Yaris Hybrid 1NZ-FXE Engine Knocking / Replace?

[M_ASH]

Hi Guys, 

Wanted some advice please . I have a 2019  Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid which is making a knocking sound , like from the bottom of the engine. It’s got no warning lights ,no real loss of power and it’s done 260K Miles, yep 260K Miles. I was doing some research and found that the Prius had similar known issue , and the fix was either spark plugs , injectors, or the EGR. 
 

My question is does anyone know whether this applies to the Yaris too, otherwise I’m thinking of just replacing engine. The

 

engines are not very expensive at all from a salvage yard around £400.  I’m quite hands on , changed a couple of engines and clutches / gearboxes. in my lifetime but never dealt with an automatic and a hybrid. 

Does anyone know how difficult it is to replace , or any tips. Some times I have taken engine and gearboxes out together , other time just the gearbox. I was thinking of just taking only the engine out from the top leaving the gearbox in and also hoping not to touch much of the hybrid stuff .

Hoping it will be done on a weekend.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance. 

 

[flash22]

that sounds like a timing chain to me

the gearbox is not like an automatic or cvt, there is no torque converter the input shaft goes in the damper plate on the flywheel (like a clutch on a manual)

 

for safety disconnect the Battery and remove the service plug (this disables the HV battery)

 

[TonyHSD]

This is not exactly how the typical engine knocking noises are in Toyota hybrids, those that come# from misfire. 
To check timing chain you need to set timing at 0° at the crankshaft pulley, remove valve cover and inspect for any slack. It could be only timing chain tensioner, or something else or there is a guide on top of the engine between both sprockets, these are the points to check.  Best to watch videos on YouTube, just search for Toyota 1.5 hybrid and they will pop up. 
Egr systems clean is your next step, or even first. All generations 3 hybrids suffer from this and it is unofficial procedure at every 100k miles or so. Blocked egr doesn’t cause engine knocking noises all the time but usually in only specific conditions like light engine load , on cold starts, when lift off accelerator and engine is running to recharge the Battery. 
These cars are ultra easy to work on. Just watch videos to familiarise yourself and follow safety instructions. 👍

[M_ASH]

 

Thanks guys for your input, really appreciate it. I don’t think it is timing chain, as I’ve heard quite a few bad timing chain noises, and the timing chain rattle sounds different to me  . It sounds definitely more like a diesel or bottom end knock sound . Maybe I’ll give the intake manifold a clean tomorrow , not really gonna cost me anything apart from an hour or two in labour time. If not then I think I’ll buy the replacement engine. 
 

I’ve posted another video of the engine sound with the bonnet hood open. Tell me what you still think guys please. 

[TonyHSD]

17 minutes ago, M_ASH said:

 

Thanks guys for your input, really appreciate it. I don’t think it is timing chain, as I’ve heard quite a few bad timing chain noises, and the timing chain rattle sounds different to me  . It sounds definitely more like a diesel or bottom end knock sound . Maybe I’ll give the intake manifold a clean tomorrow , not really gonna cost me anything apart from an hour or two in labour time. If not then I think I’ll buy the replacement engine. 
 

I’ve posted another video of the engine sound with the bonnet hood open. Tell me what you still think guys please. 

You are right, sounds like bottom end indeed and nothing like timing chain or dumper clutch. It could still be from damper if you have a broken springs. 
There is an inspection window at the transmission housing, plastic cover , remove and look if any metals parts around. Check videos for Prius broken clutch springs . 

[flash22]

I would start by pulling the coils and plugs one by one and make sure there is no oil down the plug holes and the plugs are clean and in spec, the second vid it doesn't sound like the bottom end - use a mechanics stethoscope to pinpoint the sound

sounds like a chain tick either a stretched chain and/or worn guides, tensioner or sprockets, pull the valve cover

 

does the sound stay the same at rpm?

[M_ASH]

Hi Guys,

Just an update. I didn’t find out exactly what was wrong. I took dipstick out and there was some minimal metal filings and so thought it must be internal engine wear. For how much a second hand low mileage engine cost me and a good solid one day and full engine was replaced. 
 

Thanks guys for all your input though, much appreciated.