Need source for aftermarket ignition coils

Thanks again for the responses. If that first video wasn't so sad it would be hilarious. I'm convinced, most likely my head gasket is bad. I think I can buy a borescope at Harbor Freight for a reasonable price. If so, I'll take a look inside when I change the plugs and coils. But then what to do, I just can't decide. I had hoped to get another two years out of the car and then it and I would retire together. It's not looking good.

 

By the way I'm also on the original hybrid battery, if I repair the engine how much longer can I expect the battery to last? And how much does a new battery cost? I'm not sure I can make the time, or have the drive, to tear it apart and do all the work myself. So today I called my mechanic and described the symptoms without telling him anything about what I've learned from all the helpful people on this site. He immediately said the head gasket is bad and it's a common problem with the Prius. In fact, he had one sitting in his shop with the same problem and he recommended the owner scrap it. It's $4-5K for him to replace the engine with a rebuilt one. I am struggling with what to do but have a thought to change the plugs and coils to make sure the spark is as strong as possible and pour in some block sealer then drive it as my commuter only until it either dies or I can't pass smog. We have an extra car I can drive whenever I need to take a long trip. If I get another year I will be almost to retirement and I plan to buy a new totally different car when I retire. I think I'd rather use the money towards a down payment on my new car than sink it into the Prius. Hard decisions.

 

Thank you to everybody for all the input and help, I really appreciate it. I know it's voodoo and witchcraft and I don't believe in magic solutions, but I did some research and spoke with the car nuts at the mom-and-pop auto parts store down the street and decided to try K-Seal. I took off the top radiator hoses, drained down some coolant and poured it in the top radiator hose. I think it's worth trying $40 worth of sealant first before deciding to invest many hours and $ into it or scrapping it. If it works, the Prius will be relegated to commuting and local trips, we have other cars I can use for road trips. If I get 6 mos. - 1 yr. more out of it I'll be happy, then I'll be so close to retirement it won't matter. If it doesn't work, I'm $40 poorer and still stuck with the same dilemma, except maybe I have to flush the engine if I decide to tear it apart. Time will tell.

I live north of LA so Hybridpit is not too far from me, I will give them a call and chat about possible options.

 

I appreciate your skepticism, same as mine. I'm going back to the Prius as my commuting car tomorrow morning and will let everybody know how it goes. If it dies, I'll report what happened, if you don't hear back from me for a while it's still running. Wish me luck! And thanks again for all the help.

 

Update on my 2010 Prius with 214K miles.
As previously reported; I replaced the plugs and coils with new NGK and poured one bottle of K-Seal directly in the radiator via the top hose. I've driven over a thousand miles in the last 3 weeks. The results are:
- It runs the smoothest it has in a long time
- The horrible shaking on start-up in the morning is gone
- Gas mileage improved a couple MPG
- Heater works fine
- No overheating or any signs the car is running warmer than it used to
- Coolant in the reservoir has not dropped
I don't know how long it will last, but so far K-Seal is making a believer out of me, I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't experience it myself.

 

I have other cars, so the Prius is now relegated to commuting and local trips, no road trips including the Grapevine or I-14 grade. I drive it gently to extend the life as much as possible. I will retire in 2026 and won't need the car after that, so I plan to drive it as long as it lasts and then retire it with dignity. It has served me well.