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Head Gasket Issues. Head Bolts?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by masterh, Apr 3, 2023.

  1. masterh

    masterh Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2022
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    Location:
    Los Angeles CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    I saw someone saying prius c is safe from head gasket issues. I also saw someone talking about head bolt failure.

    I've been chasing engine rattle with coolant loss issues and I think it's head gasket.
    Check engine light came on and it indicated No 4 cylinder misfire. (tried switching the coil)

    Car works pretty nice during the day when it's pretty warm (Los Angeles)
    It does rattles here and there when I move the car after seating at the traffic light for more than 20 seconds. (meaning engine got cold and water seeped into the cylinder)

    So my question is, is replacing head bolts or tightening head bolts (Maybe tightening 5 pounds higher for bolts near Cylinder 4? or tight all bolts little higher?) might solve this issues since it's very small?

    I was going to do the valve cover gasket anyways. (saw oil on spark plug Threads)
    It looks like It sits underneath the camshaft.
    How hard is it to put it back? I am talking about aligning it correctly. Do I need a special tool?
     
    #1 masterh, Apr 3, 2023
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Two
    Most engines with head gasket problems need hours to get cool enough to pull some coolant into the combustion chambers.

    If you can make yours rattle and misfire with a very brief stop like a traffic light, I'd be a lot more suspicious of the spark plugs than the head gasket.

    Be careful where you buy plugs. Lots of counterfeits sold online these days, particularly Amazon and eBay. Local stores are the best bet.
     
    #2 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Apr 3, 2023
  3. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The coolant loss i think could be cause by the system the Prius C has, that the engine coolant circulates through the exhaust to warm the ICE faster, that can leak into the exhaust, give burnt coolant smell and cause coolant loss.
     
    #3 Sonic_TH, Apr 12, 2023
  4. masterh

    masterh Junior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Actually it can happen in 20 seconds (depending on the weather) I've watched mechanic explaining and people also replied with the same experience on youtube.

    When it was raining in LA, it was happening pretty much at every stop light.
    Now since the weather is a lot warmer, it only happens after car is parked for few minutes at night.

    Spark plugs are new from the dealer.

    I am refilling the coolant every week. I wish it was just from the exhaust like other person's said :(
     
    #4 masterh, Apr 19, 2023
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Every car can blow a head gasket. The op's case is advanced.
     
    #5 rjparker, Apr 19, 2023
  6. Sonic_TH

    Sonic_TH Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2020
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    Location:
    Puerto Rico
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    Two

    Has your Prius C ever overheated?
     
    #6 Sonic_TH, Apr 20, 2023
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