My Prius is 9 years old, has about 94,000 miles, and there are no problems. Because of it's age, do you think it would be a good idea to have the EGR cleaned?
No. But I would consider removing the intake manifold and cleaning the gunk out of it and the egr passages. While they are at it, have them remove the egr cooler and replace it or spend a couple hours cleaning it depending how clogged it is. Then the egr tubes. In all likelyhood the egr valve itself is fine but a cosmetic clean is always nice. While you are writing checks a quality oil catch can system could be installed in the pcv system. The dealer charges $800-$1200. The dealer will say none of this is necessary unless specific egr codes are produced. It is unlikely to prevent a head gasket failure or excessive oil consumption cause by flawed pistons and rings. Egr Cooler in reasonable state
94k, yes. Having it cleaned professionally, say at dealership? No. If at all possible: DIY, or have automotive-inclined friend do it. Nothing needs replacement, well possibly the pliable gaskets at the intake manifold, but other’n that everything just needs clean out. See first link in my signature for tools, tips and torque values.
Clean out EGR passages of the intake manifold. Don't bother with (much more difficult) cleaning of the cooler or valve yet, unless the car reports (via OBD-II port) restricted EGR flow.
LKQ get a spare intercooler for EGR . Send it out to be tanked clean by rad shop like 25 bux keep it at ready. Wen you swap it out have dirty cleaned. I have extra intake too cleaned and ready . So at time I bust bolts n nuts loose swap parts done . Quick. Put up other parts clean in garage . Apparently in tec stream you can see the EGR flow rate etc . Someone be along shortly with numbers .
A good measure to decide, if you need to clean the EGR cooler is to check the EGR flow rate using a OBD2 dongle - look into this thread: Techstream EGR Valve Blockage Data | Page 3 | PriusChat There you can report your "before cleaning" EGR flow - a very valuable input I think, you should consider to clean the intake manifold passages anyway. Mat
So, clean out EGR passages of the intake manifold would be a good start? Just to let you know that I am an older woman who knows nothing about cars. I'm a prime target for getting taken on car repairs/maintenance. Look at my posting history for what a dealer tried to upsell me. My two Prius never had any serious issue. Anyone have a recommendation for a mechanic and/or garage in the Tampa Bay area?
You could try Tampa Hybrids. Just a heads up, though. It ain't all that cheap because it's so labor intensive. Don't quote me, but iirc, it's about $600. And we're short handed, so you'll want to catch us when things are a little slow. Yesterday was a slow day, so perhaps today will be also.
A dealer would not recommend it without codes. You want to be careful about suggesting a service without any symptoms because most shops will simply follow your instructions. However Toyota does specify changing fluids of both cooling systems in 6,000 miles (100,000) and the spark plugs at 120,000 miles. The plugs are another labor intensive job on a Prius as the whole windshield wiper assembly and their mount is removed. These two "required" jobs could easily be $600 or more at a dealer. Of all maintenance expenses, probably the most important with these engines are oil changes. Many pro mechanics and pundits here agree 10,000 mile intervals are way too long and often lead to significant engine problems like excessive oil consumption, egr clogging and even total engine failure. So 5,000 miles oil changes are recommended as the number one preventative measure.
Take a few moments to check out The Car Care Nut on YouTube. He is former Toyota Technician (just opened his own shop this summer) and addresses your original concerns with easy to understand advice.
Crap can build up and stick to that plastic manifold on everything gets warmed up it's like a big hunk of glue. So now with my new engine when I get up to around 120,000 miles. I will pull the plastic intake and swap it for the clean one sitting here on the shop. And then I'll be able to have a look with our driving and oil changes and all that business what we're really looking like. And then buy that I will pretty much know how much to do it the next time.
I'm sure it would be. Personally, I'd recommend that if you go that far, do the cooler, too, though. But my theory is that it's the manifold that causes the blown head gaskets. Just a theory, though.
