Going to embark on the journey that is head gasket replacement on a 2013 gen III Prius. In need of a NC machine shop to get the heads machined though. Any recommendations? RDU- Greensboro- Charlotte and thereabouts recommendations welcomed. thank you
It'll probably be cheaper to find on eBay already all done in a bag ready to go . That was same for my 1zz. The shops here in Durham and Central North Carolina most of them seem to be closed. I don't know if Thoff is still in business in Raleigh. But rather than look for machine shops I went to eBay and found a machine shop that sells heads complete . About 400 with cams all set and adjusted . I'd spend that on my head . Included shipping.
I’d check against specs with a mechanics straight edge first; would only machine as a last resort. See last link in my signature (on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures). what’s the miles?
Sorry for the late response, it's at 230k miles. Haven't removed the head yet but once the gasket kit & other assorted parts that will be on the menu. I was assuming that I would have to get them machined so was hoping to get ahead of it, not sure of Toyota's opinion on it though. Even if the heads were within spec should I still look into getting the valves lapped or stem seals done? Read part of the critic's thread. Is general sentiment just measure if within spec and send it?
The valve guide seals come in the FULL gasket kit, from Toyota. Not that hard to change them. You can check if the valves are leaking by spraying some wd-40 into each intake and exhaust port with the head flat. Wait 10-15 minutes then slowly lift the head up and see if you see any fluid. If not, you're good to go. If any are leaking, go ahead and lap them in. Since you have to remove the spring to replace the guides. You should always check anytime the head is off. It doesn't require any special tools. But if you don't want too, and no leaks at any of the valves, you will probably be fine.