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Planning an engine replacement @ 400,000.0 miles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Paul Schenck, May 10, 2015.

  1. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    Anyone decided to do this themselves? I've got another 12,000 left to go.
     
    #1 Paul Schenck, May 10, 2015
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Not worried about traction battery and transaxle problems, or have those been replaced already?
     
    #2 xliderider, May 10, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't keep my cars long enough.
     
    #3 bisco, May 10, 2015
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  4. brucebee

    brucebee Junior Member

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    Please do it! I hear motors are dirt cheap and you live , oh sorry fresno. My o 04 has been to key west, etc in april, was in parker yesterday, socal, valley center etc today. 176k but put 40k at least in 11mo. let me know because i like my car and plan on at least 500k. 5k oil changes w dino. how about u? I bought w 100k dealer serviced but just oil and filter since. Burning oil or what? Just paid 367/gal 2day. only in socal. BTW my car does not need oil between changes and I do not baby it.
     
    #4 brucebee, May 10, 2015
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  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I'm wondering what fault symptoms your engine is demonstrating?

    If you are going to replace the engine, I suggest that you also replace the transaxle since the labor effort is essentially the same and between the two components, I would rate the transaxle as much more likely to fail than the engine.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, May 11, 2015
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  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Are you experiencing engine issues, or are you just being proactive?
     
    #6 orenji, May 11, 2015
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  7. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    Due to Oil Burning (1 qt every 800mi) the Catalytic converter isnt converting any more, Codes P0420, P0441,P0446.
    I think your Idea of replacing the transaxle at the same time is good
    Im also hoping to get a salvaged exaust manifold replace the one I burned through when the CAT clogged.
     
    #7 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
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  8. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    replacing an engine after 400,000 is just due diligence and respect. I want to see whats holding it together???
     
    #8 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
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  9. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    What are the symptoms of a transaxle failure?
     
    #9 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
  10. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I know the feeling Bisco I had 9 cars in the nine years from age 16 to 25. I bought the Prius because I was impressed with the engineering and thought if it broke I'd take it apart and figure out how it worked. It just never broke! If I don't stop at 400,000 I may be too old to wield a torque wrench
     
    #10 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you do, i hope you'll post pics and commentary. i wish i could be there to help, i'd love to learn how something like that is done.
    i watch the guys on tv, they make it look easy, but they don't show enough detail.
     
    #11 bisco, May 12, 2015
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  12. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I got myself a Toyota Certified replacement at 300,000, it was made up of GEN III cells. So I'm good till i get to 600,000. Patrick Wong suggested I replace the transaxle at the time I do the Engine and past experience says thats a good call.
     
    #12 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
  13. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    There are three general failure modes:

    1. A burnt stator winding which means that one of the MGs will fail to operate
    2. An electrical ground fault (similar to #1 but not as severe, the winding still conducts electricity so the car can still operate if the 12V battery is disconnected to clear the DTC)
    3. A mechanical problem like a failing bearing which will cause excessive noise as a warning

    I would expect that the used engine would include the exhaust manifold. It would be nice if you could also get a used catalytic converter but that may not be legal for sale.
     
    #13 Patrick Wong, May 12, 2015
  14. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I have none of them though I think I will replace Transaxle too as you suggest. Want to rebuild one!
     
    #14 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
  15. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I will post progress notes and perhaps i can download a time laps app. :)
     
    #15 Paul Schenck, May 12, 2015
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  16. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    If you do replace the engine and transaxle at the same time, perhaps rebuild the old transaxle (if possible) and the dying engine?
    Would be a great learning experience. Assuming you have the space, tools, patience, and finances for this big project.
     
    #16 exstudent, May 12, 2015
  17. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    Engine+Transaxel swap. I so respect the engineering that went into the Gen2.
    It took me a year to get up the nerve though, :) Salvage 2006 vehicle for $1000, Lens post on DIY Transaxel , a manual.
    Then 2x4, Rachetting tie down straps x2, 2 ton jack, four jack stands, 10mm 12mm 14mm 17mm 19mm and a 12point -1 1/4" sockets, 2lb sledge 1/2" breaker bar with four foot pipe for a handle extension.
    I set it down on a piece of plywood using a couple of wedges to stabilize it and keep it off the oil pan. Then, with some welding rods slid under the plywood with the help of a pry bar, rolled it out from under through the wheel well with 1/4" to spare. Didn't even need a beer to get it out!
     
    #17 Paul Schenck, Oct 12, 2016
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  18. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    Put the 400K guts back into the salvage 2006 to drive it to the recycling yard?

    Still waiting to see the time lapse video! (y)
     
    #18 ILuvMyPriusToo, Oct 12, 2016
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Hopefully someone didn't already do that, lol.
     
    #19 Mendel Leisk, Oct 12, 2016
  20. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    It wasn't quite that fun


    iPhone ?
     
    #20 Paul Schenck, Oct 12, 2016
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