Upper Oil Pan Removal

Without "before" pictures, we'll never know what/if the original problem was when it was initially reported as just a "hairline crack". I'm quite sure, however, sure this is the first hole of this size reported here at PC.

 

I definitely would look under any used vehicle that I considered purchasing, because one thing that really bugs me is fluid leaks of any kind (other than water dripping from the AC drain.)

Actually I believe another member posted photos of a damaged engine similar to the photo posted by Cory. The root cause was inadequate lubrication causing bearing failure and a connecting rod ended up poking through the engine.

 

Yeah, IIRC that was sfv41901 who posted that picture. He got a new engine from the dealer out of it under warranty.

Here's another thread for a Gen 2 with a picture of a similar hole, in the 17th post in the thread:

Two Holes in Engine Block | PriusChat

 

I hear you and feel your pain.

Good luck with the oil pan replacement, I hope you will take photos and post. It probably is necessary to remove the transaxle as another member pointed out.

The next question is what else is missing or defective, not obvious upon casual inspection. For example, driver and passenger airbags.

 

Sounds like a nearly impossible area to get damaged by running over something, etc., though.

 

Thirty or forty years ago, I might have bought used and rebuilt salvaged cars, but not in the current era of high strength steels and engineered crush zones and electronically controlled safety features.

NOW, I will only buy NEW. Buying any USED car can be iffy, given the many calamities of floods, snowstorms and related brutal weather of late.

 

Not the best practice to reuse fluid.

If you know the inverter coolant is fairly new, lacks oil, just run it through some type of filter (say gauze or a better true filtering medium) inside a funnel, as you refill the inverter reservoir.

Transaxle fluid (Toyota ATF-WS), hmmm. 4 new quarts should be no more than $10/quart; ouch. Did you catch the AFT-WS in a CLEAN container? Are you planning to keep the car for some time? If not a clean container but planning to keep the car, spend $40 on new ATF-WS. Consider buying a magnetic drain plug for your transaxle if keeping the car; the OEM magnetic drain plug is super weak compared to aftermarket. A few different companies make aftermarket drain plugs (ie Goldplug), and PriusChat member Rude person's might still have some left. But, can you two play nicely in the sand box for a business transaction, if Rude person's has any magnetic drain plugs left?

 

Speaking as a mechanic and all things considered, fresh fluids at this point might be wise.