Head gasket replace flywheel question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by RavenPri, Nov 28, 2025 at 8:11 PM.

  1. RavenPri

    RavenPri New Member

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    I'm doing a head gasket replace and a bit deep in it. I didn't see the part early on (gasket masters vid) about loosening i the flywheel/harmonic balancer and now I am at that stage. So I am wondering if anybody has ideas or been in this situation to help out. Thank you!
     
    #1 RavenPri, Nov 28, 2025 at 8:11 PM
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2025 at 8:38 PM
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I'm assuming your talking about removing the harmonic balancer; because the flywheel is on the other end of the engine and inside the transmission/transaxle bell housing?
    You'll need to use a 1/2 inch impact wrench to buzz the bolt off and possibly a harmonic puller. You can borrow a puller from any chain auto parts store - don't know if they'll loan you an impact wrench - but I believe the sockets are available.
     
  3. RavenPri

    RavenPri New Member

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    Yes the one on the passenger side. The gasket masters video does it near the beginning with another person that starts the car to crank it open. I am wondering if I need to use some kind of wedge or breaker bar to hold the wheel from spinning (without damaging wheel) while using the impact wrench?

    In the Lets Drift Media video he takes it off around the stage i am in just with the impact gun but said something like "i already have the timing set at 2 oclock.." then just zips out the bolt . He's blocking the shot so I cant see how or if he is holding the wheel with something.
     
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    The impact gun shouldn't rotate the harmonic balancer, but it can move it off the timing mark.

    I highly recommend you get someone who had done work like this before to help you. Watching videos isn't going to stop you or the video from missing something and ruining your motor. This is basic, so it seems that you've never used an impact wrench before.