Dive into my CT200h engine mystery! From ticking troubles to a Walmart rescue mission, can a flush bring back its glory?
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Background:
If you've been following my journey, you'll recall the Lemon and Diamond CT200h tale from my previous article. There, I delved into my newly acquired Lexus CT200h challenges. From a troubling engine ticking noise after journeys to a deteriorating hybrid battery, it wasn't the dream ride I'd hoped for.
The Problem at Hand:
Upon detailed examination of the CT200h and an ear tuned to its mechanical heartbeat, I concluded that the noise emanated predominantly from the timing components. A lingering doubt began to creep in - did the previous owner neglect regular oil changes? Such negligence would result in sludge accumulation and potentially hasten the wear of integral engine parts.
A glance at the dipstick unveiled tiny metal shards swimming in the oil. It is an alarming find. This suggested some level of premature failure. And yet, bizarrely, the engine purred smoothly most times.
The Detective Work:
One hypothesis is that the intermittent ticking could stem from the recently changed oil. Its potent detergent additives might have dislodged old buildup within the engine. Such debris could obstruct the VVT solenoid and cam phaser gear.
The Question:
Could an engine flush restore this beauty to her former radiant self and optimal functioning? A flush was overdue, and a superior filter was essential. So, why not venture?
The Action Plan:
Determined to rectify the situation without causing undue financial strain, I meticulously selected high-grade items from Walmart:
- Pennzoil Platinum Motor Flush (crafted from natural gas, ensuring its purity)
- Transmission fluid (more on this soon)
- Premium Synthetic Oil Filter (to efficiently trap any unwanted contaminants)
- A can of engine restore - why not give it a shot?
The Strategy in Steps:
First, I introduced half of the transmission fluid, relying on its high detergent content to disband any stubborn debris and channel it to the filter.
A common misconception exists about using transmission fluid in engines; it's relatively harmless and beneficial in controlled amounts.
Next up was the motor flush, dumped into the crankcase while the car remained idle in maintenance mode. After adhering to the prescribed duration, it was time for the critical step of draining and swapping the filter. Inspection here is critical to see if there is an excess of metal bits. This would lead me to believe there is further engine degradation.
I replenished the engine with fresh premium oil, and the engine restored product with the debris cleared out.
With everything in place, all that remained was the actual test - a drive in the CT200h. Would the noise resurface? Would it be a simple fix or a deep-rooted issue demanding further attention?
In Hindsight:
Having undertaken this comprehensive process, I'm eager to share the outcomes. My 15 years of amassing knowledge and addressing automotive glitches have equipped me for challenges like this.
Stay tuned, and let's unveil the fate of the CT200h together!
Thank you for embarking on this journey with us. Together, let's continue exploring, discovering, and unlocking new horizons. Stay tuned for more captivating content to fuel your curiosity and inspire your imagination.
We appreciate your readership and look forward to you joining us on our next adventure. Until then, keep dreaming, reading, and coming back for more!
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Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in-depth Prius coverage from our reporter.
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