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EGR replaced 50k ago, shop tells me it needs replacing again?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Sf3gen, Aug 8, 2020.

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  1. Sf3gen

    Sf3gen New Member

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    I replaced my EGR cooler about 50k ago, at 130k. Cleaned the manifold also.

    There is a new vibrating that I can feel in the gas/brake pedal only when my engine is running, also a rougher start. This began right after I got my transmission fluid changed at 180k. I took it to a Prius guy I knew, and he is saying he needs to replace/clean exactly what I did 50k ago.

    He sent me pictures of the EGR and it is clogged. However, I am not convinced that the new vibration is from that issue. I remember the shaking feelings before my EGR was fixed the first time and it was not constant, it only happened at certain mph or when I was braking/gassing in a certain way. The new vibration is constant when the engine is running.

    What should I do?
     
    #1 Sf3gen, Aug 8, 2020
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Have you checked the engine coolant level and is it stable:whistle:?

    What about the type of gas you buy?

    Any dash lights on?

    But when I had our old 2010, I did a 60k servicing on the egr circuit ;).

    So not out of line with what your mechanic friend said:).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Aug 9, 2020
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  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Did you do the transmission service at a reputable shop (not jiffy lube type)? The transmission fluid is suppose to be Toyota WS fluid, not the regular transmission fluid for regular cars.

    Are you sure the EGR pictures are actually from your car? If a mechanic went as far as to remove something and take a picture, he should just clean it since he already did all the labor. Cleaning is not difficult if you have it all removed
     
    #3 JC91006, Aug 9, 2020
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  4. Sf3gen

    Sf3gen New Member

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    Yes, it was with Toyota fluid and done by the shop I've been going to for years.

    He says replace the EGR because he doesnt want to spend the time cleaning it. He works mostly on Prius, so he keeps cleaned EGR coolers on hand since it is a common issue. He's charging me 300-400$ for cleaning the manifold and whole EGR circuit, replacing all gaskets and about a gallon of coolant. He also recommends an OCC, which I've read is helpful in preventing future issues.

    Coolant is stable, and he will replace during the EGR servicing.

    I buy normal gas, 87.

    No engine lights and nothing strange on my OBD.

    He said he drove it and thinks I am maybe hypersensitive to how my car drives, which is possible.
     
    #4 Sf3gen, Aug 9, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 9, 2020
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  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The price he's charge for a full circuit cleanse isn't that bad:).

    Take his advice on the oil catch can too;).

    Who's the mechanic as he seems relatively knowledgeable:whistle:.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Aug 9, 2020
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  6. Sf3gen

    Sf3gen New Member

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    I'm not sure of his last name, but his name is Ben. He left my long time shop to work from his garage so I followed him. If you are in the Tulsa area I can give you his info. His prices are definitely better than I could get at a shop, but he's known me for a while so that may be part of it. I trusted his recommendation but you can never be too sure! I wanted to check with some other prius people, thanks for your help :)
     
    #6 Sf3gen, Aug 9, 2020
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  7. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    OCC is helpful. Why didn’t he suggest that the first time? $300 sounds about right and depending on oil usage the EGR can become clogged again within 50k miles.
     
    #7 orenji, Aug 9, 2020
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  8. Sf3gen

    Sf3gen New Member

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    He didn't do it the first time, I did it with a former mechanic friend. I'll definitely do OCC this time, hopefully I won't have to mess with the EGR again for a long time!
     
    #8 Sf3gen, Aug 9, 2020
  9. Tekken

    Tekken Member

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    My 2013 has slightly vibrate on gas pedal during rush acceleration or on slightly up hill road. It gone when the Intake Manifold and EGR cooler cleared, but the vibrate come back after couple of months.

    in your case, you already changed the EGR cooler and no need to replace again. I would clear that EGR cooler again with water compressor and install Oil Catch Cans in to reduce the clog of that EGR cooler again.
     
    #9 Tekken, Aug 9, 2020
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds like your at his mercy, good thing you trust him. at 180k, it could be anything, if it were me, i'd pull the fill plug on the tranny and dip my finger.
     
    #10 bisco, Aug 9, 2020
  11. Tekken

    Tekken Member

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    Ask him to give you that EGR cooler and you take to self car wash with water compressor and spay on yourseft. It'll take you about 5 min to clear that EGR cooler with water compressor
     
    #11 Tekken, Aug 9, 2020
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  12. Sf3gen

    Sf3gen New Member

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    Yep, EGR, manifold, PCV all cleaned thoroughly and it's better. He didnt have any OCCs on hand, so I'm going back for that to prevent having to deal with the EGR again.
     
    #12 Sf3gen, Aug 10, 2020
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