Idk what to do because when I get on the interstate the overheating light will come on flashing, then it turns to solid. Usually within probably 10 seconds after going solid the light will go away, especially if I let off the gas. The light comes on more when I'm going up a hill or stepping on the gas. A few months ago there was a water pump code and before that I had a misfire code but they both went away and haven't came back since I cleared them with the scanner. I put Head Gasket Fix in where the coolant goes a couple months ago and it seemed to help because it was knocking real hard for a bit then stopped after I put the Bar's Leak Head Gasket fix in, but I put some in again recently and the coolant is running right through again it seems like because I'll fill it up then it will run out a mile down the road. I'm guessing I have a blown head gasket?
The head gasket is blown. The more you drive your Prius in this condition, the worse the engine will get. I’d start looking for a replacement engine and a shop to perform the job.
Also, with the added stop-leak products added, there could be clogging of radiator, egr cooler, and cabin heater, basically all the radiators in the engine coolant circuit. From the other thread, over 200K miles on the car, it might just be better to move on. The sand pounder: it's VERY likely due to Toyota's wonder EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirulation design: it's pretty much guaranteed to be royally clogged by this kind of mileage, causing the engine to run hot, and blow the head gasket.
You need to find another car. Repairing this one is not a good idea! At your mileage, the hybrid battery will be the next to go. Since you installed stop leak, the entire cooling system is now a question mark. You may also need a radiator and a heater core, and the latter is very expensive.
Getting the heater core out is a nightmare, judging from the pictures: the dash needs to be completely torn out for access. Is this typical for most cars, or a Toyota "feature"?
Thank you for all the advice! I replaced the water pump today with a brand new one from Toyota and it's making a squeaky noise when I'm rolling along at about 7 mph not hitting the brakes. It also rides rough like a flat tire would feel, but none of my tires are flat. I did take the front passenger side wheel off yesterday to try and find out where the coolant was leaking from which led me to buy a new water pump. She sounds really rough now but I don't see the check engine light anymore...
Not for my Town and Country, 2002. Just drop the brake/throttle peddles. Fairly easy, just a tight fit.
