Courier CT update: third problem detected
#31
Advanced
Thread Starter
There is no set number. I plan to drive it till it's dead, or too expensive to keep running compared to a new car. The idea is that replacing things like the engine and transmission is cheaper than buying a new car, thanks to how long the powertrain lasts.
#32
Pole Position
I'm just happy to hear that you got it all fixed and back on the road.
I doubt that sticking with 5k OCIs would have made a difference. The problem occured, it was just exasperated by the long OCI. I doubt much harm was done because of that though. The amount of coolant in the engine isn't going to do much. Remember that I took the car to the shop as soon as this happened, and long OCIs won't cause a head gasket failure anyway (which is due to overheating or age).
Also, using some rough math, had I stuck with 5k OCIs since day one, I would have spent just above $3,000 more than I did. A head gasket job is just over $3,000. I paid more because I fixed a few other things as well to save on labor down the road. I feel I basically got a free head gasket job thanks to what I saved with my long OCIs. I'd do the oil changes myself, if I had the time, but unfortunately I work too much, and am not allowed to do it where I live anyhow.
The manual calls for 10k OCIs, and synthetic is the only oil you can use anyway (0W-20 is synthetic only). The oil I use is rated for 15k OCIs (which is the OCI I will switch to now).
Also, using some rough math, had I stuck with 5k OCIs since day one, I would have spent just above $3,000 more than I did. A head gasket job is just over $3,000. I paid more because I fixed a few other things as well to save on labor down the road. I feel I basically got a free head gasket job thanks to what I saved with my long OCIs. I'd do the oil changes myself, if I had the time, but unfortunately I work too much, and am not allowed to do it where I live anyhow.
The manual calls for 10k OCIs, and synthetic is the only oil you can use anyway (0W-20 is synthetic only). The oil I use is rated for 15k OCIs (which is the OCI I will switch to now).
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Raidin (03-11-18)
#33
Intermediate
This is true, especially with a late model vehicle such as yours
#34
Thanks for posting such detailed information on your car Raidin! I sometimes lurk over at priuschat, and noticed a lot of people blaming clogged EGR systems for head gasket problems. Apparently when the EGR pipe and cooler are clogged, the temperature in each cylinder can increase by a lot, causing head gasket problems. Hopefully your mechanic cleaned out the EGR cooler, valve, and pipe for you.
In regards to your oil change interval, considering how you drive the car I don't see a problem with extended oil change intervals, as long as you are using a quality synthetic. I think 15K is a totally acceptable interval, though your previous 25K interval would make me nervous without doing an oil analysis.
Keep us updated on how your car is running! Based on your post, I'm going to change out my waterpump at 100K miles, since its so cheap and easy to do. You can get it on amazon (original Aisin) for under $250.
In regards to your oil change interval, considering how you drive the car I don't see a problem with extended oil change intervals, as long as you are using a quality synthetic. I think 15K is a totally acceptable interval, though your previous 25K interval would make me nervous without doing an oil analysis.
Keep us updated on how your car is running! Based on your post, I'm going to change out my waterpump at 100K miles, since its so cheap and easy to do. You can get it on amazon (original Aisin) for under $250.
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Raidin (03-15-18)
#35
Advanced
Thread Starter
Thanks for posting such detailed information on your car Raidin! I sometimes lurk over at priuschat, and noticed a lot of people blaming clogged EGR systems for head gasket problems. Apparently when the EGR pipe and cooler are clogged, the temperature in each cylinder can increase by a lot, causing head gasket problems. Hopefully your mechanic cleaned out the EGR cooler, valve, and pipe for you.
In regards to your oil change interval, considering how you drive the car I don't see a problem with extended oil change intervals, as long as you are using a quality synthetic. I think 15K is a totally acceptable interval, though your previous 25K interval would make me nervous without doing an oil analysis.
Keep us updated on how your car is running! Based on your post, I'm going to change out my waterpump at 100K miles, since its so cheap and easy to do. You can get it on amazon (original Aisin) for under $250.
In regards to your oil change interval, considering how you drive the car I don't see a problem with extended oil change intervals, as long as you are using a quality synthetic. I think 15K is a totally acceptable interval, though your previous 25K interval would make me nervous without doing an oil analysis.
