Anyone have any recommendations on a Prius head gasket replacement repair shop/person in the Twin Cities MN? Also, if you've heard of what the cost might be? Alternatively, if there is a shop that specializes in JDM/Gen 4 engine swaps, I would be interested in your suggestion too! 2013 Prius Two blew it out at 199k. I could do it myself given sufficient time, but that just isn't possible for me at the moment. [I have cleaned out/replaced the EGR Circuit entirely.]
At 150k miles and also now (199k miles) in preparation for a new head gasket. [I have a cleaned 2nd set: EGR cooler+EGR Tube+Intake Manifold+Throttle Body that I just swap out.]
How'd it look at 150? You did the intake too? I appreciate this isn't getting you closer to a head gasket shop; I do hope you get this sorted. I just figure, for everyone in this dilemma, the more info shared, the more light will be shed on possible correlation between EGR clogging and head gasket failure.
Completely clogged at 150k. No coolant loss whatsoever 150-199k. Then suddenly, misfire (#2 cylinder) and coolant loss. I'm hoping a "Prius specialized" repair shop can evaluate whether I also need a new cylinder head. [At 150k, I don't believe it overheated ... just refused to start one day ... completely cleaned EGR Circuit ... ran perfectly (after cleaning) 150-199k.]
Unfortunately for me, it appear that GasketMasters is only in California and Florida at the moment. [I'm just hoping that someone in Minnesota could shout out a recommendation due to a similar misfortune with a gen 3.]
So the egr cleaning at 150k did not prevent a hg at 200k. A common story. Occasionally gasketmasters goes on tour. Sort of a mechanic rock star group. A few weeks ago they took their truck all the way to the northeast and changed an engine with a rebuilt they brought for a priuschat member in Ohio. Given they were just out and back, they might not be doing another Ratchets & Wrenches Power Tour soon. Too many mechanic groupies I am sure.
A good rule-of-thumb might be to sync the EGR cleaning with engine coolant change: 100K miles or 10 years first time, then 50K miles thereafter.It's practical too, avoids coolant spillage*. Maybe do the plugs a bit early too, just for practicallity, having the wipers off. An even better rule-of-thumb might be every 50K, "maybe" overkill, but what do I know. I did ours at 70K kms, don't think it was a waste. * See first link in my signature, for how to avoid coolant spillage, if not syncing EGR clean with coolant change.
This advice still holds - just called and a very helpful person informed me - no new customers (unless you have a referral from an existing customer). Additionally, no other shops to recommend (except Toyota dealerships). Also, the tech/owner/John took the time to answer a few questions: - does not let the customer supply any parts - cost is $3k + tax - the only parts replaced are: new "Toyota EGR valve kit" and "Toyota head gasket kit" - includes cleaning of the rest of the EGR circuit (including intake manifold) - Toyota does NOT recommend to resurface the cylinder head - re-use existing or buy new or quality used - timing chain should be good - have OCCASIONALLY had to deal with a bad short block or bent rods (particularly if over heated)(mine did not) Anybody know which parts GasketMasters replaces? For example, the head bolts? I personally would also do things like: PCV valve, water pump, all fluids, oil pressure sender, MAF cleaning, etc (any other suggestions here) Thank you all!
In their cab in parking lot video, and a similar earlier video, they apparently just reuse the existing bolts. Don't check them against spec's either. Spec is in one of my links below, which has a bunch of cylinder head excerpts from Repair Manual. I wouldn't go nuts, for a couple of reasons: 1. It's already a big job. 2. The less extras you do, the less suspects, if something goes awry. Maybe the PCV valve though, because it's a pain to access without intake manifold off. One thing, Toyota makes a "kit" with the head gasket and pretty much every other gasket you'll encounter, plus the valve stem seals, if you're ambitious. It's around $200~250 USD? Part number for kit in attached.
