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2010 Prius: Headgasket issue - should I fix it or get engine replaced

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by BenAda, Aug 11, 2017.

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  1. BenAda

    BenAda New Member

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    When he calls me on Monday I would ask...

    But what is the EGR cooler?
     
    #41 BenAda, Aug 19, 2017
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  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    There is an Exhaust Gas Recirculation loop which takes exhaust gases from before the catalytic converter back to the intake manifold. There is a cooler (radiator) that cools it down prior to reentry into the intake manifold.

    We have been finding them clogged with carbon deposits :(.

    Having a blown head gasket, we might be able to use the data point;).

    Also you can have it as a spare for the next engine;).

    Hope that helps(y).
     
    #42 Raytheeagle, Aug 19, 2017
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  3. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    here you go
     

    Attached Files:

    #43 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 19, 2017
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  4. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I'm not sure if they'll replace the EGR system since its not part of the engine... I would assume if they replace the engine would be the cylinder head and block with oil pan...
     
    #44 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 19, 2017
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  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I believe when @Aaron Vitolins did the engine swap the replacement came with the cooler.

    But every situation is different.

    Can't hurt to ask(y).
     
    #45 Raytheeagle, Aug 19, 2017
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  6. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    That would be nice lol
     
    #46 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 19, 2017
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  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If nothing else, it will ensure Maxat looks at the egr cooler prior to install and assesses the condition, rather than just pull and replace:(.

    It would be a bad day to go through a swap then have the same thing happen due to a fouled cooler.
     
    #47 Raytheeagle, Aug 19, 2017
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  8. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Yes! It did indeed come with the cooler, and it was so low milage it didn't need any servicing yet. I did pull the EGR pipe just for kicks, it was clean.
    Mind you the replacement engine was from a 5 year old Plug in Prius with like 30, 000 or 40, 000 miles so the engine might have had even less miles than that
     
    #48 Aaron Vitolins, Aug 20, 2017
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  9. BenAda

    BenAda New Member

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    Ok, just got back my Prius. I was told the EGR cooler in the old engine was dirty.

    I drove it from Sacramento to the Bay area (for over 132 miles) and the ride was generally smooth (a few vibrations here and there but not to the extent of concern). Temperature was almost at 90 degrees.
     
    #49 BenAda, Aug 22, 2017
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  10. chit phyu

    chit phyu New Member

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    Could you able to tell me the name of business you went for your car service if you don't mind ??
    Thanks
     
    #50 chit phyu, Aug 22, 2017
  11. BenAda

    BenAda New Member

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    Maxat Hybrid Repair.
     
    #51 BenAda, Aug 22, 2017
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  12. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Good data point:)!

    Thanks for asking and good to hear you're back up and running (y).
     
    #52 Raytheeagle, Aug 23, 2017
  13. jjackeee KooKz

    jjackeee KooKz New Member

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    Hello Did you get your gasket replaced. I was just quoted $2000 approx for head gasket replacement 2010 Prius with 152k. How is your car running now?
     
    #53 jjackeee KooKz, Aug 24, 2017
  14. BenAda

    BenAda New Member

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    I decided to get the entire engine replaced as I was aware of some other problems it had (such as leaking engine oil). Also, the price of engine replacement was not too far from the price of changing the gasket.

    The car is running fine now. A few minor vibrations here and there but definitely not of concern at the moment.
     
    #54 BenAda, Aug 24, 2017
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  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    So many head gasket failures. This is becoming a serious issue
     
    #55 JC91006, Aug 24, 2017
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  16. BenAda

    BenAda New Member

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    Very serious. Yet Toyota won't take responsibility. What a shame.
     
    #56 BenAda, Aug 24, 2017
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    With fourth gen Toyota has moved the EGR inlet, from before to after the the catalytic converter. Indicates they know there's a problem?
     
    #57 Mendel Leisk, Aug 24, 2017
  18. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Its so bad it's making me look at other vehicles for the future. Such a shame! Especially since I adore these cars
     
    #58 Aaron Vitolins, Aug 24, 2017
  19. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The upside is it can be prevented with a good cleaning of the EGR system. So I suggest clean them every 100k with a major service. My to do list for my 99,000 mile Prius is

    coolant change
    spark plug change
    EGR system cleaning

    I wonder if I should include the water pump in this service?

    Toyota needs to issue a TSB on this EGR cleaning ASAP. This service should not be optional, MANDATORY
     
    #59 JC91006, Aug 24, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2017
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  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Good strategy: you don't need to worry about spilling coolant, and you've got the cowl and wipers off for spark plug access. (y)
     
    #60 Mendel Leisk, Aug 24, 2017
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