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Engine knocking noise, poor mileage, no codes

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by snowboarder, Jun 29, 2020.

  1. snowboarder

    snowboarder Junior Member

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    I have a 2007 Gen2 with 296500 miles... So close!
    Does use oil to the tune of about 1 qt / 1000. Oil is topped up.

    The engine runs with a knock. It seems to be on the right side.
    Mileage down from 49 mpg to 36.

    No codes.
    Torque shows the battery is balanced. 16+ volts +/- 0.1v
    When first started and when running at higher RPMs the knock gets quieter.
    - At the same time when running faster Torque reports the HV current to be 4.2 Amp.
    When I let off the gas, Torque reports The HV current to be -21 Amps (in park)
    More pedal is required to maintain the same speeds.

    I looked through the threads and could not see any thing similar.

    There seems to be some electrical load kicking in.

    Thanks for any help.

    -Peter
     
    #1 snowboarder, Jun 29, 2020
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Blown engine not providing enough power to spin mgs to charge a hungry battery.
     
    #2 edthefox5, Jun 30, 2020
    strawbrad likes this.
  3. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    On four Prius I have seen a broken piston skirt cause these issues. As Edthefox said it's the engine that can't make the power to move the car and charge the battery.

    First things to check would be to clean the MAF sensor and remove and inspect the spark plugs.

    After eliminating the easy stuff removing the oil pan to inspect for engine chunks would confirm a blown engine.

    I'm in MN. Feel free to call if you need help.
     
    #3 strawbrad, Jun 30, 2020
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  4. kens97uber171

    kens97uber171 Active Member

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    Definitely do the normal tune-up stuff. New spark plugs clean the MAF, air filter.
    If you get a minor misfire in these engines they make a hell of a racket. Especially with a really bad miss.
    I think it's the uneven firing of the gasoline engine creating a bunch of back and forth gear lashing inside the transaxle definitely sounds like a rod knock. Something easy to try.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 kens97uber171, Jul 1, 2020
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  5. snowboarder

    snowboarder Junior Member

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    Thanks for the input.

    I was unfortunately thinking catastrophic engine issues. But, taking a look at the plugs and the sensors will be an easy start.
    Dropping the oil pan may be a bit messy but not too difficult.

    I'll be looking into it this 3 day weekend.
     
    #5 snowboarder, Jul 2, 2020
  6. snowboarder

    snowboarder Junior Member

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    I put in plugs and cleaned up the sensors. It helped a little.

    Finally family and weather cooperated this morning and I dropped the oil pan.

    Yup, piston skirt.... Dang. :(

    I'm handy but old enough these days not wanting to do an engine swap myself.

    I have seen some engines available locally for less than $2k with less than 150k miles.

    What is the going rate on an engine swap these days?
    (Minnepolis, MN)

    Thanks,

    -Peter
     
    #6 snowboarder, Jul 19, 2020
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that sounds very high for an old engine
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 19, 2020
  8. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    For less than that you should be able to buy and have installed a good engine. Use car-part dot com to find engines. LKQ Viking in Northfield has a 123K mile engine for $480. Randy's Auto Salvage Eau-Claire WI has a 133K engine and transmission for $300. It's actually less work to replace the engine and tranny together.




    I hear you on being old enough to not want to replace the engine even though you have the ability to do so. Last year I paid $800 to have the engine swap done.

    You will find that many repair shops don't want to replace engines. I think they can make better money doing more smaller repairs. If you want I check check with a couple of shops that are not scared off by hybrids.
     
    #8 strawbrad, Jul 21, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2020
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  9. seeker311

    seeker311 Junior Member

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    Same issue as Peter. Dropped oil pan 2 weeks ago. Found piston skirt. Still driving, but this morning I saw the hybrid battery not charging and no power. Ice revs, but car does not move like it should. Gonna buy a Gen 3 with blown motor and swap a 4th gen into it. Thanks for the info everyone.
    DSC_4685.JPG DSC_4686.JPG

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 seeker311, Jun 4, 2021
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jun 5, 2021
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