Head Gasket Fail

They should be resposible for towing, since their work failed. 8000 miles is
pretty far. But it certainly should last a lot longer than that.
Did it over heat because the water pump failed? Or perhaps they didn't get the air out
and it finally just overheated and blew the gasket. Hopefully it didn't warp the head.
Or they will be paying for that also.

I would think it's risky to drive it in that condition. You risk more damage.
Hard to tell where that picture is.

 

Looks like too much form-in-place gasket? Maybe even blocked a coolant passage??

 

I doubt the sealant glob is the problem. I've seen repaired hgs fail due to poorly torqued head bolts or warped heads. Unfortunately, the head gasket problems on these cars start slow and infrequent. You could have had an extremely small leak from the day they brought it back to you.

The first cold start metal to metal rattle that clears quickly should be the last before repair. No egr cleanings, no plugs, coils or injectors and certainly no sealants. Yes, before coolant loss is obvious.

Your shop needs to carefully inspect the head and block surfaces for warping, and verify the pistons all have proper stroke to rule out a bent rod. These steps are essential.

You should get a brand new warranty after the work is done. Hopefully one year or longer.

Given the potential severity of the symptoms today, I would not drive it another foot.

This video graphically illustrates why:

Honestly the best solution is a rebuilt engine for $3k plus freight and labor.

 

who did the work?

 

Okay, much better, thanks. That is where the timing cover attaches to the head and
cam shaft assembly, there is supposed to be extra permatex there.
Since the had was machined, and egr system cleaned, it shouldn't be that.
Unless.... I didn't notice if he cleaned the egr COOLER. If he didn't, and that is clogged, it will
create back pressure and blow the head gasket.

 

Your posted picture is at the junction between head, valve cover, and timing chain cover. There's supposed to be a gasket under the valve cover, and a dab of sealant at the junction between timing chain cover and head. Attached Repair Manual excerpt has info. Here's pics of ours, never been off:



Yours looks fine: you can just see that little triangular protrusion of the valve cover gasket, and there's sealant applied as well:



per @ASRDogman, maybe a half-baked job of EGR cleaning? It's a gamble entrusting that to "professionals", it's time consuming, takes attention to detail. They might have missed the EGR channels in the intake manifold, or just given up on a clogged EGR cooler. Hard to say when you don't DIY.

 

We oughta give you an award for how clean your engine is @Mendel Leisk

Sure hope whoever did this head gasket in a bad way is gonna make this right for you in a good way...

 

And another that has just been replaced, ignore the muck it's been particularly sandy and dusty lately around here.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Maybe a defect in the way it was installed.
Guess they didn't use a Toyota gasket???

At least they are going to fix it for you. Hopefully, they will do it correctly this time.

 

oh, okay.... You made it sound like they were going to do it...