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Chilly Bay Area nights and an engine rattle at starts

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018.

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  1. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    Hey guys I think I may have the same issue about the noncurable but harmless engine rattle with chilly weather starts. But I’m not sure and I would like your opninon.

    So my 2010 Toyota Prius with 200k miles and never had any problems whatsoever before 3 days ago started rattling for a few seconds when I would turn the power on. The check engine light is on. It’s a bit chilly in the Bay Area at the moment.

    I Took the car to a mechanic and engine codes P0301, P0302 was what came up on the scan gauge. He replaced spark plugs, coils, engine oil, replaced valve cover gasket, oil pressure sender. All in all $1000. He did a full inspection and didn’t find anything wrong otherwise afterwards,drives well, engine is still strong.

    I head home and it’s now 7 pm chilly again and my car rattled again and it’s displaying the check engine light again. Is it something serious? Or is this the noncurable chilly weather rattle? I’m worried and thinking about selling the car now.
     
    #1 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's unfortunate you spent $1000 on this car, you may have a bad head gasket. Probably best to sell it or you'll be needing a new engine soon
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
  3. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    I probably spent $1000 on nothing huh? Will the check engine light go away after a while?
     
    #3 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's probably still misfiring, same problem from before the $1000.

    You can try cleaning the egr circuit but your car is already at 200k, sell it now while it still has a little value. Adding more miles won't help you

    You can disconnect the 12v battery for a minute to get rid of the check engine light temporarily or erase it with a code reader
     
    #4 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2018
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  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You the diy type? Have your own scanner? Just done the by the book maintenance? How stable is your engine coolant level? Burn any oil?

    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Feb 21, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2018
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  6. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    I dont have my own scanner but..I am off tomorrow. I've done my own oil changes and spark plugs before but I'm not a pro by any means. And yes, i'm good about maintenance. How do I check stability of coolant oil/ oil burn
    Could it possibly be this?

    2010 Rattling in engine bay on start up? | Page 2 | PriusChat

    My engine sounds just like this:
     
    #6 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
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  7. m3pare

    m3pare Senior Member

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    Intake manifold needs to be cleaned of the oil being sucked in.
     
    #7 m3pare, Feb 21, 2018
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  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's sad to read so many turd gen cars dying an early death, many cases before 200k miles
     
    #8 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
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  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Ever clean your egr circuit? What about pull the intake manifold and see if the ports are clear on the egr return?

    Where in Walnut Creek are you located?

    I have to meet another member to do some equipment drop off, which includes Techstream ;).

    You got a place to work? If so, we could probably help you out :).

    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #9 Raytheeagle, Feb 21, 2018
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  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If the head gasket is bad, not much can be done now with cleaning egr and intake manifold
     
    #10 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
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  11. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    I'd love to meet or drive anywhere! I'm actually in fremont now. I have never cleaned th egr circuit or pulled the intake manifold.
     
    #11 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
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  12. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    What do you think is the root cause?
     
    #12 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Clogged EGR circuit and oil in the intake manifold
     
    #13 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
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  14. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Living in Fremont, or just there at this moment in time? If you’re in Walnut Creek tomorrow, if could probably help you out.

    If not, we have a meetup in Lafayette next weekend where we could do some investigating:

    Possible Monthly install meets. Bay Area-Fremont

    Let us know(y).
     
    #14 Raytheeagle, Feb 21, 2018
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  15. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Ray on vacation? It's Thursday tomorrow
     
    #15 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    After 5;).

    I’ve got mouths to feed:whistle:.

    But I’m meeting @SFO to drop off the Prolong equipment and Techstream after work. So the location can be flexible(y).
     
    #16 Raytheeagle, Feb 21, 2018
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  17. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    i'm living in fremont right now. I'm totally willing to drive to Walnut Creek. I have no tools but willing to purchase all the tools necessary.
     
    #17 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
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  18. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Sounds like your mechanic turned on what is referred to as the "Part Cannon".
    They fire a lot of parts at the car hoping they fix something.

    Seriously it needs to be properly diagnosed before repairs are done.
     
    #18 padroo, Feb 21, 2018
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  19. Rxgolfer

    Rxgolfer Member

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    I know I should have just told him not to start anything and to get a second opinion first...
     
    #19 Rxgolfer, Feb 21, 2018
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  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    After 5 on a chilly day, maybe best to do this on a weekend meet up
     
    #20 JC91006, Feb 21, 2018
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