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Exhaust manifold flange gasket blown

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by anonymous, Jul 1, 2021.

  1. anonymous

    anonymous Member

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    IMG_20210701_121626.jpg


    H... How?
     

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  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yep... Once the Catalytic converter gets clogged up it's the path of least resistance for exhaust gas as the bolts for that gasket are on springs to protect the connection from bumpy roads so it doesn't take much internal pressure to blow out that gasket.
     
    maleko likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
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  4. anonymous

    anonymous Member

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    Huh... I wonder how much back pressure there might be. I suppose it also got very hot to disintegrate the gasket material, and the wire mesh is brittle and disintegrating.

    So I have to order a replacement gasket, but what's gonna stop it from blowing out again? I guess I'll have to fix the restriction as well.

    For now all I could do is smother max temp silicone (750°F) over it but this joint probably gets way too hot for it.



    260k
     
  5. anonymous

    anonymous Member

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    Here's some more pics if anyone's interested.

    IMG_20210701_121706.jpg IMG_20210701_121752.jpg IMG_20210701_122337.jpg IMG_20210701_122443.jpg IMG_20210701_121426.jpg
     
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  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yeah, I learned the hard way that replacing the flange gasket without first making sure the cause of its failing was address is pretty much always an epic waste of time. But at least I learned to never be that optimistic again and can warn others of the same? :)
     
    Samuel Williams Jr and bisco like this.
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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  8. anonymous

    anonymous Member

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    It was already like that, and I've never had the union apart before, shrug
     
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  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    In looking at pics again it seems like your gasket blew and it damaged your cat too... Replace it w/$200 version and move the registration out of California!
     
    maleko likes this.