Need source for aftermarket ignition coils

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Jeffery Groenke, Oct 5, 2024.

  1. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.
     
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Replace the head gasket, reset the valves, if they are leaking.
    Clean the egr circuit system every 50-75,000 miles.
    Change the oil every 5000 miles. And don't drive it like an F1 car.
    And it will likely easily last more than 2 years.

     
  3. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    A new battery is a couple thousand bucks plus. Prices vary, and there are a variety of options. I haven't had to do it myself, but from following many cases and outcomes posted on this site I'm a fan of the real-deal Toyota replacement pack.

    If I were in your shoes I would retire the car. No rush though, just run it until it's too screwed up from the gasket leak and then let it go.

    The battery can't have that much kick left, and then there's the brake booster problem, that won't be far off either.

    This doesn't look like a hard decision to me, just an unwelcome one.

    If you are transitioning to retirement and a fixed-income setup, get the simplest car you can find, something that any corner mechanic can work on.

    A hybrid can save you money when you are rolling a lot of miles in working days, but it will bleed you dry when you need a long-life car for occasional short trips.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Don’t waste money on plugs and coils.

    Most people may get 1-3 months with a sealer. A year if very lucky and then probably requiring multiple treatments and a tow in the mix. Meaning it may be unreliable. When it does go for good it is liable to be a sudden death with a hole in the block.

    I agree with this but as soon as possible. No old hybrids.

    I would call Hybridpit in Buena Park and ask for options. It is possible you could get a lower cost rebuild that has no oil burning and all gaskets replaced. Keep in mind your car with a quality rebuilt engine will still have $4k-$5k value in a year but the car with a ruined engine has very little salvage value.
     
    #25 rjparker, Oct 24, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2024
  6. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The worst thing you can do is put a "sealer" in it!
    It cloggs everything but the head gasket. There's a 98% change of NOT working.

    Just change the head gasket. Doing it early enough will save the head from warping.
     
  7. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.
     
  8. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    kiss that engine good bye! And the radiator, and the heater core, and the water pump,
    and the thermostat.....

     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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  10. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.
     
  11. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.
     
  12. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Sealer is a 100% head gasket leak diagnostic when it temporarily seals it.

    You may get 1-3 months out of it so save your money for an engine when it comes back.

    Hopefully the radiator capacity won’t be severely compromised. You probably can do without a heater in SoCal.
     
  13. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Having lived in your neighborhood, I probably wouldn't take it up the Grapevine at all, and in hot weather I might take it easy on the 14.

    Good luck! we'll be interested to hear how long it holds.
     
  14. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Tick tick Tick Tick tick....... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
     
  15. Jeffery Groenke

    Jeffery Groenke New Member

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    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.