Just got my car back from these guys today. They replaced my engine and did a complete EGR service. Also pointed things out that needed attention. Washed the car and detailed the engine bay. Took care of things they didn't need to do. Listened to what I wanted done. Oh and the car drives amazing! Stay tuned for the pictures... http://www.RedBullet.net Toyota hybrid battery upgrade pack– NexPower Energy http://www.Pulstar.com http://www.PlugOutPower.com Use code 7373
Congratulations! I am sure its a good feeling having refreshed parts in the engine compartment. I would imagine real world resale value has bumped as well. Do they recommend a 1000 mile break in oil change? Background thread Engine Rebuild Gen 3 or Gen 4 Engine? | PriusChat
The only shop I would trust with my Prius. Hybridpit Not only does repairs for the Prius but can source hard to find JDM parts only available in Japan for our cars. Many of the best modified Prii in SoCal come out of their shop.
Their website is predominantly customizing centric? It’d be nice to see more info about their engine rebuild capabilities.
Early stages of Diagnostics and coolant flushing. My engine had the notorious head gasket issue. Shortly after buying my car I was told by Toyota that engine failed the block test. I put about 30K miles on it after the visit to Toyota before all I did could not keep her running anymore or I would have killed the cat. Here is the team flushing out the kseal and what was left of the coolant in the system. They noticed the seal in the coolant cap was leaking. Take notice of the engine bay and how dirty it all is.
K-Seal and it’s ilk should be sold on the same shelf as transmission sawdust. saw dust in the transmission - where did that saying come from? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
Now for the inside scoop... The Air Fuel sensor I had recently replaced was fouled. I never changed the downstream sensor so imagine it. The fuel injectors are original and very dirty. The cat will need replacing soon. I heard California allows afternarket cats now? Any links to those would help out.
Now for the goods... Check how they cleaned up the fuel injectors and resevior. They also cleaned up the dirty Air Fuel sensor I know the history of this engine I got pick out of 3 to choose. I ran the VIN on all of them and picked the best one. This was a fresh rebuild not one sitting around already done.
While not an advocate of block sealers, the dump it in regardless type is the worst. The old school versions have been known to work in isolated cases but they require complete removal of the antifreeze, a time consuming multistep drain, distilled water refill, run, drain, distilled water refill, over and over again. Then the sealer, operate, drain, refill with distilled water, run and repeat many times. Finally add the proper antifreeze. An all day process that takes as long as the repair in skilled hands. The old school metallic block seals are what I would use if a head gasket started rattling 1,500 miles away from home. Then I would get a rebuilt engine just like the Op. On a side note I have been known to use a transmission oil friction modifier on older Toyota truck transmissions which began slipping. With multiyear success.
Here is the grand reveal... Oh and The Hybrid Pit Team said in response to the Dr. prius Lithium HV battery. "We noticed the difference right away" These guys drive these cars all the time and since it is a fresh engine with the lithium battery they could tell the power difference from others that don't have this battery installed. I would like to thank Andrew, Roger and Karina for all they did There is no other trustworthy place to take your hybrid. Stay tuned...
Not knowing their engine bay detailing technique, I’d be inclined to remove the air cleaner intake stuff, pull off the 12 volt connector atop the AC compressor, check that it’s dry. A pen knife blade tip just above the connector base to pry out the locking latch is helpful. Just a check but verify thing.
There were definitely aftermarket Magnaflow cats coming out for the CA market, but they were listed at a price more expensive than a Toyota cat, so I haven't looked at them recently. You can see the listing on their website. Nice, and sorry to read K-Seal did not work. I put two bottles (16 oz) in our 28 L coolant capacity Porsche. Haven't checked lately but narrowed down a leak to the reservoir cap...
I called Hybrid Pit a couple of weeks ago and spoke with a helpful representative. She explained to me the process and cost of cleaning the EGR and it was very reasonable. The next time I visit So Cal, I'm going to have my EGR cleaned and I was advised to make an appointment a couple of weeks in advance. Who knows, now I might keep my '14 longer before I upgrade to a newer model. I'm happy to have learned of this place, thanks to this forum.
I had the EGR service done also. The system they use to clean everything is unique. I managed to get everyone a nice discount if you shop their website at hybridpit.com Just use code "azusa" next time you shop.
Almost forgot to mention that these guys follow requests. I asked them to leave out the lower rear stud in the block. So now the EGR is easier to remove when I need to clean it. The rebuilt engine is perfect, mpg is like new plus 10 extra. The Dr Prius Lithium HV battery is what gives the extra mpg. Still in the break in period until I change the oil at 2,500 miles.
