THIS IS WHY YOUR PRIUS FAILS HEAD GASKETS, BUT ITS NO BIG DEAL 

THIS MAN IS A MECHANIC. A MASTER. A TEACHER.

You definitely have the potential to be a phenomenal professor at a trade school. Its individuals like you that motivate me to strive to become better at the trade.

FIXED MY OWN GASKET WATCHING GASKET MASTERS TOOK ME 5 DAYS JUST OVERLY CAUTIOUS NOTHING WASN'T MISSING

My wife's prius had typical engine misfire problem - toyota dealership diagnosed it as dirty egr and cleaned it for $1000. just couple of week after repair prius developed full blown head gasket with plumes of white smoke coming out. Thanks to your head gasket replacment video, I might be able to do it myself and save over $3K in repair cost.

Nice! Gonna replaced the head gasket in my 2008 Prius this weekend. Toyota needs to improve the design, otherwise, it’s sarcastic that you save $2000 in gas, then spend extra $2000 to replace the gasket

Glad I came across this. I'm doing the same job and after pulling the gasket couldn't really see where the failure point is. This explains it. Thanks!

I love your videos. This is best explanation of blown head gasket I've seen. Your video about the repair was gold. Used it to do mine.

God bless you got the same problem as you described and I didn’t know what was wrong my mechanic said it might be the gearbox you save me a lot of money and headache God bless you again and thank you.

Thank you very much for this video!! Supper informational for young mechanics, who haven’t gone to school yet

best explanation ive ever heard in my life rhis is a master mechanic

Real....🔥🔥🔥🔥 Big ups for the Prius Head Gasket information....I've been doing my research and your video has helped me narrow it down to the solution for my 2012 Toyata Prius , Respect..!! ✨🔥🤙🏽

you absolutely rock great video great explanation fixed our Prius!

Having this EXACT problem! Thanks soo much!!

My 2012 Prius V with 140k miles had the exact same symptoms that Walt described in the video. My local mechanic wanted $4K just to diagnose the problem. The Toyota dealer quoted $5-6k but said they couldn’t tell me what it was until they opened it up. Thankfully I stumbled across this video and Walt came out to my house to replace the head gasket at a MUCH more reasonable price point. He showed up on time and finished the job before lunch. I highly recommend these guys. Thank you Walt!

You are the man and a true resource, homie. Thanks so much.

Great job answering all the comments😊👍👏

Im learning so much from these guys

great video! I got a 2013 prius v 3 years ago with 80k miles. I have 190k miles on it now and it is having this same issue. I changed plugs and coils to start but nothing changed. Then I blocked off the egr because I thought that was the issue. No luck. After checking my engine over I can clearly see the head gasket was redone at some point before I got the car. So I'm going to change that next. My car is having all the symptoms you talked about in this video so I hope this is the problem. Thank you for this video!

Thank you, very informative, like others have said, your way with words easy and simple to understand, thank you again 😄

Best explanation on RU-vid Thank you for this video

Perfectly explained, thank you so much.

amazing... because you make me understand it what is wrong with my Prius v thanks brother

Oh man not sure how I missed your video! U did a fine job explaining the issues with these hybrid engines, you are spot on!! I studied these 1.8 engines both hybrids application and non-hybirds, after reviewing what I learned using scanner software Data I saw that the hybrids have a large widow in temp range anywhere from 165-192 degrees in stop and go traffic, and where the non-hybirds engines are consistent around 196-198 degrees! As u mentioned felpro redesign theirs gasket to help with the fluctuating thermals cycling and improved their head bolts too! So far zeros issues using felpro products in 3th gen prius!

Just had my 2013 done at your shop in Manteca. Very fast and great work ! Dropped it off and picked it up same day… very impressed I saw they even took the time to mark bolts to ensure they didn’t leave anything loose! Great work guys thanks again !

That was a great thorough explanation Thank you

Thanks buddy! Your vids rock! Such nice explanations.

Thank you so much for your detailed information

Excellent insight, thanks for sharing this video!

Man I had my doubts but this dude is legit 👌 Gasket masters set up an appointment with me and came within the 2 days and did work on my Prius! Did exactly what he said and my car is running like new 😌 very professional and clean Job definitely recommend if you having the same issue explained in this video! Thanks man 🙏

Thanks for the explanation. I asked the service advisor at my dealer, and he talked about electrolysis. My mind went blank. You really satisfied my curiosity.

