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Engine swap question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by cnc97, Jun 29, 2018.

  1. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    So my Prius spit out a rod from the back side of the block. 213400 miles. It still runs, but not well, LoL. So here is my question. Since every salvage yard within 200-300 miles of me wants 900-1400 for a used one, does the replacement have to be a 2010? I found two 2013 or newer with less then 50k for 600 for either one. Any logical reason they wouldn’t fit?
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Just make sure it is the 1.8 L engine as a poster last year didn’t verify the size and thought he got a great deal. Then found out he got the 1.5L that goes into the Prius c:(.

    So check before you buy but any Gen3 1.8L engine will work:).

    Good luck and keep us posted(y).
     
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  3. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    Since I am getting my hands dirty, I’ll get the newest engine with the lowest mileage in my price range. I will definately verify it’s a 1.8 before I hand over any money. Probably going to have a core on my hands as it does have a hole in the block.

    I just wish there had been a little more fanfare when my engine expired. Just a pop, and a low engine oil pressure message. 32 mph accelerating onto the east west highway thru town. I assume it pitched a rod, but I will have to wait for daytime to see.
     
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  4. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    I don't think that would be a problem. Just make sure the configurations of the 2013 would fit in the hood.

    Take lots of pictures of your current engine. Pictures of stuffs like engine mount positioning, compressor locations, blabla. Then compare the pictures side by side with the donor engine.

    Also, do dome research on any common problems the 2013s might be having.
    When you eventually get it, you might want to do the EGR cleanings, manifold intakes, etc, while the engine is outside of the car.

    PS: check also the positioning of some of the sensor wire connections, if they fit perfectly on your car's wiring harnesses. If they don't, then you got to either have to modify wires, or you got to stick with a used engine of your model.
     
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  5. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    Been looking at a lot of pictures of engines over the past 48 hours. One thing I have noticed, is the 10-15 Prii have an “as cast” aluminum valve cover. The 16 to current Prii have a black painted valve cover. There is a vent forward and right of the oil cap on the newer that mine don’t have. Working at an auto parts store, I have looked up the valve cover gasket, but our catalog has no data on the 16 to current. Does anyone know if the newer Prii take the same valve cover gasket as the older? I am putting a down payment to the salvage yard tomorrow on a 16 engine with 2200 miles if I can just use my old valve cover on the newer engine.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is the gen4 engine the same as gen 3?
     
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  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Just in displacement I believe. I wouldn’t want to roll those dice;).

    I think the whole engine bay on the gen4 was reworked as the 12 volt is now up front. So I wouldn’t chance it(y).
     
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  8. milkman44

    milkman44 Active Member

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    I'm thinking the engine in the '16 is the same 1.8L that's in the '10, but I'd have to be sure before plunking down the green. Let us know if you get a definite answer.
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i hope they at least redid the intake and egr.:whistle:
     
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    They did as it comes from the exhaust of the catalytic converter, but pretty sure the engine layout has changed some;).

    I’d be double and triple checking if considering this. And knowing my luck, I’d roll snake eyes:unsure:.
     
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  11. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    Water pump is the same. Head gasket is the same. Ignition coils are the same. And the mounts are the same. The only question is the valve cover. If the seller was local I’d go put my eyes on it. But they are 6 hours away and 150 in shipping. 25 percent restock if I guess wrong.
     
  12. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You sure the intake manifold and spacing is the same on the front?

    Why not just get a Gen3 1.8L engine?
     
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  13. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    If the gen 4 is a bolt in, and I’m going to have to spend 1500 dollars on a used one, a 2300 mile 16 is a lot better but then a 107k mile 14 engine at the same dollar price.
     
  14. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    Better buy that is
     
  15. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Have you checkout a couple of sources for the used engine:

    • LKQ
    • TLS (in Rancho Cordova, CA)
    • etc
    I’m just leery of jumping from Gen3 to gen4.

    Maybe that’s just me, but I’d find a gen4 near me and ensure things are as you think prior to the purchase.

    Good luck and keep us posted.
     
  16. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    LKQ has three yards near me. Indianapolis, Scottsburg, and Plainfield. I have checked their site and 1250 plus 250 freight is the going rate. The good thing about LKQ is they don’t want the core back. My local yards want from 1400 plus 200 core(won’t accept mine with the hole in the block). One LKQ listing actually lists the 16 engine as an interchange. Since the LKQ site gives the VIN, I’m headed to my dealer parts department to check part numbers.

    One of my local yards said they can only get me a new Toyota engine. Quoted me $9900 for just the engine.
     
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  17. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    A 2010-2015 is a direct replacement.
    No way I would try a G4's motor, since it's an XW50 versus XW20.
    Too many things might or might not bolt-up and if you're shoving grease under your fingernails and spending 1-2 kilobucks on a car with lunar mileage........why take unnecessary chances?

    Fun Fact:
    The folks in Aichi must be developing a sense of humor.
    They call the G3 a "liftback" and the G4 a "fastback".....

    You have to love the irony....
     
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  18. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    I may pick the engine up in person. That way I can put eyes on the prize. It saves me the shipping, but it will cost me a days (10 hours) of driving round trip. Since the one LKQ has them on the shelf, that way I can make sure that it looks like the one I take out.

    As for the lunar mileage, it’s cheaper for me to replace the engine then it is to replace the car. Having a car payment already, a second car payment isn’t practical right now. Should be able to trade this one in on a Gen 4 next year though. That’s the plan.
     
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  19. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Junk yards should have books that show if the engines are interchangeble or not. I would want it written on my sales receipt guarenteed.
     
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  20. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    If you were to find out and document compatibility of the Gen4 engine in the Gen3 you'd be a hero among PC'ers.