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Clean everything still knock when pressing on gas pedal

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Don Doan, May 26, 2022.

  1. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Around Central Texas I could find the following options. Not at every shop by any means.

    A head gasket job $1500 with new gaskets and nothing else. $2500 up with a rebuilt head and cleaned egr and intake. Most dealers and many independents won't do a gen3 head gasket because of repeat failure warranty risk. They don't buy the clogged egr theory. They believe in bad rings, warped heads and occasional scored cylinders.

    So the next set of options:
    ------

    1. Straight junkyard used engine. No rebuild of anything, no new gaskets, no real guarantee. Generally the lowest cost. $1500-$2500 installed. Could break two weeks later, could be a severe oil burner, could be a disaster. But often tried, high risk, low cost.

    2. A JDM used in Japan engine. Usually some guarantee, higher installed cost, maybe $2500-$3500.

    3. A used engine with a partial teardown and inspection, reassembled with a machined head and new gaskets. Typically solves head gasket issues and oil leaks on the used engine if existing. Some guarantee. Maybe $3000-$3500.

    4. A used engine with a complete rebuild including teardown, inspection, new rings, bearings, machined head but with existing accessories like water pumps. Often a decent warranty and best bet for 150,000 miles. Usually the dealer option. Sometimes a dealer will include a complete new short block (bottom end with pistons and rings) $3500-$7000.

    5. Similar to #4, a complete rebuild by a professional engine shop shipped to your local mechanic for installation. Often better quality than a local shop attempting a rebuild. $3500-$5000.

    Typically auxiliary parts are replaced as needed or if requested on top of any of these options. Water pumps, thermostats, intake manifolds, plugs etc if yours are carboned up or bad. Extra cost but usually definable upfront.

    Pricing varies but a knowledgeable owner can shop and get real value. Dealers are often half again to twice the cost of better independents.

    Number five from HybridPit in socal:

    IMG_2765.jpeg

    6. A Gen4/Gen3 Combination. Gen4 block and head, gen3 intake, exhaust, egr, controls and wiring. Some hacks on the wiring and hoses. I would want someone who has done this several times and would offer a warranty. Not sure who or where other than a guy in Oklahoma who is reported to do mobile services.
     
  2. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    thanks, I was quoted 1800 for headgasket replacement with measurement checks to ensure nothing was damaged. Or 3500 for an engine replacement with cleaned egr system, new water pump and low miles. Boston area.
     
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  3. johnHRP

    johnHRP Active Member

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    Get the head gasket fix, clean the intake and egr at the same time. Make sure you get the last revision of the head gasket with no black coating rom Toyota. It is revision on 2015. If your car does not burn oil, no need for a new short block. If it burns a lot, check if it is better to get a short block instead.

    A used engine from pre- 2015 Prius is a bad idea. They all burn oil at certain degree because only after late 2014, the piston and piston rings is redesigned and burn no oil.

    Check in toyota website with your VIN number wether it has thr newest EGR ECU program or ot.
     
  4. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    I am leaning towards a JDM engine. The hybrid shop I went to said they could install a Gen 4 for $1800 labor, I just need to find an engine. Anyone have pros and cons to doing this?

    Also, update on my current situation. It now seems to be using coolant much quicker and the misfires are happening more often than before. Going to stop driving it until I find a solution.
     
  5. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    Also, quick question about headgasket sealers. If I am planning on putting in a replacement engine, are there any risks to trying something like thermagasket?
     
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Probably none, if you're also planning on putting in a replacement radiator and heater core, etc., at the same time.
     
  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    DO NOT PUT ANY SEALER IN THE ENGINE!
    It WILL clog the radiator, heater core, all the small passages in between,
    thermostat, water pump....it's a night mare!

     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  9. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    Noted. Seems to be a temporary fix at best anyways. Anyone know a good vendor for gen 4 used engines? When selecting an engine is there anything I need to look for so it will be compatible with my gen 3? I saw vin numbers needed to have similar sequences if I was using a gen 3 replacement. Is that true for gen 4 engines?
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @Ragingfit went with LKQ.
     
  11. johnHRP

    johnHRP Active Member

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    too much works and ECU error. Just get 2015 engines gen 3 or newer prom Prius, PriusV or CT200h
     
  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Be careful if the engine does not have a vin plate on the back.
     
    #32 rjparker, Sep 6, 2023
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2023
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  13. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    bought a jdm engine from a jdm engine dealer. It was the same price for me to buy a gen 4 engine than to used the gen 3 the shop had on hand.

    Engine going in tuesday.
     
  14. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    JDM 4th gen engine installed in my 2014. Running great. Slightly better gas mileage too! $3,600 total cost. Glad that is over with.

    any known issues on gen 4 engines I should look out for?
     
  15. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Good price for a quality repair.
     
  16. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    How did you make the diagnosis and what was it?
     
  17. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Short-block it
     
  18. C-in-DC

    C-in-DC Member

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    My gen 4 engine overheated at first. I’d keep an eye out for that. Since you got it done at a shop they probably know how to bleed the coolant properly(I don’t).

    Do a search for other maintenance recommendations for a gen 3.
     
  19. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    combustion gas test in the coolant reservoir. It was starting “drink” coolant as well.
     
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  20. Jon Vitrano

    Jon Vitrano Junior Member

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    what was wrong with the coolant?