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

Head Gasket, Engine Rebuild/Replace Advice

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by LoganF15, Sep 9, 2024 at 5:14 PM.

  1. LoganF15

    LoganF15 New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    85233
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    2013 Prius Two; 187,000 miles

    A couple weeks ago I got work done on the car at our usual Midas: oil change, brake pads replace, front right tire pressure sensor replace. A couple days later, the check engine light came on. I drove it right over to have them pull the code and they said it was a general hybrid system code and that I should take it to the dealership. All the local dealerships were pretty booked up and the earliest we could get in was Saturday (2 days ago). They weren't able to fully diagnose it before they closed that day, so we're using a rental right now that we'll likely swap out for a loaner vehicle they have that became available.

    This morning they got back to us and sent a link to the service thingy. It says:

    "QUOTE USED ENGINE AND ALL REQUIRED SEALS AND GASKETS, FLUIDS, LOF. VEHICLE HAS BLOWN HEADGASKET, CONFIRMED INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE. OVERHEAT LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN 4 MILES OF DRIVING." The quote is $7269.61 before tax.

    The person my wife spoke to on the phone doesn't seem able to give us anymore detail than that. They did say that the replacement engine has 110,000 miles on it, which seems high, but I really don't know anything about this stuff.

    Does that quote seem reasonable? What should I be looking for? Is the rebuild/replace really necessary? I don't have a lot of info, but if you need additional information to help you in advising, I can try to get it. If it helps, I'm in the Phoenix area, specifically east valley.
     
    #1 LoganF15, Sep 9, 2024 at 5:14 PM
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,016
    38,933
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Your US zip code location indicates Gilbert Arizona? Check out Hybrid Pit Stop (in LA): they sell (and install, if you get the car there) fully-rebuilt gen 3 engines, for $2~3K USD IIRC. They also could ship an engine, say to your local mechanic.

    A head gasket replacement "may" also be sufficient. Gasket Masters In San Fransisco is one option.

    Be sure to have the EGR system thoroughly cleaned. And repeat every 50K miles thereafter.

    Or just sell, with full disclosure.

    How's the oil consumption?

    How's the engine coolant level in reservoir, stable, or?

    Any engine shaking during cold-starts?

    There's some relevant links in my signature. If you're viewing on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Sep 10, 2024 at 12:07 PM
  3. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2007
    1,133
    402
    0
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    It seems like too much money.

    I wouldn’t get excited about hybrid pit stop in that they say honed block. I wouldn’t go near that myself. In the old days that was what people did to keep the car a while longer, a much less expensive but not as good option.
    looking at care care nut, he buys a new long block from Toyota.
     
    #3 Mr.Vanvandenburg, Sep 10, 2024 at 12:30 PM
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,473
    49,764
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i would insist on the trouble codes, or take it somewhere else. their description is too vague.

    if it is the head gasket, you may want to consider replacing the whole vehicle, since you might need a new hybrid battery and/or brake booster in the future
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 10, 2024 at 1:12 PM
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,016
    38,933
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Thanks for that; I am pretty green about those details.

    If it was mine I’d probably do short block, check/refurb the head, with full gasket kit from Toyota.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Sep 10, 2024 at 2:11 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)