2007 Prius Destroyed by Toyota Dealer

There is not one car on the market that will shut down the engine if the oil pressure is low. That's way too much of a liability for any auto maker to take. A short block would not be the correct thing to replace considering that there are bearings in the head for the cam that would be damaged by lack of oil. Many new cars can go upwards of 50 miles with no oil (not to say they would not be damaged though) so the OPs story is more than plausible.

 

an unfortunate incident, but not really surprising... the "oil change" guy is unlikely to be a "highly trained Toyota professional" (at least in my town that is who is advertised to change my oil)... he is most likely an entry level flunky with little or no training.

 

So is the liability any less for a broken wire controlling the ignition or a clogged fuel filter or better yet allowing the driver to steer the car into a tree.

Bearings and cam are a lot cheaper than complete new head.

 

For years, I've always replaced my own oil ... and I still do. Here is my oil loss story.

I had a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and changed the oil one day, and then parked it in the garage. The next day I took off to go to work and drove about 3 miles or so and merged onto a highway and looked in my rear view mirror only to see lots of blue smoke behind me. I looked at my dash and the check engine light came on followed by the oil pressure gauge dropping to zero .. so I immediately shut off the engine and glided to the side of the road.

Long story short ... when changed my oil the day before, I didn't notice that the rubber gasket from the old filter stuck to the engine. I placed the new filter on top of the old gasket and the pressure built up and blew out the old oil gasket that the new filter was against allowing oil to escape. I shut off the engine in time and the engine wasn't damaged. Total cost to me .... was $75 .. to analyze the engine and get a new oil change at the dealer.

The dealer told me that this was a common problem and they had this happen to them few times. I wonder if this was the cause for Ben's Prius oil leak? I personally suspect this was the cause.

This is a lesson for everyone .... always check to make sure the old gasket is not stuck to the engine before screwing on a new filter!

Hope this helps!
Dave

 

Wow, I've never heard of an oil filter gasket coming off. I changed my own oil yesterday (as I've done for 30 years), I think I would have noticed a missing filter washer. I wonder what brand of oil filter was in your Mercury? Must be one to stay away from. I always lubricate the gasket with old oil, maybe that's why I've never had one come off.

 

After the old oil filter is removed, you are supposed to wipe off the steel machined ring that the filter gasket seats against, to remove the old oil and dirt deposits. That would be a good time to notice if the old filter gasket is stuck to the ring, and if so then remove it.

 

Never wipe the seal surface where the oil filter gasket seats, you may wipe dirt into the filter area.
Always check the old filter has the gasket on it before fitting the new filter.
The gasket sticking to the surface is pretty common, well common enough to watch out for considering the consequences.

 

Sorry to hear about the goof up and damage, but shit happens. Much more important how the dealership and Toyota redress the mistake. Personally, I'd focus my efforts on getting a full 3 year warranty for the replacement engine. IN WRITING

 

Hate to sound overly detailed, but did you get the commitment to replace the engine and make your Prius whole IN WRITING? Words are cheap and while we ought to give the dealership the benefit of the doubt, it is always good, often imperative, that a significant investment like a new engine be in writing. And that the engine be brand new, not one from a wrecked Prius or wherever else replacement engines might be obtained.

 

I can't say this enough, owners need to learn how to change their own oil. It is very easy to do and then you know it is done right plus it costs less doing it yourself.

And for all those that say having an engine changed is no big deal, I tend to differ. We had a Toyota RAV4 engine replaced under warranty once and the mechanic had scratched the paint under the hood in numerous areas. Normally this is not a big deal unless you like keeping your vehicle in "like new" condition, even under the hood. Not to mention rust will now form in the scratched areas. It was big deal to me!

 

It is just a car. The dealer broke the engine. Stuff happens. They agree to replace the engine. It is not that big of a job for them. The car will be fine after, plus you have a brand new engine. Why would they give you a new car just because they broke the engine?

 

Hi Pat,

See Step 5 from the following Castrol USA link:
Castrol USA - How to change your oil

"Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine. Then take a new filter and use your finger to apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket (the circular edge of the filter itself)."

Also see Step 7 from the following Edmunds.com link:
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43788/article.html

"With a clean rag, wipe off the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits, then thread the new filter onto the post."

 

Well it's been over three months.... anyone know the outcome of the OP's story?