Replacing Tank Assembly/Reserve Tank

I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, this is an long uphill battle with the insurance company. The adjuster refuses to listen to anything anyone has to say and has stated that this wasn't caused from the accident so their hands are free and clear. I'm probably close to about $3k out of pocket for repairs.

 

This is my next step. They are fully responsible as far as I'm concerned.

The insurance company is blaming the repair shop and of course the repair shop is denying that it's their fault.

I'm stuck in the middle of a rock and a hard place.

 

I couldn't agree more. The Toyota dealer is bringing in a field engineer this week to look at it. They brought in specialty tools to bleed the coolant system, etc. The problem still exists.

I unfortunately did not monitor the coolant level as it's only been literally days between visits to the shop. Not even long enough to put gas in. Lol.

They have done a number of pressure tests. No leaks. They've bled the system numerous times, even overnight.

I'm not sure if they've tried a cylinder leak down test. I could suggest it since they're asking me what to do next.

 

Another update from the dealer after they've had it another 7 days.

Was told they need to tear it apart. It's either the head gasket leaking, as others have stated in this thread, or it's a ABS actuator.

Any insight on what to do next. I'm thinking it's time to get a new car or go up the corporate later of Toyota.

 

I have the letter from Toyota for the ABS actuator, so I'm sure that won't be a problem.

I am, however, very worried about the engine after this problem has been going on for so long. I feel at this point the car is just going to nickel and dime me every few months. Maybe not, but after dumping in $2500 in repairs plus another $2-3k if I get the head gasket fixed, I probably could have bought a different used Prius.

I think it's time to trade her...

 

The odometer is roughly 130-135k. I forget at this point. I haven't seen the car in literally weeks.

I thought about putting in a used engine but I can only imagine the work and cost involved with that. I'm sure the problems from the engine overheating repeatedly is going to cost me a lot of money in the long run.

 

Sorry, should have clarified. I meant with the old engine. At this point from it overheating, it's gonna have issues down the road.

 

Just got the call from the dealer. They ripped it apart and found that it needs a new head gasket and the cylinder head is warped.

Sounds expensive.

 

Just got the call that it will cost roughly $1900 to replace the cylinder head and gaskets.

Would it be better to buy a used motor and swap it or should I have the cylinder head replaced? Or should I buy the gaskets and cylinder head and replace those separately?

 

I've actually inquired about this because of the advice from this thread. I was told they checked the block and the head and the block was fine but the head is warped and needs to be replaced.

I just feel at $1900 I could do the engine swap instead. I could probably have the head rework done also.

At this point I'm beyond frustrated and become completely soured with Toyota and their work.

 

I agree 100%. I don't know why the head gasket wouldn't have been one of the first things to check. They did say they couldn't tell it was leaking from the head until they pulled it apart.

I told them to put the car back together and I'll have someone else do it. They charged me the labor time to rip the engine apart. They didn't replace the ABS actuator even though the field engineer said it was going bad. This particular Toyota dealership is an absolute joke.

I think it's time to call Toyota cooperate. Does anyone know who to contact? Should I call the 1-800 number? Do you think it'd be a total waste of time?