Headgasket repair vs engine swap?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Higgins909, Jun 14, 2023.

  1. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I'm here to try and figure out some things. Comparing these two ideas while I'm at it. I'm prepping for the future as I probably really need to swap my HVB, headgasket will be next soon and then I think they say the brake booster goes out next. Trying to figure out if it's worth it to do all this.

    I'm slightly mechanically inclined. I cleaned up all the EGR and intake manifold stuff, tried to fix my HVB, various fluids, spark plugs and filters. I'm just wondering if one of these would be a easier and or better way to fix my headgasket, replacing the whole engine or just the headgasket.

    I was watching a video before about just replacing the headgasket. Then he talks about machining the head. Then the doing the whole timing chain because you have to take that apart to get the head off. I don't think I watched much past that.

    Does anyone have a itemized list of what needs to be done for a headgasket DIY? Do I really need to do the timing and all that? Machine the head? How much in parts and special tools?

    Then there is the engine swapping. I haven't really looked much into it other than there are these generic year engines with supposedly 40-60k on them for $1,500~. I can probably borrow a engine jack from my work. Not sure what else I would need or other costs. Do they really have that low mileage on them?

    I'm sure I have more to ask and say but can't think of it right now.

    Thanks,
    Higgins909
     
    #1 Higgins909, Jun 14, 2023
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    A step-by-step of the head gasket replacement process would be nice. Toyota Repair Manual sadly just shows a complete engine tear-down, which seems a myopic attitude. They do the same with brakes: no step-by-step of of typical brake service, just a complete tear-down. The stuff is all there, but a hodgepodge.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jun 14, 2023
  3. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    I went with a rebuilt engine with upgraded 2015 piston/rings.
     
    #3 AzusaPrius, Jun 14, 2023
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    What’s the oil consumption? If beyond moderate, into runaway, replacement engine is maybe better.

    One “hybrid” way to achieve that: purchase a brand-new short block (it’ll have the updated pistons and rings), reuse both the head (machine shop inspection of head worth considering) and the bit between short block and oil pan. New short blocks are a bit over $1800 USD, through dealership parts departments.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jun 15, 2023
  5. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    So I think the headgasket is actually blown. Type 6 in this website 7 Different Ways a Head Gasket Can Fail | Haynes Manuals
    It could be the timing chain gasket but I'm not sure. Seems like it's leaking right next to the exhaust manifold, Cylinder 1 I think that is. Right on the headgasket where it meets the timing cover. I don't lose any coolant. My oil loss depends on my driving. I'm sure its mainly burning but when I'm towing, it's spitting. The dipstick low-high marks are 1.6qts. (manual) I can drive maybe 1000 miles and I'll have 50% left, over 4 months or something. If I go on a 1000 mile road trip, I'll lose just about nothing. If I tow 120miles, I'll go from full, to low on the dipstick.
     
    #5 Higgins909, Jun 15, 2023
  6. James Finch

    James Finch Junior Member

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    Those locations are notorious per more than one YT channel noting as leaking. When assembling, extra care should be taken to add more sealant in the following locations:

    - Timing cover to:
    1. Engine block to Head
    2. Head to Camshaft Housing
    3. Camshaft Housing to Valve Cover

    Also, the Timing Chain Tensioner is known to leak as well. From what I've watched and read, used a steel gasket and I've not seen where anyone has used Permatex Black or the Toyota FIPG Sealant. Oddly, the 150K yard parts car I got the practice parts from didn't have a gasket installed there.

    I recall early on when I still had service, the dealership noted and took care of that issue since is common even per them.
     
    #6 James Finch, Jul 17, 2023
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