Hello All. I don't have enough room underneath my 2000 Toyota Echo to do an oil change, so I took it to an auto shop that had many good reviews. I brought the oil (5w30, Castrol high mileage synthetic blend), a new Toyota filter and a new crush washer. Like an idiot, I did not check the oil level the next day after the oil change. It was probably a month until I wised up to check the oil level because I would be travelling about 300 miles the next day. It was at 3/4 full on the dipstick. So, the next morning I filled it to the full line and I have been checking it consistently ever since. It does not seem to be losing oil and I've seen no oil stains on our garage floor or on pavement where I've parked. When I spoke to a mechanic at the shop that did the oil change about this he said I should probably have the engine flushed because of carbon build up and because it's a high mileage car ( it has a little over 120,000 miles on it). I researched this and I know Scotty advises against having your engine flushed. I've had the oil changed on my Echo before I took it to this shop and I've never had a problem with low oil levels before. Could it be that this shop did not fill the reservoir enough during the oil change or is it normal for a Toyota Echo with 120,000 miles to lose oil without leaving evidence of it on the floor or pavement? I was thinking about using the ATS 505 CRF fuel system treatment ( and treatment for my oil when I need an oil change next) that Scotty has given positive reviews to see if it makes a difference. I baby this little Echo because it's the only car I have and I could never afford anything even relatively new. I live in a small town where the only options when buying a car is brand new or a piece of junk. I don't know if I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here, so forgive this older lady, who has been ripped off before by mechanics who seem to think I'm an easy target and a schmuck when it comes to engines. I'm doing the best I can, but I would appreciate some advice from you all. -Thank You
I don't have enough room underneath my 2000 Toyota Echo
easily solved with a pair of ramps
I brought the oil (5w30, Castrol high mileage synthetic blend), a new Toyota filter and a new crush washer.
Unnecessary. the shop is able to supply those
It was at 3/4 full on the dipstick
So still within the safe range.
So, the next morning I filled it to the full line
On most cars, that's the "maximum" or "do not exceed" line, and anywhere within the hatched area on the dipstick is considered "full". Consult your owner's manual for your specifics.
he said I should probably have the engine flushed because of carbon build up
At that point I would ask him to show me what carbon he's talking about. If you change your oil regularly, there should be no build up.
because it's a high mileage car
means nothing. Unless there's a specific issue that calls for it, flushes are not part of regular maintenance. Otherwise, it would be in the manual.
I've never had a problem with low oil levels before. Could it be that this shop did not fill the reservoir enough
You don't seem to have a problem with low oil levels now either. Again, read the manual carefully , specifically the chapter about how to check the oil level. Also read our FAQ for common questions.
Is it normal for a Toyota Echo with 120,000 miles to lose oil without leaving evidence of it on the floor or pavement?
When engines get really old (I'm talking between 150-200k), or if oil changes are neglected, the piston rings do wear out, and it's normal for engines to burn a bit of oil (it comes out your tailpipe as smoke). But a Toyota with 120k still has tons of useful life left in it. You said yourself "It does not seem to be losing oil ", so there's absolutely no reason for you to be concerned about it.
I was thinking about using the ATS 505 CRF fuel system treatment
Also not a part of regular maintenance. Fuel already has sufficient cleaners in it to prevent buildup.
to see if it makes a difference.
a difference in what? I didn't see any actual issues in your question. Drive , be happy, and enjoy your healthy Toyota Echo.
mechanics who seem to think I'm an easy target and a schmuck when it comes to engines.
Believe me , they'll try to fleece anyone, and common sense isn't so common any more. Obviously you're not a schmuck because you're here asking the good questions and educating yourself so good on you.
Sure, that's completely possible. As long as you are between the high and low marks on that dipstick, your engine will be properly lubricated.Could it be that this shop did not fill the reservoir enough during the oil change
No, not on that engine. (The one caveat would be if the oil hasn't been changed regularly) The1.5L engine has a proven record for being reliable and durable. When properly maintained they'll run 300k without burning oil.is it normal for a Toyota Echo with 120,000 miles to lose oil without leaving evidence of it on the floor or pavement?
The mechanic somehow knows, by simply changing your oil, you have a carbon buildup issue? No, he knows no such thing.he said I should probably have the engine flushed because of carbon build up and because it's a high mileage car ( it has a little over 120,000 miles on it)
$400 for an "engine flush"? Sounds like ripoff city. What is the rationale supposed to be for this procedure?
