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Can a 2010 Prius engine be swapped w/o removing the transmission?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by texaspartsman, Aug 11, 2015.

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  1. texaspartsman

    texaspartsman Junior Member

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    Just bought a 2010 Prius II. The engine was overheated.
    Question, is there enough clearance to remove the engine alone, or will I need to drop the engine and transmission as an assembly? Looks Ike there is room. Mechanic at the dealer is telling me there isn't.
    Thanks
     
    #1 texaspartsman, Aug 11, 2015
  2. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Wow, I'm betting there is but, what a job. I'm sure the maintenance manual tells you to take them both out from the bottom. As you likely know, that's the procedure for most of these newer Japanese cars. I'm thinking it's likely possible but, probably harder than removing the engine and tranny together. You should know that I'm shooting from the hip on this answer. :)
     
    #2 usnavystgc, Aug 11, 2015
  3. A617

    A617 Member

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    You cannot remove the engine from the top there's very little space to maneuver the best you can do is remove the head though the top, even that can be a challenge, better to just drop the front subframe w/engine and transmission in one piece and remove the engine from there. .
     
    #3 A617, Aug 11, 2015
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you might be able to pick up a low miles engine/tranny assembly for cheap.
     
    #4 bisco, Aug 11, 2015
  5. texaspartsman

    texaspartsman Junior Member

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    I am going to attempt it this weekend.
    There is no such thing as a cheap Gen III engine yet. All of the salvage places have them, but they sell good. It does not seem to be as robust a an engine as the Gen II.
    If the head isn't warped I am going to put it on a 2010 Corolla block. Got it for free because the tab that sticks out where the start mounts has the end broke off- bad if you wanted to bolt a starter on it, but not a problem for a Prius. I only paid $2500 for the car so I am in good shape even if I have to shell out $1500 for a wrecking yard engine.
    This will be the second Gen III I have saved from a salvage yard. 155K interior and body are clean. If I can fix it cheap enough I will sell my 2004 model and do an upgrade. If not, another family member will be driving a Prius.
    Will let everyone know if I can get it out without removing the transmission.
    Thanks for the replies.
     
    #5 texaspartsman, Aug 12, 2015
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  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I hope you are not planning to install the Frankenstein engine with a Corolla block/Prius head into a Prius. I don't think that will work very well.

    For example the compression ratio is 13.0 to 1 because of the Atkinson cycle used. This works because the intake valve timing is retarded so that the intake valves remain open as the compression stroke begins.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Aug 12, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2015
  7. texaspartsman

    texaspartsman Junior Member

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    It shouldn't make a Frankenstein engine.

    The basic engines are the same. 2009-2015 Corolla & Matrix, 2008-2014 Scion XD , 11-14 Lexus CT200H, and the 2010-2015 Prius all share the same block, crank, balancer, upper and lower oil pans, connecting rods, timing chain, and head gasket.
    The only real difference is the timing cover because of the electric water pump, the cylinder head, which has variable valve timing on both the intake and the exhaust cams, and the pistons.
    So the swap is not just as easy as bolting on a few parts and going down the road. But, the corolla engine is free and and and overhaul is much cheaper than a complete used engine.

    I may not have to swap it. The head gasket is blown between the #2 & #3 cylinders. Depending on how hot it got, I may be able to save the engine by installing a new head gasket and head bolts. I would already know except it has been 104 in the shade every day this week and the car is not in the shade. My motivation to pull the head quickly fades after I get off work.
     
    #7 texaspartsman, Aug 13, 2015
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  8. marrat

    marrat Junior Member

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    How did the engine overheat? Isn't the electronics supposed to regulate it?
     
    #8 marrat, Aug 13, 2015
  9. texaspartsman

    texaspartsman Junior Member

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    That is the only reason I believe I have a chance to save it.
    Just hoping the head is not warped.
    Question becomes, what was happening for the head gasket to blow?
     
    #9 texaspartsman, Aug 13, 2015
  10. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Interesting case. Let us know when you find out, and good luck on your project.
     
    #10 CR94, Aug 13, 2015
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Photos, please - as you work on the car over the weekend.
     
    #11 Patrick Wong, Aug 13, 2015
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  12. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    If the head is warped, strip it and have it planed (that would take care of the head warpage). As for the block, worst case scernario, would be to true the block. Use a straight edge and feeler gauge to see if it is out of spec. On most cast iron blocks, it was .003 inch or less. On aluminum, it may be different. A complete engine may be the best and easiest solution to this problem. I hope you get it fixed.JTM

    LG G3 T-MOBILE phone ☎
     
    #12 JTM2955, Aug 20, 2015
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  13. gus1203

    gus1203 Junior Member

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    #13 gus1203, Jun 17, 2017
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Buy straightedge?
     
    #14 bisco, Jun 17, 2017
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    any update?
     
    #15 bisco, Jun 17, 2017
  16. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Just 4 grins,

    Where in Texas r u?

    Good luck with your endeavour!

    Ron (dorunron)
     
    #16 dorunron, Jun 17, 2017
  17. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    #17 ChapmanF, Jun 18, 2017
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  18. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Pix pls
     
    #18 douglasjre, May 10, 2018
  19. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    I'm curious on the Corolla block and how that works out.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #19 audiodave, May 11, 2018
  20. Toffer

    Toffer Junior Member

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    Having recently removed my 2010 Toyota Prius motor, I can tell you that removing just the motor can be done from on top. No need to drop the whole under carriage, that is nuts. You will have to remove the water pump and swing that to the side no need to remove the electrical wiring to it. Also you will have to remove the crank pulley for added clearance. Than you have the exhaust and the intake but that goes without saying. Remember to remove the back side engine support located in the middle of the engine. Once you have all this done along with having removed all motor to transmission bolts. Remember to support the the motor. Use a cherry picker as they call it to lift the motor up and out. You will need a pry ball from on top to separate the motor from the transmission
     
    #20 Toffer, May 5, 2021
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