1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Anyone have any experience with a head gasket replacement?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Oki, May 2, 2015.

  1. Oki

    Oki Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    • Is it worth doing or is it better to find a replacement engine?
    • How likely is the head going to be warped and/or cracked on the 1NZ-FXE?
    • Does the engine need to be decked/milled in this series?
    • Any parts interchangeability with the Yaris - i.e., head bolts, entire head with the prius cam installed, etc...
    • anyone have any experience with Chemi-weld/bars-leaks for these cars?
    • Anyone know of a cheap prius guy in perth.
    Background:

    bought vehicle 'as-is' a few months ago. 215k (km) on the clock.
    Noted overheating - took to dealer, diagnosed water pump. $1,300 for water pump, an oil change and a free car wash.
    800km later, noted quick flash of warning light on MFD, reservoir full, checked coolant in radiator - low. Figured it was air in the system. Filled with 250ml water. Drove fine locally.
    Next day - Checked in morning after 10c day with engine cold - pressure under radiator cap, coolant sprayed out. Reservoir still full.
    Evening - checked again, noted low on coolant. refilled radiator with 500ml water, with vehicle in 'ready', engine in warm-up. Reservoir still full.
    Suspect head gasket - bubbles rising from radiator smelled like exhaust.


    I've read one post which suggested that an engine replacement was in order, however nobody ever talks about their experience in replacement:
    Question about head gasket repair ... worth it? | PriusChat

    I prefer not to go back to the dealer; they're a bit expensive.
     
    #1 Oki, May 2, 2015
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Way easier and possibly cheaper with used engine replacement
     
    #2 JC91006, May 2, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,686
    48,942
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    $1,300. for a water pump? that's wasn't the only pumping going on!:eek:
     
    #3 bisco, May 2, 2015
  4. Rocket Man

    Rocket Man Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2008
    37
    2
    0
    Location:
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    +1 on that
     
    #4 Rocket Man, May 2, 2015
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,198
    6,463
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The head certainly may be warped at minimum. Find a used engine. There is no interchangeability with other Toyota models. Regarding the dealer charge, your characterization of "bit expensive" is the understatement of the year.
    OP should get lifetime car washes and engine oil changes, for that price - considering the US price for the pump is ~$70 or so and it probably took the mechanic 1 hour to replace.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, May 2, 2015
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,652
    38,201
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Oh c'mon: he got a free car wash. :ROFLMAO:
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, May 2, 2015
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,686
    48,942
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    he didn't get it washed, he got it hosed.:whistle: but maybe $1,300. aus is only $300. u.s.?
     
    #7 bisco, May 2, 2015
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,198
    6,463
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    1 USD = 1.27 AUD so the OP paid the equivalent of USD1,021. An outrageous price regardless of the currency you convert to...
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, May 2, 2015
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,686
    48,942
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    aussie dealers must have come to a u.s. conference for lessons...
     
    #9 bisco, May 2, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)