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Replace Chain Tensioner, gasket and Timing Chain(s), and associated guides ?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusNeckBeard, Jun 1, 2023.

  1. PriusNeckBeard

    PriusNeckBeard Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Cincinnati
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    @Mendel Leisk
    @Raytheeagle
    @Leadfoot J. McCoalroller
    @JimboPalmer
    @bisco

    Question about timing chain(s)
    Thanks so much for some info

    The Backstory:
    2013 Prius. 179,000 miles
    Chugging when engine first kicks in + check engine light
    A Prius specialist scoped it, etc
    "It's the head gasket"

    (FWIW I am weighing repair that vs replace engine with a re-built)

    Either way:

    IF I plan to stay in this car long term,
    AND replace the head gasket now,
    The specialist recommends:

    Replace/etc:

    Chain Tensioner
    3 Chain guides
    Timing Chain $421
    Plate
    Timing Chain $181
    Chain Tensioner gasket

    Total - About $1,100

    Should I do that?

    car is worth $10,800 if nothing had gone wrong
     
    #1 PriusNeckBeard, Jun 1, 2023
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Not sure about your list; maybe just replace if warranted, when it's opened up?

    I would get the Toyota gasket kit, includes head gasket and all the pliable seals. gaskets, o-rings. That's around $200~250 IIRC. Also replacement head bolts, just to play it safe. A set is around $100?? Part numbers for both in the attached.

    There's a couple of head gasket related links in my signature.
     

    Attached Files:

    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jun 1, 2023
    PriusNeckBeard likes this.
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Take an honest look at what $11k can buy you on the market today. From my end of the world... it's not great. Do you see a better deal? Is financing [your transportation problem] somehow more palatable?

    That's what you need to be thinking about.

    You'll get better prices thru cross-shopping, but they could involve long distance towing to begin the repair, no free lunch. I still recommend any independent shop before Toyota dealers- but it's best if they already have real hybrid experience.

    Good luck!
     
    #3 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jun 1, 2023
  4. Kerrynzl

    Kerrynzl Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2022
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    Location:
    New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2016 Aqua
    Model:
    N/A

    Phone around and see if you can get a replacement engine [jap imported]
    Then sell off your old engine


    Generally these things are so reliable that the engines are cheap

    In NZ I can get a 1nz-fxe from a dismantler for NZD $500 [USD $300] with a 3 month warranty.
    Trade Me
     
    #4 Kerrynzl, Jun 1, 2023
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