Good explanation, thanks for sharing

I also thank you for that explanation.

Thanks for the info brother

Great explanation. I had a cylinder 2 misfire on my 2010 Prius, I knew it was a head gasket, I took it to an independent shop, they wanted to charge me $4k for a new (used) transmission. I’m now in the process of taking off the head at my house.

Got 187k on my 2010 and runs like a Ferrari, 0-20 Mobil at every 5k and all fluids replaced. No worries.😎👌🏼

Thanks for this explanation!

Guys are just professionals number one !!!

Very informative video, thank you. I don't even own a Prius, just curious as to why head gaskets on these fail often compared to traditional ice cars.

Great explanation. Thank you!

Just replaced head gasket on my 2012 Lexus CT200H (same engine as Prius). Tried everything on RU-vid before the head gasket, but in the end the head gasket was the fix. It was not as hard as I had dreaded. Thanks for the video. Like others have said it was very informative.

I always wondered why block and head can’t be a single piece. The pressure, heat and gas plus the stress on bolts are all because of the two pieces bolted together.

This issue seems to be prevalent in the 2AR-FE as well. My mother's 2015 Camry (Very well maintained & not beat on) without warning, it blew the head gasket at 38k mi. The only DTC's were P0302 & 303. (Important for her case study). The Local Toyota dealership ran their diagnostics and maintenance history, and pushed back trying to deny the manufacturer warranty claim for the "H.G" due to in her maint. history, she had got her oil changed a few weeks before (Late June) by an "express" style oil change franchise, and they used 5w-20syn. Toyota tried to deny the claim because on the oil fill cap it says 0w-20syn. 😂 Too bad it states in her camrys owners manual, that during spring/summer months, it's 100% safe and suitable for the 2AR-Fe. I stepped in on her behalf, as a certified Auto mechanic, my first question for the head tech of the warranty & service department was, "were there any VVT, cam/crank correlation, EOP DTC's current or stored?" - No. "Was there any coolant temp. related DTC's?" - No.........😬 "So just the 302 - 303 misfire's?" - Yes.......😳 Umm you might want to contact your superiors at Toyota global warranty center. 🤔 - 20mins later he came back saying, "Her claim was approved finding her clear of any cause of failure & set her up with a free loaner car until her Camry was repaired. Nobody is going to rip my mom off on vehicle repairs, damn sure not the dealership! 80k since the repair and it's been ok. Now just yesterday it set a P0420 🥴 fml😅

You guys are top notch!

My 2013 Prius started doing this in June. Dealership diagnosed EGR, charged me $2100, even though I told them it sounded like a head gasket. But it didn't fix it. Took it back and the said they ran leak checks, and blamed the carbon buildup on loose piston rings. I told them that the problem went away if I took the cap off the coolant reservoir, and couldn't afford an overhaul. Left bad reviews online that got a mgr's attention and a refund of the $2100. Now, the symptoms have returned, even with the cap off. Hope your replacement tutorial gives me hope....

Great explanation!

Thank you.

On my 2011 I did it all. Head gasket, EGR valve, and EGR cooler. On cold mornings, I'm still getting a small amount of rattle about 1 minute after start up. it has P0302 P0300 P0304 I've exchanged the #2 & #4 coils with #1 & #3 coils to see if the misfireings are going to migrate.

Awesome explanation!!

Awesome video. Thank you

Thanks !

just did my first HG at 287,000

Great explanation!!! Everything is clear and make sense! What’s the best head gasket brand and where can I buy it? Thank you so much!

Thanks for the info man you rock 👊. I've been having issues with cold start rattle when the car sits for a few days, despite changing the hg 40k miles ago.

very informative thanks

Great video! Thank You :)

Thanks for your videos

2020 toyota corolla 2.0 head gasket is damage and I have to buy the engine used $2k 6k miles not bad.

This was so GREAT!!!!!!! I just had my Prius now need a new engine for it crack because #2 cylinder I can understand now why my mechanic is not good He did not check the engine when the check engine came on. Failed #2 replaced drove for a week and check engine light came on again....We he told me I needed a new engine. I only had 175,000 mileage... I drive 500 miles a week to work mainly freeway driving

So the Fel Pro gasket is the best one? Would you or would you not use another OEM Toyota gasket? And should I use new headbolts ?

i always heard it was caused by the egr system don’t these have some kind of coolant thermos to keep the coolant hot when it’s not running the engine

Great explanation, but the defective ring and piston design in the Gen 3 engine often leads to extreme oil burning and EGR cooler clogging. So fixing the head gaskets is not a guarantee of a trouble free future - especially if your Prius is already an oil burner. For this reason I just put in a rebuilt engine with Gen 4 pistons & rings and hope to get another 100K miles - it cost $4,600 installed at Hybrid Pit Stop in LA - they sell these rebuilt engines on eBay.

