My 2008 Prius with 125k miles is running fine but is pressurizing the cooling system after a prolonged overheating event where the belt snapped. The fluid color radiator test shows bad head gasket (fluid turned green). Looking for advise on what to do while replacing the head gasket. Planning to grab the Mahle or Felpro gasket set and doing to work myself. I can lap/flatten the head at my job if there is any warp. Do you think it is likely that there would be a crack in the head? I'm trying to save some cash with everything else I have going on. To have the head pressure tested and resurfaced is about $200. Another $250-300 for valve job if needed. A rebuilt head online, shipped is about $615. Another $200 for the gasket set, water pump, thermostat, etc. What do you think is my best option: $200 for gasket set, water pump, and thermostat. Lap my head and hope for the best with no cracks in head. $500-800 for rebuilding my head and gasket/pump/thermostat. If it's cracked, I need option 3 anyway.. $815 for rebuilt head gasket/pump/thermostat.
I relatively recently replaced the gasket on a 2009 and I FAILED (coolant still leaks into oil). One thing I would do differently is take the head to a shop for resurfacing. I got quoted "about $60-70". I personally would not buy a refurbished head unless it comes with both cams, otherwise getting correct valve clearance could become an expensive hassle.
The head bolt socket is NOT triple-square nor XZN. It is dual hex aka bi-hex size 8mm and you need one that is longer than a typical bit. Performance Tool W83184 Extra-Long Double Hex Head Bolt Sockets for Toyota Engines, 2 Piece, 8mm and 10mm Sizes, S2 Steel worked great. $18 regular price from Walmart. It was shipped, I don't think stores carry it, but I'm not sure.