Keep us updated on how your car is running! Based on your post, I'm going to change out my waterpump at 100K miles, since its so cheap and easy to do. You can get it on amazon (original Aisin) for under $250.
Don't worry, I lab checked all my oil in order to reach all the way to 28k OCIs. Also, I will talk to him about the EGR parts. Thanks for the heads up!
#37
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Thread Starter
#38
What did I miss? Your car is still running after the engine refresh right? Just have a driveline vibration now?
#39
Thanks a lot, Vegas. Gonna go look at everything now.
I also wanted to update that my mechanic discovered that there are certain cases mentioned by hybrid mechanics who cited the water pump allowing for intermittent overheating leading to head gasket failures. The claim is that the water pump, once it starts going bad, will intermittently fail, where overheating occurs just below the temperature that the warning light comes on at, so there's no real warning. Over time this has caused head gaskets to fail in 3rd gen Prius models they saw. With this in mind, we decided to replace the water pump, since there's no labor involved while the head gasket job is being done, and since I plan to keep running the car for much longer.
FYI: cost of the pump is roughly $500, labor is almost the same on its own (RepairPal confirmed this).
I also wanted to update that my mechanic discovered that there are certain cases mentioned by hybrid mechanics who cited the water pump allowing for intermittent overheating leading to head gasket failures. The claim is that the water pump, once it starts going bad, will intermittently fail, where overheating occurs just below the temperature that the warning light comes on at, so there's no real warning. Over time this has caused head gaskets to fail in 3rd gen Prius models they saw. With this in mind, we decided to replace the water pump, since there's no labor involved while the head gasket job is being done, and since I plan to keep running the car for much longer.
FYI: cost of the pump is roughly $500, labor is almost the same on its own (RepairPal confirmed this).
just a heads up I found the water pump on ebay (from a Lexus dealer) (genuine) for $239
should be an easy install too for anyone looking to prolong their engines. i would probably do this at 75-100k as preventive maintenance given the above info.
#40
Advanced
Thread Starter
Since I use a shop to do all my work, they of course charge a mark up on parts. Also, I'm sure their supplier isn't as low priced as eBay. I'm not worried about it. They at least warranty anything I get through them as well as labor.
#41
That's good. Was just asking cause suddenly i saw all this talk about getting a Subaru. Can you post some updated photos of your car? I miss my blue CT. I have a white F Sport now. not as exciting looking as the blue. and 5k is still cheaper than a new car. you are doing great.
Would love to see how a 443k CT looks. outside and inside =)
Would love to see how a 443k CT looks. outside and inside =)
#42
Advanced
Thread Starter
That's good. Was just asking cause suddenly i saw all this talk about getting a Subaru. Can you post some updated photos of your car? I miss my blue CT. I have a white F Sport now. not as exciting looking as the blue. and 5k is still cheaper than a new car. you are doing great.
Would love to see how a 443k CT looks. outside and inside =)
Would love to see how a 443k CT looks. outside and inside =)
In case you weren't caught up, I was considering what to replace the CT with should I ever have to. I was going with a Crosstrek PHEV or Forester. Forester ended up being more favorable for the extra space I need. Now that Toyota released the info on the redesigned Rav4 Hybrid, that's my top choice.
#43
Intermediate
#44
Next NX Hybrid will likely not get 40mpg though as it will very likely have a lot of extra weight to carry around. you're probably looking at something like 36/33. Real world average around 32-34. A little less for lead foots. Which is still good for a decently sized luxury crossover.
#45
Intermediate
I respectfully disagree..
While comparing the Prius to the CT I could see where you might draw that conclusion but if you look at the 2018 RAV4 and compare the MPG with the 2018 NX300h you are comparing apples to apples.
Now have a look at the 2019 Model Year RAV4:
https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/rav4/
While comparing the Prius to the CT I could see where you might draw that conclusion but if you look at the 2018 RAV4 and compare the MPG with the 2018 NX300h you are comparing apples to apples.
Now have a look at the 2019 Model Year RAV4:
https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/rav4/
RAV4 Hybrid models are the efficiency leaders of the lineup with an estimated mpg of 41/37/39 (city/hwy./combined).