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Is this a common, or even semi-common problem?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by DocRey, Feb 27, 2017.

  1. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Howdy. New here. Thanks in advance for info & experiences from the Prius vets.
    Long story short, while driving down the freeway , I lost power and pulled to the shoulder. I had my 2011 Prius towed to closest Toyota dealer. Inspection reveled a "hole in the engine block"! WTFuke! They would gladly repair/replace the engine for just under $10K, parts & labor. Ha! This vehicle has been meticulously serviced by the dealer at all required intervals & only has 99,135 miles on the engine. I routinely check the oil level when I wash it, every couple weeks or so. So, I'm at a loss (in more ways than one) as to why this happened. Has anyone had similar issues? Thanks again.
     
    #1 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Any pictures, or more detail, as to where the hole is? It's definitely the block, not the oil pan?
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Feb 27, 2017
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  3. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Not sure. Been pretty much rainy here. I haven't really inspected it. Going by the dealer inspection write-up.
    I had it towed to my driveway. Contemplating purchasing a low mileage used engine & having it installed. Thx.
     
    #3 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Can you recall any warning lights, and/or codes in their report?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Feb 27, 2017
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    used engine sounds like the ticket. we have heard of a couple blown engines, but it seems to be pretty rare. is it the same dealer that has done all the maintenance?
    i would call toyota, they are usually helpful if you've done the required maintenance at a dealership.
    all the best!(y)
     
    #5 bisco, Feb 27, 2017
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  6. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    I don't remember a lot of "warning" when it lost power. Most everything is "zeroed" out on the report. There is one possible code (?) under the explaination of the whole in the engine block. It reads: 997809 ISP (?).
    I will say, they were kind enough to forgive a $126 diagnosis fee & let it stay there while I figured out what to do. Thx.
     
    #6 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
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  7. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Only two separate dealers did maintenance. Thx.
     
    #7 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how long had it been since your last oil change, and the last time you checked the level, to the failure?
     
    #8 bisco, Feb 27, 2017
  9. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Most recent service order I could find was 8/17/16 @ 89,447 mi. I'm almost certain I had one after that, but no paperwork. Crap! Oil reading about a week before the problem. All was fine then.
     
    #9 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you had it done at a dealer, plug your vin into the toyota owners sight, and all the services are recorded. but a 99k, you're not late for 10k changes.
    if you checked it a week before though, and you haven't been burning any oil, it is more likely a catastrophic failure.
    how fast were you going when it blew? it's all in the little black box.
     
    #10 bisco, Feb 27, 2017
  11. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Cool. Thx will do. Going freeway speed, probably 60-65 mph.
     
    #11 DocRey, Feb 27, 2017
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Before I read further I was thinking inverter. No big noise or commotion?
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Feb 27, 2017
  13. DocRey

    DocRey New Member

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    Sorry for delay. Nope. Nothing earth shattering. Thx.
    Got a quote from a local shop for $3600 + tax. Used engine (80K mi.) & labor.
    This seems the way to go.
    Thx all.
     
    #13 DocRey, Feb 28, 2017
  14. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Two causes of a connector rod thrown out of the lower engine block or oil pan...
    Loss of oil pressure, engine overheats and seizes, rod fails and punches hole in block. Happened a few times to members soon after oil change, where tech forgot to replace oil pan drain bolt, or incorrectly installed the oil filter (forgot o-ring, etc).

    Or, head gasket failure, coolant gets in cylinder and connector rod fails and punches a hole in the engine block or oil pan.

    Either way, you'll need another engine. Best wishes.
     
    #14 xliderider, Feb 28, 2017
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