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Engine Vibrates Upon Starting

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by kevdog67, Nov 27, 2022.

  1. kevdog67

    kevdog67 New Member

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    Hi All,
    New to the forum. I have a 2010 Prius with 111k miles on it, oil was replaced about 2-3k miles ago. Twice this week upon starting the car when it was cold the engine vibrated alot for about 3 seconds then stopped and the car ran fine afterwards. I've read this could be the headgasket, has anyone else encountered this?
     
    #1 kevdog67, Nov 27, 2022
  2. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Yes.
     
    #2 Grit, Nov 27, 2022
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    First couple of links in my sig give EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cleaning tips/links. Further down are a couple of head gasket links.

    Test head gasket first; leak-down test and boroscope inspection (with pressurized coolant system) are good.

    Then get on the EGR cleaning. My 2 cents, cleaning the EGR system (including intake manifold) every 50k miles is the way to avoid head gasket failure.

    Toyota doesn’t want to acknowledge or help; they’re on record regarding EGR cleaning, saying in a Warranty Extension Notice:

    upload_2022-11-27_13-53-12.png

    Their offer is to wait for a P0401 code, or cold-start shakes. By that time the damage is done.

    The highlighted portion is a flat-out lie: they all clog, all the 3rd gen Prius, and Prius v.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Nov 27, 2022
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2022
  4. kevdog67

    kevdog67 New Member

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    Just spoke with my local mechanic and he said until the check engine light is on he will not know the code. I just drove the car and did not have the vibration. Should I not get concerned until I get a check engine light?
     
    #4 kevdog67, Nov 28, 2022
  5. Paladain55

    Paladain55 Active Member

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    Typically if you wait until the check engine light comes on thats more or less when the head gasket has had timed to fail completely. I'm assuming you aren't mechanically savvy. Tell him to replace the intake manifold or clean it first whichever way he charges less. Replace or clean the pcv valve as well.
     
    #5 Paladain55, Nov 28, 2022
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If your mechanic is averse to cleaning, maybe he’s ok with storing your car a few days while you do the cleaning?
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Nov 28, 2022
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