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2010 w blown head gasket - cost to replace engine?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by bminerly, Jul 26, 2019.

  1. bminerly

    bminerly Junior Member

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    My son has a 2010 Prius with about 235K miles on it and was just told that it has a blown head gasket. He was given an estimate of about $5,000 to fix it. When I told him to ask about having the engine replaced, he was told by the same mechanic that it would cost just as much and take about 20 hours of labor. I'm no mechanic; I just own a Prius and have found it to be a good car, and have seen low-mileage replacement engines available on eBay for just under $1,000.

    Can you experts out there give me some straight info on what to expect in terms of cost of replacing an engine, whether such a move is advisable based on the age and miles on the vehicle, and whether you're aware of any good Prius mechanics in the New York metropolitan area? I'm about 50 miles north of Manhattan.

    Thanks in advance for your time and attenton.
     
    #1 bminerly, Jul 26, 2019
  2. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    If your son's repair shop is using flat-rate labor time, then yes, the labor time for both jobs are similar. The labor times consider engine removal to be required for the HG replacement.

    Considering his mileage, engine replacement may make more sense than a HG replacement if the engine drinks oil. If the engine has also been running with a failed HG for more than a few hundred of miles, other damage may have occurred and a replacement engine would be wise.

    But in all honesty, a 235k mile Prius is probably not worth repairing unless he has already invested in a new hybrid battery.
     
    #2 The Critic, Jul 26, 2019
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    and an inverter and brake actuator
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 26, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2019
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    What are we investing in:p.

    An inverter I bet(y).
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, Jul 26, 2019
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good guess :cool:
     
    #5 bisco, Jul 26, 2019
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Can’t slip one past me;).

    To the OP, if not DIYing this job, you’ll be into the car a lot of $$$ and other repairs will be around the corner:cool:.

    But 235k miles out of a car is good(y).
     
    #6 Raytheeagle, Jul 26, 2019
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  7. wkm

    wkm Junior Member

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    Local shop here will replace an engine with a rebuilt one with a 1 year warranty for 2500.00.
    Lawndale Ca. Price I was quoted - I had them do the head gasket on it and a water pump.
     
    #7 wkm, Aug 1, 2019
  8. wkm

    wkm Junior Member

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    Local shop here will replace an engine with a rebuilt one with a 1 year warranty for 2500.00.
     
    #8 wkm, Aug 1, 2019
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  9. Triparadox

    Triparadox Active Member

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    I had the gasket problem and I brought it to a mechanic in Stockton CA. He did it for $1,300 for me. Depending on how bad the engine is when it's gonna be put on machinery, it can go as much as $1,400. The warranty is 24,000 miles / 24 months. It took me about 6 to 7 business days to get it all done.

    A Care Auto Repair
    1102 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203
    (209) 463-5600
     
    #9 Triparadox, Aug 1, 2019
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  10. Angel209

    Angel209 Junior Member

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    Thank you & how weird I live in Stockton as wellll
     
    #10 Angel209, Aug 13, 2019
  11. Triparadox

    Triparadox Active Member

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    #11 Triparadox, Aug 13, 2019
  12. anon_prius

    anon_prius Junior Member

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    When repairing the HG, would it be much additional labor to replace the piston rings with the updated P/N from the 2016?
     
    #12 anon_prius, Aug 14, 2019
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yes. Head gasket can be done without engine removal, but ring replacement (and probably pistons) is another order of magnitude. If not mistaken the engine HAS to come out for starters. It's pretty much a complete rebuild, to do it right.

    There is an updated 3rd gen part for ring set and piston, fwiw. See attached. You want to get the complete gasket kit too.
     

    Attached Files:

    #13 Mendel Leisk, Aug 16, 2019
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