4th gen head gaskets are starting to show up in large numbers...

Read the thread. Thanks!

So what would you recommend?
Letting a dealership do it for $4800?

Also, there are many Gasket Master locations, or so they say.... Maybe they all don't cuss at dissatisfied customers..

I like that they use the Felpro, the dealer probably doesn't. I wonder if I asked for that particular HG gasket they would use it?
Probably not....
What I don't understand with these quickie HG replacements is,, Why are they not resurfacing the head? Why not disassemble the valves, clean every thing, at least lap the valves and install fresh valve stem seals?

Same with a dealership repair. My friend said they could have it done in a 2 days. I suspect they are not doing anything to the head other than wipe down the gasket surface???

 

Just found this YT short from Gasket Masters on Gen4's.
You can see that dealio in the block to 'even out the thermal blah,blah of the cylinder walls'.
But that doesn't help the HG, apparently.
https://youtube.com/shorts/JL3hIUro7SM?si=SU2laAbmR-eEOwv6

 

If this comment sounds like an excuse, maybe someone should ask GMs what they think and what they are seeing. As stated at the end of the video posted by the OP, well just take a look see here and now

What's the newest Gen 4 they've gotten with a leaky gasket issue? And was it a daily driver, uber, taxi or something else like a courier service ?

Knowin they're providing their content keeps my eyes open.

 

I’m not convinced gen 4 has a head gasket issue yet.
I am convinced early years have had some exhaust heat exchanger leaks

 

Why does the 'type' of miles matter?
What is the difference between a long distance vacation taker and a long distance courier driver?
Why would the engine, in particular the head gasket care one way or the other? High miles are high miles.
I'm aware that short trips to the corner where the engine never gets completely warm is a different thing.

I'm convinced at least one has the head gasket issue at 205k miles on a '17, all maintenance performed at the dealership,,, at great expense, I'm sure.

Do you think there was a change in the Block - Head - Head Gasket between Gen3 and 4?

I rode in this car a week earlier. I found it slightly quieter and it had a wacky multi-color display.
Then earlier this week the owner claims "This morning it started shaking with a check engine light".
The dealer said they could see the seeping in Cyl #2 with a borescope.

A coolant hose leak would overheat the engine, true. Does the Prius keep running the engine up to 'meltdown temps'? Does it shut down the engine before that?
Anyways, this is word of mouth from the owner. That's all I know.