Prius head gasket job - broken cam bolt

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ComfyBag, Apr 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

  1. ComfyBag

    ComfyBag New Member

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    Hoping someone can help me out here.. I’ve been watching all the videos online and following along the nutsaboutbolts on Yoruba for a head gasket replacement. Everything was going well, but during the reinstall, when I was torquing the first cam bolt, it snapped! Fortunately I was able to back it out but I’m not positive what the part number is for the replacement (2012 Prius V) I did use new head bolts but none of the guides online mentioned purchasing new cam bolts (the 17 gold bolts holding the camshaft cap)

    1. Should I purchase all new bolts?
    2. Does anyone know the Toyota part numbers for the 16 long bolts, and the 1 short bolt?

    thank you in advance, this forum has been a lifesaver.
     
    #1 ComfyBag, Apr 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    #2 Mendel Leisk, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:12 AM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Just replace the cam bolt you mite find at tractor supply . Not mission critical . Just a bolt. As you found out . Junk yard . A shop floor etc .
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:42 AM
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    What torque value? Screen grab from last link in my signature*:

    IMG_3583.png

    * on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Apr 6, 2026 at 9:01 AM
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you don't get the specific bolt from Toyota, make sure to get the same length and grade so it'll stand up to the same torque conditions.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Apr 6, 2026 at 11:11 AM
  6. ComfyBag

    ComfyBag New Member

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    Thank you so much! I was torquing to 20ft lbs. I’m thinking my torque wrench was off or malfunctioning.
    Just ordered a new one as well so hopefully it won’t happen again.
     
    #6 ComfyBag, Apr 6, 2026 at 12:37 PM
  7. ComfyBag

    ComfyBag New Member

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    Thanks! I decided to order from Toyota as I need to pick up a new timing tensioner anyway.
     
    #7 ComfyBag, Apr 6, 2026 at 12:38 PM
  8. cdherman

    cdherman Junior Member

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    I cannot believe that anything in the vague ball park of 20lbs of torque would twist one of those bolts off..... Wow. Agree with new torque wrench. Are you new to this stuff? I ask because most of us who have "wrenched" for a while have a approximate idea of how tight to tighten a bolt and when too much is too much. Not accusing you of being dumb, but experience has its perks........
     
    #8 cdherman, Apr 6, 2026 at 6:04 PM
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Hopefully better than the last bolts torque conditions...
     
    #9 PriusCamper, Apr 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
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