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Old spark plug still clean?!

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bicycles, Jul 2, 2020.

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  1. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    Hi all, while replacing my spark plugs I noticed one of the old ones came out completely clean, as if it had never been used. I'm guessing this is a sign that something is going on. I am getting the P030X codes intermittently as well. I'm trying to figure out my next move, any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
     
    #1 Bicycles, Jul 2, 2020
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Either someone replaced it recently or its not firing. Not firing will give you the code for that cylinder and the engine will run really bad. Could be the coil, injector or other issues. You need to put in your plugs, clear codes and see what comes up. Verify against the cylinder number.
    prius firing order.png .
     
    #2 rjparker, Jul 2, 2020
  3. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    Thank you for that diagram! I simply disconnected the coil from cylinder 1 and cleaned out the contacts with compressed air. Plugged it back in and started the engine... no knocking, seemed smooth. Cleared the code (only P0301 was showing this time) and drove up and down the street at a fast pace. I'll post an update after the weekend.
     
    #3 Bicycles, Jul 2, 2020
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How many miles on it, and what cylinder did the clean spark plug come from?
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jul 2, 2020
  5. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    just about 160k, I didn't take note of which cylinder it came from (huge oversight on my part, I know)
     
    #5 Bicycles, Jul 2, 2020
  6. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Have you checked your antifreeze level?
     
    #6 Tim Jones, Jul 3, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2020
  7. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    I've had to top off my coolant a couple of times this year.
     
    #7 Bicycles, Jul 3, 2020
  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I hope this isn't the beginning of the dreaded Blown Head Gasket......
     
    #8 Tim Jones, Jul 3, 2020
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  9. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    Is the misfiring cylinder a symptom of that?
     
    #9 Bicycles, Jul 3, 2020
  10. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    would the spark plug issue be related? That timeline wouldn't make sense... I bought the car at 54k with the original plugs. The fact that one of the plugs had ZERO wear would mean it hadn't been working since the start, right? And the engine knocking didn't start until around 150k. Thoughts / theories? Thanks
     
    #10 Bicycles, Jul 3, 2020
  11. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    No way the plug has not been working..... the car would run terrible on three cylinders including CEL's....
     
    #11 Tim Jones, Jul 3, 2020
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The head gasket failures are often cylinder one or two. That end also tends to have EGR passages clog up fastest.

    Do boroscope inspection of cylinders, looking for exceptionally clean cylinder and/or coolant.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Jul 3, 2020
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  13. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    You need to get the CEL codes.
    Where's Grit when you need him....?
     
    #13 Tim Jones, Jul 3, 2020
  14. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Could be..... : (
     
    #14 Tim Jones, Jul 4, 2020
  15. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    Would an EGR unclogging do any good at this point, or should I start looking for a new engine (I've heard that's more effective than fixing old head gaskets, correct?)?

    Thank you both
     
    #15 Bicycles, Jul 4, 2020
  16. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    I'm getting P0301 and P0300, I got P0302 and P0304 a few months ago but they haven't been back.
     
    #16 Bicycles, Jul 4, 2020
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    EGR cleaning would keep combustion chamber temps lower, which in turn stresses head gasket less. Still, head gasket assessment is first priority now, my take.
     
    #17 Mendel Leisk, Jul 4, 2020
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  18. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Does the car use any oil?
     
    #18 Tim Jones, Jul 4, 2020
  19. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    You should never have to top off engine coolant. It should stay right where it is for months and months possibly years. If your losing coolant it is going somewhere. Head gasket.

    My g2 engine coolant level has not needed any topping for the last 5 years. it should not move at the rad cap.
     
    #19 edthefox5, Jul 4, 2020
  20. Bicycles

    Bicycles New Member

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    oil seems to be staying at a normal level.
     
    #20 Bicycles, Jul 4, 2020
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