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Head Gasket Sealant (RedNeck repair)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Treehugger29, Oct 19, 2019.

  1. Treehugger29

    Treehugger29 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
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    My 2012 Prius has a head gasket issue. The dealer originally thought it was a manifold issue but when I took it in for repair they realized it was the head gasket... slow leak. The dealer recommended I trade the car in vs repair and told me to think about it. I called 2 other mechanics (one I have used for another vehicle) and they said the labor involved wasn’t worth it. The car has 180,000 miles on it and body damage from hitting a deer....the resale/trade in value is low. I was already looking at buying another vehicle but planned on keeping the Prius as a back-up. Has anyone had good luck with the sealants and which one is recommended? I would usually never even think about using a gasket sealer but at this point I feel like I don’t have much to lose. Plus... we do not have the equipment/time/knowledge to attempt the repair ourselves.
     
    #1 Treehugger29, Oct 19, 2019
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    shop around for a mech who will install a low mile salvage. i've seen it done for under 2k.
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 19, 2019
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  3. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    Back in April 2018, my Prius had a small coolant leak. I used the Blue Devil “Pour And Go” sealant. It only lasted 90 days. July 4th weekend the HG popped, blowing the engine. If I was going to try it again, I’d use one of the “drain and flush all antifreeze first chemicals” like Liquid Glass. Or, find the family member, or friend of a family member that always has grease up to their elbows and spend the $400 in parts to let them put a head gasket on it if the $2k to replace the engine is out of line.
     
    #3 cnc97, Oct 19, 2019
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  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Just remember, sealants are a TEMPORARY stop gap. Not permanent.
    But there are many factors involved. Can you do the repairs yourself thus saving labor cost.
    That is the highest cost.
    Do you have the money for the parts?
    Do you have the time and a place to work on it?
    Do you have another car to drive while the Prius is being repaired?

    If you decide to get another car, you can take your time and learn to repair the Prius.
    Then you have it as a back up. And maybe even get the body damage repaired.

    If it is just a small leak as they stated, you will only need to replace the head gasket.
    The head is probably not warped. And you can clean the EGR system and manifold while
    you have it apart.

    But you did say "you don't have equipment/time/knowledge to attempt the repair ourselves."
    This could be a good time to learn.

    If you don't plan on using much and only short trips, a sealant "might" be okay.
    Just know, it won't get better, it will only get worse.

    Maybe another Prius owner is near you and would be willing to help you out.


     
    #4 ASRDogman, Oct 19, 2019
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  5. Treehugger29

    Treehugger29 New Member

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    Location:
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
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    Two
    We have a salvage yard near me and the guy does repair work, but doesn’t advertise. I am calling him to see what he has and what he can do. I live in the country and there is only a handfi
    We are going to try one of the drain & flush fixes as a temporary fix. We do have a few relatives/friends that could do the head gasket replacement but we are trying to see if they have time or would feel comfortable doing it.
     
    #5 Treehugger29, Oct 20, 2019
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  6. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    I hope he's able to help you out.
     
    #6 ASRDogman, Oct 20, 2019
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