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Flat Rate Guides: Dealerships and professional shops typically use a "flat rate" labor guide to determine the standard time for a repair. For this specific job, these guides often recommend around 18 to 20 hours, and sometimes as high as 23 hours for the complete job.
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"Complete" Replacement: A comprehensive head gasket job on a Prius usually includes more than just swapping the gasket. It often involves:
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Removing and reinstalling the cylinder head.
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Sending the head to a machine shop for inspection and resurfacing (to ensure a perfect seal). This is crucial for a reliable repair.
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Replacement of other components like the water pump, thermostat, and cleaning of the EGR cooler and valve, which are often recommended simultaneously.
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