Water pump installation (should I pre-wet the magnet?)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jacob Bonner, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. Jacob Bonner

    Jacob Bonner Member

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    I have read that a water pump should not run dry as it will burn out the mechanism. Quick question for water pump installations. For a fresh installation, should I remove the magnet and pour a small amount of coolant in the bore, prior to installation? Am I correct in thinking that the water pump will run from the moment I turn on the engine? Or does it kick on only once the thermostat has opened? In the process of purging air from the system, should I be concerned about running the engine until the temperatures exceed 185 Fahrenheit (for the thermostat to open), all while the water pump is running? I may be thinking about this too hard, but I'd really prefer to not burn out my brand new $300 water pump.
     
    #1 Jacob Bonner, Aug 3, 2020
  2. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    Yikes, I didn't! I followed the procedure in the repair manual. That includes getting the car into maintenance(?) mode. Do you have these instructions?

    The water pump won't come on unless you have the heat on, or if the coolant temperature is above (? degrees).
     
    #2 pjksr02, Aug 3, 2020
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  3. Jacob Bonner

    Jacob Bonner Member

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    I don't have the repair manual.
     
    #3 Jacob Bonner, Aug 3, 2020
  4. ttou68

    ttou68 Active Member

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    ICE water pump operating normally regardless coolant temperature, and whether thermostat open or close.
    There's no need to do anything to the pump during install, other than making sure gasket is in place and bolts are torqued correctly...

    Follow this helpful video, after pump install..


    Watch "2010-2015 Toyota Prius Engine coolant drain and refill" on YouTube


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 ttou68, Aug 3, 2020
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  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Didn't do anything special for our old 2010's when I replaced it at 175k miles:).

    I did make sure to have a tube of Form In Place Gasket (FIPG) for the 2 studs that penetrate the block;).

    I did the thermostat at the same time and after 25k miles before I sold it the Prius was running great(y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Aug 4, 2020
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