Timing chain/camshaft removal to replace head gasket help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Tuna!, Jun 29, 2025 at 5:11 AM.

  1. Tuna!

    Tuna! New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I’m interested in attempting to follow a YouTube video on a head gasket replacement for a 2004 Prius I bought for $500. I’m really confused on the timing chain/ camshaft removal tho.

    So cylinder one has to be top dead center.

    Does the timing chain need to be marked before removal? I noticed it has at least one marked link

    When putting back everything back you just have to make sure the markings on the sprockets of camshaft are in the same orientation with cylinder 1 top dead center?
     
    #1 Tuna!, Jun 29, 2025 at 5:11 AM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    12,126
    2,143
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Nope you can blast it all apart and then put it all back together and put it on TDC whilst timing stuff off easy to turn. But yes most set TDC . Then take off the components you really don't want to be moving crank but within the range of 3 and 9 o'clock or so. And shouldn't need to . At hi mileage on 1 n easier to remove engine and buy a kit 400 new slugs n all in it. Bearings all of it . Doing one now.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jun 29, 2025 at 3:47 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    12,126
    2,143
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Make sure you looking taking apart especially the timing marks n such they gonna look similar on new. Chain you're removing has lots of room for error slack the new will not
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Jun 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)