@Gasket Masters 2012 prius with 180k miles. Started having the head gasket issue. I have a lead on a 2015 prius motor with 50k miles. Are the 2015 models any better about this issue or would the gasket fail similarly on these models as well? Trying to decide between motor swap or head gasket replacement.

God bless you friend. Good videos too.

My Toyota mechanic said it needs a new engine. No explanation how he arrived at that conclusion. I left to go home and a check engine light was on when I left the dealership. I got home and used my Bluetooth scan tool and it said misfire in cylinder 2. Mind you when I took it in had no check engine light on. My car drives smooth just rattles and shakes in the morning.

Thanks so much for the great videos! I have a blown head gasket on my 2010 Toyota prius (milk in the oil) and you videos have given me the knowledge to talk intelligently interview mechanics for a replacement gasket. I wish I lived near your service areas.

Gasket Masters, It is a really good explanation and agrees with metallurgy. Toyota should put more money in research and development of head gasket for their Hybrids. Through alloy formulation, layers optimization, and annealing process, optimum gasket properties could be achieved. In Europe 70% Toyota sold as hybrid in all cars (Prius, Corolla, RAV4, Yaris, Camry, Highlander, ES,GS,LS,RX). Do you have enough statistics for reliability on 1.5 L (Prius C), 2.5 L and 3.5 L V6 Hybrids in Toyota?

I have same problem on my 2013 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L 2ZR-FE engine and like to know if new improved head gasket (shown on video as blue) has OEM p/n or it is aftermarket? Thanks.

Nice video sir! i have corolla with 2zr fe motor. Its my habit to pop up the hood to dissipate the heat from the engine bay, everytime i go home after driving. Is it going to cause any harm to my engine ?

Awesome explanation. My 2010 prius has about 350K miles on it. I got the cylinder 1 and 2 misfire. I did the chemical test and it confirmed that I do have a blown head gasket. A part of me wants to replace the head gasket myself, but there is also another side of me that just wants to put one of those sealant and hope it last another year. Still debating on if I should just do the replacement myself.

It all depends on the type of driving. There is a current 2019 Prius prime owner that uses his vehicle for medical deliveries. He has just over 500,000 miles on the car and hasn't had any issues. The reason? 90% of his driving is in the highway where the engine stays running the majority of the time So there are less heat cycles.

Maybe clogging EGR system is a big factor too? 3rd gens are the first to have this system, and it appears to be woefully under designed. Cross-sectional area insufficient, and the intake UPSTREAM of the Catalytic converter. The EGR cooler slow-but-sure clogs up with carbon, ditto for the valve, the pipe, and the small EGR passageways in the intake manifold. Proper flowing EGR is paramount for keeping engine temperatures in normal range. As it clogs, the temps go up. Which probably accelerates the carbon build-up, and overly stresses the head gaskets.

awesome work guys! so... a 2014 prius handled 5,000 miles per year driving in a city with constant and moderate climate would be less likely to develop a head gasket problem? thanks!

How do you feel upgrading to 2016 motor? I was told they blow less head gaskets?

Why are you not mentioning the NEED to check for a bent rod? This is a 13 to 1 compression engine. Doesn't take much coolant to lock it up. Mine had a #1 bent rod, luckily I CHECKED. I replaced with a Gen 4 eng. Much better Piston and ring design with minimal conversion

I have 04 Prius with over 300,000, never had to do a head gasket, also a 2010 with over 200,000. Also no head gasket problems. Biggest problem for 3rd gen is the EGR system. I just cut a piece of metal and blocked it off

good info.. thanks

Best explanation ever! Is there someone you guys can recommend around Greenville SC?

Hi, amazing explanation, could you share your opinion - in case of Hybrid(Prius Alpha 2018) 2ZR FXE engine on board, when it's time to chenge this gasket?

Mine is leaking coolant. Any specific coolant needed for a Prius? And do you add this coolant to both reservoirs?

