ORLANDO, FL. Can someone could help me doing some maintenance on my 3rd Gen Prius?

Tampa Hybrids is a non-dealership sales-and-service place, albeit in Tampa, not sure how far that is for you. Unlike dealerships, EGR cleaning is something they do regularly, for around $500 USD IIRC. Priuschat member @jerrymildred is in their employ, and has been doing their EGR cleaning as well.

Google Maps shows the two cities about 80 miles apart.

 

It took me close to a solid day, second time around. You’re kidding yourself to think it’s trivial. If you get around to DIY, consider breaking it up:

1. do the intake one day, EGR components another.

2. do as much prep as possible: remove cooler lower nut and stud in advance (and leave off), and removal of wipers/motor and cowl.

3. organize and label small fasteners and bits as they come off. Putting labelled masking tape “flags” on hoses you pull off might be warranted, if only to avoid missing a reconnection (I missed one, the last time).

4. have coolant strategies, avoids any spillage (see first two links in my signature).

5. you can never have too many tools (see aforementioned links).

bottom line: there’s no free lunch. It’s not hard, but you need to be on your toes, and don’t rush.

 

Another faster option is to just buy a new EGR Valve and Cooler and a New Intake Manifold. That would be much faster than an indepth cleaning. However it will cost more for new parts. But then you can just do it yourself and swap the parts out in a couple of hours.

 

My strategy with cooler is to get it out and filled with oxi-clean solution, as early as possible, while you deal with the rest.

it’s a lot like cooking; sequence and timing is very helpful.

Cooler is the ONLY component I’d consider getting a spare, for everything else cleaning is relatively trivial.

 

Don't neglect to open the valve while you have it and check for a mashed ski jump.

 

Everything is cleanable, and that cost is near zilch, just a few cleaning supplies, and maybe some of the gaskets. Can you manage something like an oil change? If so, this is not that much of a stretch.

Leave it much longer and you'll be looking at a much bigger job, head gasket, or engine transplant. You may be there already.

 

You can do it. Not saying it's easy, but yeah. Budget a weekend, prep as much as possible.

You've got about 5 years on a 19 year old kid I dropped in on, while he was doing it in his driveway, sub-zero. His had 190K kms. He got through it fine.

 

The problem that sometimes develops with the rotor in the EGR valve is one that no cleaning will fix. If you inspect and find that problem, a new EGR valve is the fix. (I know of one person using a hot butter knife and trying to mold the plastic back into shape, but I'd consider that more of a last resort.)

 

Yes the parts are expensive. But then you start brand new and don't have to mess with cleaning. It is either time or money... LOL it depends on what you have the most of. But If you are going to clean Mendel is right start soaking right away and prepare for it to take 2 full days. Then when you do it in a day you are rewarded. LOL. Once you start taking it apart you will get an idea of how bad it is. Several Oxi Clean soaks and maybe a pressure washer or 2 and you will get it better. Worse case you can get it as clean as possible as you time permits and just do it again later. You will become an expert. I would watch Nuts about Bolts video 3 full times through to familiarize yourself with the process. I have never done this job but feel confident to attempt it for friends now after watching and reading through a lot of EGR cleaning threads. Good luck. Maybe someone from Casselberry or Lake Mary will chime in.

 

For $135 they will be dirty. BUt just elbow grease and time. That sounds like a cheaper option. BUy a used one..Or better yet go to a junkyard and pull your own. Practice on a wrecked car is perfect. Just need to have tools. Bithlo is close to you and full of old cars. search under Pull a Part.

 

I know a guy over on the West side who is a pretty good mechanic. He and his friend rebuilt an engine. I'll reach out to him and see if he has time. Lives over near Winter Garden.

 

Usually pick a part places...make up there own prices. You could get someone who will say, "um. $25.00 sounds fair? It is always super cheap.