Head Gasket Replacement Shop Recommendations- San Francisco Bay Area

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by davekro, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:26 AM.

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  1. davekro

    davekro Active Member

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    I've been watching the Gen 3 Head Gasket replacement videos by Gasket Masters and NutsAboutBoltz. Initially, I was gung-ho about taking this project on. But now I want to look into what it might cost if done by a reputable SF Bay Area mechanic or shop. I'd like to hear from any fellow SF Bay Area PriusChat members who have had this work done by someone they would recommend. Has anyone in the area had Gasket Masters replace their head gasket? Other mechanic or shop?

    I don't see people here usually saying how much they pay for service, etc. Maybe it is frowned upon? If It is OK to share cost info via private message via this site, that would be good to. If anyone has recommendations for a person or shop in the area, I could call for an estimate as well. I'm probably not willing to pay dealership prices, but I would be curious of that scary price tag.
    Thanks in advance.
    Dave
     
    #1 davekro, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:26 AM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    You will find most dealers recommend against a simple gasket change on these engines because of frequent failures resulting in warranty problems. Problems that can only be solved with a replacement engine or rebuild. Complications like oil burning, prior overheating, bent connecting rods or warped surfaces can cause issues beyond a gasket.

    I would call Gasketmasters. While its not always a simple gasket swap, they should be able to judge the level of repair needed. They have done more repairs on gen3 head gasket failures than the dealers in your area.

    I would guess a head gasket job should run $2k-$3k, a used JDM engine installed for $2.5k-$3k, a Hybrid Pit rebuilt installed around $3.5k-$4.5k or a dealer/pro shop rebuild with a new short block around $8k. I would never recommend a US salvage yard engine.
     
    #2 rjparker, Feb 4, 2026 at 7:40 AM
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2026 at 3:24 PM
    BiomedO1 and Merkey like this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #3 bisco, Feb 4, 2026 at 1:53 PM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    IMHO; I'd probably stick with GasketMasters. I'm pretty sure part of the service is they clean out your EGR system too. Don't know if they replace the electronic water pump; but I would do that while they're in there. Cheap insurance for another 100K miles of service. When I use to do timing belts; I'd replace everything - NOT just the belt. All you need is an oil or coolant leak, or a seized-up idler bearing to undo all that work; just to save $100 in parts. It's all right there; easy to get to OR you can gamble that it'll last another 100K miles of abuse.
    It's funny sometimes when a customer will bring in a cheap-0 timing belt, when I'm charging him $800 labor to put it in. I make sure I dot my eyes and cross my tee's and makes sure he initials that this is a NO WARRANTY job, Only a tail light warranty that it was done correctly and if the part fails and blows up the engine - It's on him.

    Good Luck....
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Feb 4, 2026 at 2:14 PM
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2026 at 2:19 PM
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Copied-and-pasted (and unanswered) questions I asked in your last thread on this topic:

    Has the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation system ever been cleaned?

    Is engine coolant level stable in the reservoir?

    Any cold-start shakes?

    New question:

    How's the oil consumption?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Feb 4, 2026 at 2:45 PM
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    From Mendel Leisk above

    Has the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation system ever been cleaned?
    Not likely when the plugs have not been changed


    Is engine coolant level stable in the reservoir?

    Any cold-start shakes?
    A shop diagnosis is a good idea
     
    #6 rjparker, Feb 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM
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