As we know, there are several competing theories about what causes head gasket failures in the 2zr-fxe engine. EGR cleaning, PCV system, low tension rings, inefficient water pump all come to mind. Many owners only really become aware of this chronic issue until it is "too late" to stop it entirely and only seem to delay the eventual gasket failure. Many other engines go on forever without head gasket failures. They may be taken out of commission by other issues, but not head gaskets. My question for you all, is what is the longest recorded time gone before a head gasket failure? Is it really just a matter of time? It would be sweet to hear from someone who did "everything right" and cleaned EGR early and regularly, Oil Catch Can early on, has newer rings, and was preemptive on the water pump (perhaps with updated software). I doubt this unicorn is out there, especially since the knowledge of this issue developed over time and it's extent only has become apparent years after this generation was new. I have bought 3 priuses from this generation, and know by now that they should ONLY be bought with a blown headgasket (high mileage at least), and that if you do, make sure that you can do the work yourself. Only buy a prius with a new engine in it, or one that was recently rebuilt. On a separate note I want to thank everyone on this forum for your knowledge and insight. It is remarkable what can be done with the help of people on the internet I have never met. I went from doing oil and brakes to diagnosing my neighbors cars, getting paid for working on coworkers cars, and doing two engine swaps to date (yes, Gen 3). I did not learn any of this from a mechanic, only you all and others on the internet. So many negative things about the internet these days, but so many good things as well!
Paging @ASRDogman I’d love to test the limits myself, but at the snail’s pace we’re adding miles not likely to get there. EGR’s been cleaned twice FWIW. No apparent oil consumption as yet. Dual Moroso 85474 oil catch cans. Oil changes never more than 8k kms, of late they’re 3k (yearly). Odometer at 103k kms, 2010 model year.
Yeah, probably safe to say you will never blow a head gasket, but also that you are unlikely to get to 200K! If only you had a relative who lived close by and drove a ton but would still bring it to your garage for maintenance. You know, for science.
I concur. 103k kms is 64k miles, and adding maybe 3k kms a year. If it lasts another decade that might just happen.
If youd' drive down to visit me south of the border every couple months you'd start to put on plenty of miles! And who wouldn't want to hang out in the US these days now that we have the most incompetent leader in the world coming back for his sequel featuring him trying to steal Greenland and the Panama Canal because Putin told him Russia needs those two things more than anything else.
Model year is probably important for this discussion. I have new design rings in my 2015 and every night before I go to sleep, I tell myself that that alone will protect me from head gasket problems. It's a form of self-brainwashing.
240,000 miles on the clock with original head gasket, rings, heads and even reused manifold headgasket, knock on wood. Full Egr cleaning at 90,000 miles, installed a Catch can with outlet hose above inlet hose so Iiquid can’t travel up to the outlet hose. Big thanks again to Raytheeagle and thecritic for taking the time to setup the Prius meet up and helping all of us out. No spin on oil filter conversion and still on stock nimh battery, I build lifepo4 battery packs as a hobby and never recommend them for Prius, nor sodium packs either . DTE is typically 550 miles to 600 miles right after filling up.
I don't know about any records, but I'll at least offer my input (and risk tempting fate): 2014 (II), 278k miles as of this post with NO HG changes. Original factory gasket is still in there. Leakdown test showed no symptoms of HG leak at the 275K mark. Pistons all looked equally mild dirty. Wish I kept photos but managed to overwrite them during a dumb swipe on a smart phone. I'm the 2nd owner since 23K / 2016. 80% highway driving @ 67-73mph between Nashville and Louisville. Oil changes every 6,500mi w/Mobil Synth (in bulk). Coolant changes have been about 20K later than should've been. Doesn't burn oil in the slightest and often appears very clean at the change points. Other details: @275k, just completed first really significant maintenance (DIY) to include - EGR cooler and pipes swap/cleaning - New brake pads and rotors (still could've gone another 20-30k) - Swapped in newer gen3 manifold (so I could clean the original) - Cleaned the injectors - Cleaned head intake ports and tops of valves - Spark plugs on schedule plus 4 coils @275 coils since I had it open again - Cleaned throttle body - Lightly used sensor cleaners for MAP and MAF - Coolant flushes on schedule and due again after weather warms up a bit **Using all items from either RockAuto or through Richmond toyota online store (those great deals are even better during the 25% Christmas sale. - Oh yeah, also swapped the double part- Brake Booster/Accumulator (pick a name!). - Finally, new Yellow Top Optima 12VDC to replace the original factory just 3 weeks ago as well. Yes, this engine does have the occasional rough start-up ever since I bought it.... maybe shakes slightly for half-second rough start every 4k-6k miles (seems to be less than once a month and usually if it occur it will be in the morning . I drive about 28-30K per year, and have pretty good logs. No symptoms of coolant loss or odd behavior to suggest HG issues yet. **Cleaning EGR and intake swap helped resolve a minor mis-fire and low RPM stall on Cylinder 3-4... which does concern me if those could've compromised the gasket slightly. Again, no signs yet. Work still to do: Replace factory water pump!!! Replace factory Struts and suspension components all around. (Yep... 275k and they are finally starting to feel sloppy and clunky) - New tires in about 20K... 15s that are running 37F/40R. A little stiff but glides well for long exit ramps. Seasonally it ranges from 45mpg to 53mpg during spring/fall. Best ever was a long round trip (I think about 130 miles and achieved low 70mpg w/average speed of ~50mph on state roads and mid-70s F')
SPLASH does seem to have gotten more miles than most on the factory head gasket, but it seems to me this is in no small part due to luck. Correct me if I misunderstood, but you have: Not cleaned EGR early and regularly Not installed Oil Catch Can early on May have newer rings no oil burning is a good sign Not preemptive on the water pump If you go to the dealership you can claim that you updated the manifold because of a DTC and pay them to update your firmware. Others have speculated that this in part changes the software governing the water pump to help prevent a headgasket leak. There is a TSB for it, but I do not have the number off hand. If you do not claim that there was a DTC for it, then they may not agree to do the update. I have done this on both of the Gen 3 priuses I have purchased.
