2013 w/ <90k - Short Block Replacement - Perfect Maintenance

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ATXpriusATX, Feb 21, 2020.

  1. ATXpriusATX

    ATXpriusATX New Member

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    My 2013 Prius (four) has 87,700 miles on it and is burning 1 quart of oil every 1,100 miles! I have a perfect maintenance record with the oil always changed in time, yet theres carbon blocking the piston seals. I don't have an extended warranty, so the dealership wants to charge me $6,650 to replace the short block. That's a big chunk of what the car is worth.

    Evidently this a known design flaw of this engine, and I have never missed a service. Seems like if I'm lucky, I might get someone at Toyota to cut me a break...

    Any suggestions?
     
    #1 ATXpriusATX, Feb 21, 2020
  2. Trace

    Trace Junior Member

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    I had 2010 that did the exact same thing. It started burning oil at that rate around 120K miles. I just kept feeding it until 170K miles at which point a tree fell on and crushed the car. Turns out 2010's were know to burn oil. I now have a 2013 Prius V. It is at about 175K and burns about 1 qt every 15-20k miles. The only maintenance it has seen is oil change every 15-20K. I replaced the head gasket and cleaned the EGR myself at 130K and water pump/thermostat at 172K. Nothing that should impact oil consumption.

    IMO, for $6K I'd just keep feeding it oil. When my head gasket went, most private Prius shops did not want to do a head gasket only and jumped to quoting me $4500 - $6900 for a used engine junk yard engine.
     
    #2 Trace, Feb 21, 2020
  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    You can always buy extended warranty at anytime, if searching the internet is an option.
     
    #3 Grit, Feb 22, 2020
    SFO likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Short blocks are around $1900 USD cash-and-carry. Gasket kit, new head bolts and various shop supplies maybe $400. Machine shop inspection of the head $400?

    For experienced pros with all the right tools and equipment doing the swap it's for sure less than a days labour,

    I'd look for an independent shop, and maybe research and procure the parts yourself. Take advice from the shop, and they likely have machinist preference.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Feb 22, 2020
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  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Get it away from the dealer! Not the right place to take an older car for maintenance or repair.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Feb 22, 2020
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Search here for class action lawsuit
     
    #6 bisco, Feb 22, 2020
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Another reason why all should clean the egr circuit and occ it even with lower miles on the clock.
     
    #7 Grit, Feb 22, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2020
    Cosmo Tigato and mjoo like this.
  8. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    It still runs right?

    Catch can, egr clean and keep the oil topped off.

    keep on truckin and don’t repair a thing


    If you live if a year round hot area consider some SN+ rated SAE30 weight oil to slow the bleeding
     
    #8 Rmay635703, Feb 22, 2020
    tankyuong likes this.
  9. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Straight 30w oil baby, it’s racing time!!!
     
    #9 Grit, Feb 22, 2020
  10. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    No tire rotations nor coolant changes :eek:
     
    #10 Grit, Feb 22, 2020
  11. OptimusPriustus

    OptimusPriustus Active Member

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    Ps. Reconditioned short block 779USD. Reconditioned cam 549USD. Is that cheap or what?
     
    #11 OptimusPriustus, Oct 9, 2021
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