2006 Prius - Crunching sound & Loss of Oil

I was driving from work and got a crunching sound. I could have hit something and thought I did for a few moments. I thought I hit some rusted metal for a moment by the sound. In the car, engine off, waiting for a tow but trying to get some information if someone knows. Do not have a good jack to look under the car. I did have to drive it for a short distance to get somewhere safe.

Did my engine block likely go or is there another possible cause? I don't think it is the oil filter because I felt it. Wondering if there is an oil line or something it could be other than the block?

I have the 2009 with a working engine as well. How crazy a job is it for me to be able to change out the engines if it comes down to it? How heavy is a Prius engine? I have seen videos of changing them out although have not watched them. The one I saw was broken into parts.

 

I have been checking it every couple of weeks.
When I stopped, there was still a little oil on the stick though if that is what you are asking?

 

It is engine block related

 

I have never done an engine but a person who did not remove the inverter replaced the engine in 16 hours and never replaced an engine. Another person, with a shop, replaced one in six hours. They also did not remove the inverter.

Since I need to do two engines, I am best guessing 48 hours total? A full week of work? I guess I could also plan on two weeks with a little less crazy work?

Some questions?
Best video for replacing the engines / engine swap?
Do I need to remove the inverter? Two videos did not while two did?
Best place to rent an engine hoist? What I am seeing, I can get a new one from Amazon cheaper than renting one for a week, but maybe another option?
Get a pair of tarps to cover car while working?

 

Two more questions:
Could something on the road have done this so might be able to claim something on my insurance? I don't think so but best to ask?
Second, is it within my skill and abilities to replace the engine? I have done three battery swaps, replaced an inverter, replaced two sets of fuel injectors, replaced the front end body panels of two Prius, etc. On other cars, non Prius, I have pulled the catalytic converter and the transmission.

 

That is what I figured. . . . .Not going to play games then.
I had no oil loss before this though.

As far as engine hoist, I can easily remove the hood. Done it before. How about building an A-Frame from 2x4s and just use an engine leveler and chain hoist? Do I need a need an engine leveler or a chain hoist good enough? Might be cheaper than a cherry picker? The engine is suppose to weight +/- about 200 lbs?

I am on gravel so have issues rolling an engine hoist as well. Going to be a few days, at best, before I can get anything started. I can put the car in neutral to move her to another place although I think I lose that option once I pull the batteries.

 

If you see pictures, I can probably build it

Can I roll the car with no batteries connected? I have two roommates to help me push cars but I thought they would become effectively unmovable once I disconnect the batteries? Putting them in neutral involves putting them in aux mode, pressing on the brakes, and then holding in neutral for a few seconds.

Of note, I have both an old Ranger and a cart that can carry up to 400 lbs. So okay there.

 

If you, or someone else, knows how, please let me know? I am thinking of alternatives but want options?

 

Okay, this is what I figure. . . . . I have a couple of people who may know someone who has an engine hoist. Offer $50 to borrow it for three weeks. Likely need it for less than a week but better to plan for extra time. Once you have one, all it will do is take up space if you do not use it. I have no purpose in keeping one myself but cheaper to buy than rent. I would rent one but it is about $35 a day, so quickly adds up to the cost of buying one. If not, get one from Harbor Freight for about $270. They have coupon sales so that is an option as well. Lay down 1 x 8s so that it will roll better than on gravel. More than Amazon but I can pick it up when I need it and even if overrated in quality or weight capacity, Prius engines are light. Drop it on the cart, which can carry 400 lbs.

I am figuring if I use the amateur at 16 hours, figure that is pulling one engine and putting a new engine in. Lets say I am slower than him, so 20 hours to replace the engine. If I assume 8 hours to pull the other, maybe even less because I will know what I am doing after the first, so under 30 hours total. Crazy 30 hours but doable. Learn on the ruined engine because if I screw it up, it does not matter.

Do I need a leveler or will cargo straps do okay?