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

Timing chain covers and engine swaps

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by yogithom, Dec 30, 2019.

  1. yogithom

    yogithom Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    prescott, az
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    One
    My 2010 w 278k on her has a big oil leak, and it is coming generally from.the timing chain cover area.

    That part is $650 to $1100 depending on where you shop.

    The local prius mechanic says he can put a 2012 motor in it.

    1) does the timing chain cover come included on a new motor?

    2) couldn't find directions online on a DIY swap of the timing chain cover....got quoted around $800 by a mechanic...where to look?
     
    #1 yogithom, Dec 30, 2019
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    5,893
    3,160
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    "generally?" Why do you think it's the timing cover? Maybe it's the oil pressure switch.
    Or the valve cover gasket.
    You want to replace the motor for an oil leak?
    Look on youtube, there are video's of replacing it there.
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Dec 30, 2019
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,661
    38,205
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    And, there's really no parts replacement involved, with the timing chain cover reseal. It's basically remove, clean mating surfaces, apply fresh Form-In-Place gasket, and reinstall. It's not trivial though: the engine mount at that end needs to be removed, the oil filter housing assembly, the water pump, the flywheel at the end of the crankshaft.

    Video linked in opening post here shows what's involved. Bear in mind this is a full head gasket replacement video, but you do see the timing chain cover removal and install:

    New head gasket replacement video from Gasket Masters | PriusChat

    Also, attached is the Repair Manual info, for application of FIP gasket, bolt torque values, ectcetera.
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2019
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,661
    38,205
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Should add: there are some seals, gaskets and O-rings that should be replaced, they're mostly mentioned in the video.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2019
  5. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    1,417
    1,525
    38
    Location:
    Evansville, IN
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I used “The Right Stuff” grey in the “cheese whiz” can on mine. I applied it to the timing cover and waited 1 minute. I used the “captive bolt” to put the timing cover on, then tightened the rest of them following the torque sequence. I don’t believe that I will ever need to remove it.

    But to the OP, if you tackle the job yourself, replace the timing tensioner at the very least. It is in your best interest to do that, as part of the motive force behind the tensioner is engine oil pressure. But at 278k, you may be money ahead just getting the engine swapped. All you have right now is a “running core”, or a “rebuilder”.
     
    #5 cnc97, Dec 30, 2019
  6. yogithom

    yogithom Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    prescott, az
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Thank you!

    Its going through a lot of oil....3 qts in 400 miles and power is down but it's not smoking or rattling. Engine actually sounds ok.

    I took it to a place that only does hybrids today, and the fellow took one look at the engine, saw a pretty large amount of oil on itself side and said it was the timing chain cover.

    Why I thought to replace the engine was that the quote to fix the cover (1100) was very close to the labor quoted on an engine swap(1500) and shes got 279k.

    I admit I was daunted by getting in there cause it's all so tightly packed, but I'm going to go for it l.

    I just dont know why no power.....though admittedly my egr is clogged from all the blow by

    Thanks again for the video link
     
    #6 yogithom, Dec 30, 2019
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,661
    38,205
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Comparison chart here:

    Gasker Maker Comparsion Chart - Permatex

    In the video I linked they used the Permatex Ultra Black, slower to set up?

    And do's and don'ts:

    The Ten Most Common Gasketing Mistakes - Permatex

    Repair Manual spec is:

    Toyota Genuine Seal Packing Black, Three Bond 1207B or equivalent

    There is a company "Three Bond" with product 1207B, available on Amazon.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2019
  8. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    1,417
    1,525
    38
    Location:
    Evansville, IN
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three

    I bet I’ve done 5 or 6 of the “dont’s” on that list. LoL
     
    #8 cnc97, Dec 30, 2019
    Mendel Leisk and Grit like this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)