully, and perhaps some extra media to catch more vapour. There's also one around $400~500, that's very effective, but yeah, very pricey, RX Performance.
Thanks for the transmission fluid recommendation. It's now one the list. But back to my original question, and YES, I did search. I just don't have the time to read every post on the internet before I ask a question (that one is directed at you, StarCaller). Is one OCC better than another. If so, why?
Thanks! The one big takeaway that I got from the video is that the drain port isn't very useful in that he had to remove the OCC in order to fully drain it. Again, thanks for the great post.
Medicine for your car?? I've tried searching for that can, and it seems mired in controversy: hard to get, orders not filled, counterfeits abound. Seems like a very effective can, but... Apologies for the bullets, not sure how it happened, can't get rid of it.
Drains are actually quite effective. I think his main concern was to keep the comparison test fair, ensure as much as possible was drained, and double check by opening it.. I've used nothing but the drain for a couple of years, no problems.
