Blown Head gasket rebuild....@297k

Just got the car
Heres what was done
Replaced head gasket
Replaced water pump gasket.
Fipg oil pan.
Replaced super long life coolant.

Thats all for parts. Total repairs just less than 2k , warranty covered.
None of what we are discussing here was done. Bolts manifiolds egr etc.....
Some other stuff bout car at dealer .
Rental car was only free for first 5 days. Had to talk to a great service manager who wiped off the charge
Let me know if any interest

 

I agree with all your other points, Dan. However, doesn't the ECU shut the engine off when the coolant temp exceeds 212 degrees F? I've read stories of this but haven't witnessed this yet. Wouldn't the engine shut-off prevent catastrophic damage to the engine?

Pixel XL ?

 

The Manual states:

"When the coolant temperature reaches105°C (221°F), the engine is stopped and the hybrid system is
solely used to driving vehicle"

If this is always the case, from an engineer's perspective, it seems the only way for the engine to overheat and warp the block/head is if:
1. EGR circuit is plugged or is inoperable.
2. Engine is running excessively lean.

I don't know how bad #2 would affect the engine. However, for #1 I've done some rough estimates of combustion temperatures without EGR in the thread EGR blanking plate. There was approximately a maximum 800*F (428*C) difference in the combustion chamber comparing 100% EGR flow vs.no EGR flow. From what others have posted on PC, EGR is always used - even at full throttle. Because the Prius uses EGR all the time, having a plugged EGR cooler would contribute a huge increase in engine temperatures.

My calculations assume that air densities of the intake air and EGR are roughly the same. IMHO there's some mixing between the two air streams to make them the same temperature.

This huge change in combustion temperatures could be measured from the temperature of the exhaust manifold. From the internet, some Diesel owners that implemented an EGR block have seen exhaust manifold temps 600*F higher. But, Diesel engines can run up to 50% EGR. The Gen 3 Prius runs up to 21% EGR.

When I have the time this information will become it's own thread.

 

It's just a guy. Not a shop per say. I went on craigslist looking for a used engine to replace the one with the blown head. I messaged the guy and thats the price he gave me. Told me he had a prius mechanic and I drooped the car off, after towing it for more than 200 miles. I should note that i am paying for all fluids and a AC recharge. So total more like 1600-1700. The guy is palmdale and I towed the car with my dad's truck. I'll pass more info when I get the car later this week.

 

So you think head gasket issues are caused by the problematic Egr design? Kinda makes you miss the rubber bladder tank of the gen2. Seems like annual maintenance of the Egr system is going to be required to avoid a costly engine repair. Although, Toyota has been having lots of issues with gaskets on their other models. At least the oil consumption issue have been fixed on 2012+ Models.[/QUOTE]

 

I'd guess if you take the EGR pipe off from EGR to intake manifold and it has a 25% restriction then I'd call that turkey done. That's anywhere from 60k to 150k miles depending on how many cold starts and city driving you've done.

Deposits in the cooler are more than that pipe because the oily sooty cloud condenses there.

Pixel XL ?

 

His name is not Sean right?

Man, it takes a lot of trust to hand over $1600 to someone. Do you get your old parts (core) back? Or he rebuilds it and sells it on again?

The new norm for the turd gen will be engine swaps......the gen2 had battery swaps

 

I only paid 200 dollars and gave him the car. I do not get my core back. I live in a condo so not of much use to me and yes he is going to sell the tranny. He may decide to rebuild the engine, but who knows. The car had a blown head. So. Im pretty sure I will notice right away if it was not done right and I have a 2013 to compare to. The third gen pack also requires a rebuild around 200k.

 

$200 labor. Something about this is fishy

 

Im getting the car on Saturday. Will keep you guys updated.

 

So here is a short update after blown gasket replaced by dealer.
Car runs fine.
First 300 city miles i avraged 45 mpg.
First 300 fwy miles i averaged 52 mpg.
Temperature outside was about 105-110 ( vegas). A/c always on.
Car dont burn oil or consimes coolant.
And again
Only part replaced was the head gasket. No cleaning of egr manifolds or anything. They did the basic.

 

Got the car back and saw the old lump. Nothing to report. The car runs fine with no issues and feels like my 2013 with 40,000 miles. Drove through the mountains (to avoid the fire and traffic) from Palmdale via the 210 and 605. Did allot of engine breaking and pushed the car up the mountain. They also charged and balanced the pack. The labor was very reasonable. Although. I strongly suggest you bring your own engine or tranny with parts for the best price. Gas consumption was crappy though.

 

Whats your city gas milage. Mine is actually worse rhan before the valve gasket replaced. I thought its ok but actually its about 35mpg in city. Although it became better than before on freeway. Im getting now over 50mpg fwy at a speed of 70-75.
The dealer changed gasket kit or p/n 004112-37253. I have no idea whats in that kit

 

Same about 35 Mpg. That said in my 2013 I average 42 mpg at those same speeds with no elevation changes. But, I drove at 80 Mph in the freeway and went over a 4000ft pass. Although, I did notice this wired chirping noise and poping noise under low rpms during acceleration. I suspect that a engine mount or loose exhaust manifold. Any ideas?

 

I knew poping involved white smoke, didn't know there was a special noise too.

-Chap

 

White smoke?