My 2010 w 278k on her has a big oil leak, and it is coming generally from.the timing chain cover area. That part is $650 to $1100 depending on where you shop. The local prius mechanic says he can put a 2012 motor in it. 1) does the timing chain cover come included on a new motor? 2) couldn't find directions online on a DIY swap of the timing chain cover....got quoted around $800 by a mechanic...where to look?
"generally?" Why do you think it's the timing cover? Maybe it's the oil pressure switch. Or the valve cover gasket. You want to replace the motor for an oil leak? Look on youtube, there are video's of replacing it there.
And, there's really no parts replacement involved, with the timing chain cover reseal. It's basically remove, clean mating surfaces, apply fresh Form-In-Place gasket, and reinstall. It's not trivial though: the engine mount at that end needs to be removed, the oil filter housing assembly, the water pump, the flywheel at the end of the crankshaft. Video linked in opening post here shows what's involved. Bear in mind this is a full head gasket replacement video, but you do see the timing chain cover removal and install: New head gasket replacement video from Gasket Masters | PriusChat Also, attached is the Repair Manual info, for application of FIP gasket, bolt torque values, ectcetera.
Should add: there are some seals, gaskets and O-rings that should be replaced, they're mostly mentioned in the video.
I used “The Right Stuff” grey in the “cheese whiz” can on mine. I applied it to the timing cover and waited 1 minute. I used the “captive bolt” to put the timing cover on, then tightened the rest of them following the torque sequence. I don’t believe that I will ever need to remove it. But to the OP, if you tackle the job yourself, replace the timing tensioner at the very least. It is in your best interest to do that, as part of the motive force behind the tensioner is engine oil pressure. But at 278k, you may be money ahead just getting the engine swapped. All you have right now is a “running core”, or a “rebuilder”.
Thank you! Its going through a lot of oil....3 qts in 400 miles and power is down but it's not smoking or rattling. Engine actually sounds ok. I took it to a place that only does hybrids today, and the fellow took one look at the engine, saw a pretty large amount of oil on itself side and said it was the timing chain cover. Why I thought to replace the engine was that the quote to fix the cover (1100) was very close to the labor quoted on an engine swap(1500) and shes got 279k. I admit I was daunted by getting in there cause it's all so tightly packed, but I'm going to go for it l. I just dont know why no power.....though admittedly my egr is clogged from all the blow by Thanks again for the video link
Comparison chart here: Gasker Maker Comparsion Chart - Permatex In the video I linked they used the Permatex Ultra Black, slower to set up? And do's and don'ts: The Ten Most Common Gasketing Mistakes - Permatex Repair Manual spec is: Toyota Genuine Seal Packing Black, Three Bond 1207B or equivalent There is a company "Three Bond" with product 1207B, available on Amazon.
