Update on my "head gasket" issue (=not a head gasket issue)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AJP, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM.

  1. AJP

    AJP Member

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    So first of all, I'd like to thank Iron Man Prius here because you literally saved me junking my car by recommending Butler County Hybrid near Pittsburgh. Tom knows his STUFF and was able to diagnose in 24 hours what TWO dealerships could not. Turns out I had a bad fuel injector, not a bad head gasket. This isn't a common issue with Gen 2 but I've been driving it around for a few days now and she's running smooth as can be.

    Old thread here for anyone following the story: Just need confirmation that junking the car is the best option... | PriusChat
     
    #1 AJP, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    This classic story deserves to get recirculated every now and then. It's about a Prius that a shop got hold of for cheap because the owner really had let it go for scrap price, and a careful diagnosis led to one spark plug that fixed it.

    The way a Prius engine and transmission are coupled, any cause of engine misfiring can lead to banging that sounds like the end of the world.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Aug 20, 2025 at 11:40 AM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Even a perfectly heathly near new Atkinson engine can lead to some pretty strange noises... I'm grateful for that because it's why I suspect someone sold my 07 at 100K and now I'm at 300K with still no issues any only basic maintenance.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Aug 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
  4. Carall

    Carall Member

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    This is not a common issue for Gen 2 but it is not an exception either. I have seen 2 Priuses with a bad injector and one in the initial stage, shuddering for half a minute on cold start.
     
    #4 Carall, Aug 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM
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