The thing is, though, Gen 2 (2004--2009) Prius doesn't have this problem. It's Gen 3, so they changed something or it's the EGR clogging problem. My Gen 2 has 350k miles, no engine problems, no coolant loss, ever.

Thanks Walt and Manny for coming to my home today 11/16/2020 and replacing the head gasket on my 2014 Prius V with 150,000 miles. You guys banged it out in about 2 and a half hours. Also thanks for the 10% off for paying cash. Total $1300. If you guys are still on the fence about getting this done to fix the knock and engine rattle on engine start up, best to get it done. Instead of waiting and then having engine blow out then having to buy used or rebuilt engine. Comes out to about $108 bucks a month. That’s less money than a new car payment or the money I would spend on 2005 Chevy Avalanche for gas, which is $400 bucks a months. Thanks again Walt!!!

It is an interesting theory. I wonder why 1st and 2nd generation prius never have head gasket failure. I believe there is a design issue at work here as well.

prius owner: i get 50+mpgs! and i just do regular maintenance: oil change, tire rotation, and head gaskets.

great explain 👍 so let me resume if you save money on gas you will end up giving it to a Mec shop to change gaskets 🤷🏼‍♂️ makes sense for mechanic shops & Toyota masterminds 🤷🏼‍♂️

Thanks for the great explanation! What would be the life expectancy for the water pump and inverter water pump? And where is the common oil leak on this engine?

The high temp is the engine killer, hybrids have a most problems with a bad head gasket is due to poor/ faulty electric coolant pump...

I found a guy that puts 4th Gen Prius engines into 3rd Gen where supposedly Toyota fixed the problem and now it's basically bulletproof. Unfortunately he is on the other side of the country from me. I love my Prius but I'm not sure if I want to buy another one thinking that it's just a ticking time bomb waiting to bust. I once had a e90 M3 with the e65 engine that has rod bearing problems that is very similar to this Prius engine. Ticking time bomb....

I’m looking at a 2013 CT200h with 75k and the headgasket was replaced recently. Is this a good buy since it was replaced or is this a problem I will keep having?

good job 👍

Great information, what head gasket brand do you recommend? Oem Toyota? Or Felpro?

Doing the head gasket myself. To shops said the engine has to be pulled can it be done without pulling engine?

Thank you for your knowledge.I brought mine to a Toyota dealer and they still didn’t know until the 3rd time it went back and finally said that the coolant was leaking in and that I would need a new engine. Is it to late to get the gasket changed out once you start hear that knocking?

If the coolant is keeping the head at a constant temperature, surely there is no constant expansion and contraction ? I was always under the impression it was water pump failure that caused it.

Tradu text folosind camera foto I understand that on the 2014 and 2015 models of the Toyota Prius, they changed the cylinder head gasket to a better one. This is true ? Plus, Toyota recommends changing the water pump after 200 miles, which is the main reason the head gasket fails. Thanks!

What's the solution to this? How long will a Fel Pro gasket last vs genuine?

Toyota dealership service wants almost $3700 to replace the head gasket/seals, and send the head off to a machine shop! Geesh this is a tough decision…say it’s almost 18hrs of labor! I love my 2010 Prius and it’s in great shape and have been well maintained during 160,000 miles I’ve put on it! I don’t know what to do, not sure if I could repair myself or not…

Great explanation, though is there a difference between the in head gaskets in Gen2 (no head gasket problem) and Gen3 Prii???? Why is it specific to the 2010 + ?

My 300,000 mile 2013 started to misfire with and I changed the spark plugs and such. It continued and I took it to the Toyota dealership repair center. He told me about dropping the gasket rings or something weird. He never mentioned a head gasket. Maybe that was in the process. He has had my car for 2 days. Quoted me around $400 repair.

how often is this happening. Im looking at a ct200h tomorrow for around 5k The guy says it has a blown gasket. Its way over priced if so. Even with a blown gasket i can find prius for 1500 around here.

I took my 2010 Prius to a Toyota dealership ( stone mountain Toyota in Georgia ) they said it was my intake manifold, then my coils, so 2 grand later they still didn't know what was wrong with it. They then have to run diagnostics twice for 4 days. which they provided a rental for those days as if that really helped. But then come back and tell me I need a new head gasket (3.5k after taking 2k off for the stuff I already had done) after I spent 2 grand and have no more money they tell me this. So now I think I'm going to get a loan, call gasket masters, and drive 9 hours to Florida. =)