1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Head gasket

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by Sacko107, Nov 1, 2019.

  1. Sacko107

    Sacko107 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2019
    10
    3
    0
    Location:
    Ct
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    2013 Prius V 168000 miles.
    I blew the head gasket about 6 months ago. I’ve been able to nurse it along putting a sealer in the coolant. The oil is staying clear but I’m losing coolant, very slowly.
    I recently noticed passenger side heat no longer works, just cold air. I’m worried this is related to the head gallery and I’m sitting on a time bomb. I’ve also been getting exhaust in the cabin, and that is getting worse. Anyone have experience or feedback for me. Thank you
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i can't see how the passenger side heat could be related, but exhaust in the cabin should be taken care of immediately.
    the heat is either hot or it isn't. if you're getting warm air to the driver, it should be a stuck vent door or bad servo motor.
    either way, you're going to have to fix the head gasket, replace the engine with salvage, or move on.
     
  3. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Heater core probably plugged and everything else that has coolant in it..... I have the same car but I cleaned the EGR system over 40,000 miles ago...... 240,000 + now and never low on fluid..... but you never know..could blow today.... you really need a parts car if you plan on keeping one of these. The traction battery will probably go in 30,000..... these cars really aren't that great unless you plan on trading every few years or don't put lot's of miles on them.
     
    #3 Tim Jones, Nov 17, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2019
  4. kens97uber171

    kens97uber171 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2018
    177
    132
    0
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    So is it just the Prius V bit seems to be not great or is it the third generation engine in particular.
    Makes me a bit nervous because I have some friends that have a 2014 v that they bought with about 40,000 miles on it. Car now has 160k on it so far it runs fantastic.
    is there some preventative measure that they could take regarding the EGR tube is that what causes the blown head gasket issues?

    I personally have a second generation car with 311,000 on it.. and it runs flawlessly gives me 45 to 50 MPG

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  5. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    They need to clean the entire EGR System Valve and Cooler ASAP....... it plugs up and can cause a head gasket problem besides numerous check engine codes. And remove and clean the plastic intake manifold......and I have installed a catch can.....
    And I think the 10,000 miles oil change is way to long...... my v has 247,000
     
    kens97uber171 and Mendel Leisk like this.
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,470
    38,103
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I see the switchover of pistons and rings (in an effort to reduce oil consumption) happened in model year 2015 with the Prius v:

    upload_2019-11-20_9-28-45.png

    I'd second that: clean everything between the connection at the exhaust manifold and intake manifold, AND the complete intake manifold, paying special attention to the EGR tributaries (one per port). And clean the intake ports while you're there.

    Watch @NutzAboutBolts videos, linked in 3rd gen maintenance forum, a thread pinned at the top, he covers all that.

    A few "coolant" tips:

    When taking off the throttle body, it is not necessary to disconnect it's coolant lines.

    When taking off the EGR cooler, it is necessary to disconnect it's coolant lines, but if prior you drain two quarts from the radiator drain spigot, the EGR will be high and dry. When done pour the fluid back into the reservoir. Also, take care when lifting out the EGR cooler, there'll be maybe 1/2 cup of coolant trapped at the back/lower corner. Just add that to your previous drain.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Nov 20, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2019
    kens97uber171 likes this.
  7. Sacko107

    Sacko107 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2019
    10
    3
    0
    Location:
    Ct
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks for the input.
    Ken... I think my driving was the cause of the blown head gasket. My V has been a great car. They may have flaws, but find a car or truck that doesn't. These cars are really well engineered, they check some boxes like acceleration and handling that keeps it from being a car only for the "I'm green, saving the planet & ok driving 30 mph" crowd. - (that's only a joke - I'm a fan of using less gas, reduced emissions and saving money doing it!).
    I noticed the gasket when the car began bucking at start up and during acceleration. My oil had a slight cream in it. I spent a lot of time putting in a good gasket sealer, flushing, changing oil, putting more in. It has been good. I do think it's a time bomb though..... you just can't work a horse with a broken leg forever.
    RE: the partial heat - I think Bisco's got the right idea with a stuck flap, etc. The exhaust is overwhelming, & dangerous - when air circulates from outside. Using the "recirculate" air button instead of drawing from outside, the fumes go away.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.