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Please help me diagnose this

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ATlam, Feb 27, 2020.

  1. Cosmo Tigato

    Cosmo Tigato Active Member

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    The Engine is "SOLID" .... The head gasket is the week point,
    If the engine never overheated, I would NOT worry about warping of the Cylinder head
    Just Remove in the correct order and values and torque the NEW head bolts to the correct Specs.
    $100 in parts
     
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  2. ATlam

    ATlam Member

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    Thank you for the comments. I will get the head gasket fix instead. (And yes I did go into the shop asking for a head gasket replacement, best thing I could have done is letting them diagnose it but I did get all the symptoms pointing to that and my coolant is running low) the shop owner is a very honest guy and he seems to be very experience the way he communicated about my car. He did ask a few questions about my car to make sure it's really the head gasket and not just jumping into it.
     
    #42 ATlam, Feb 29, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 29, 2020
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  3. ATlam

    ATlam Member

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    I will get it fixed next Friday and let you guys know how it goes.
     
  4. Cosmo Tigato

    Cosmo Tigato Active Member

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    Be sure to install a OCC and a new PCV valve then clean out the EGR and EGR Cooler as well as Throttle body and Intake Manifold as recommended by Mendel and Grit!!!

    Might be a good time to put in some Fresh DENSO Spark plugs.
     
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  5. Priuslover09

    Priuslover09 Member

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    It would be better to buy a part for the engine it’s cheaper than letter some else fix it
     
    #45 Priuslover09, Mar 2, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2020
  6. ATlam

    ATlam Member

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    just an update:

    The mechanic tore down my engine and shown me some stuff. There was a lot of carbon build up inside the engine. Valves have a lot of carbon build up and one valve has fluid leaked through. He said the valves are very worn down and I saw a few big bumps to what might be carbon build up (?). And he also said something about cracked/warp engine head? I don't know half the things he said but from what I've seen the engine is in bad shape. Wish I have taken some pictures for you guys but I didn't want to bother the mechanic too much.

    Quite a few spots where the coolant were leaking through, one of the spots were between cyl 2 and 3 and the compression of one of the cylinder was going through the other. Normally he would recommend a new engine but I did tell him I'm not keeping this car for long, maybe a year or so. We agreed that the most cost effective solution right now is just to go ahead and replace the gasket.

    Bought the car at 172k with all maintenance record. Engine occasionally vibrate at low speed / low battery but it was so rare I didn't think much of it. EGR and misfiring code (third cyl) came on at around 220k. I had EGR sensor replaced under warranty enhancement, spark plugs changed, EGR cleaned (it was almost 100% clogged), new PCV valve. Made it to 267k but I guess the damage was already done.
     
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  7. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    IF......the head is badly warped.......AND some of the valves are worn enough that they are now burnt.......
    Just putting on a new head gasket likely won't last the year that you are shooting for.
     
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  8. Cosmo Tigato

    Cosmo Tigato Active Member

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    Most of the time there is no problem with the Head or Block. BUT......
    If there is any doubt, Take the head to a machine shop.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    IIRC in on of the Gasket Master Videos (the older one) they produce a machinists straight edge and check with feeler gauge.
     
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