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Water sloshing sound when ICE starts up

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by marblekit, Dec 26, 2014.

  1. marblekit

    marblekit Junior Member

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    I have a 2005 Prius with about 185,000 miles on it. I've noticed a water sloshing sound coming from the engine area whenever the ICE starts up and I'm accelerating from a stop. This sound does not occur when just running off the battery in electric mode... only right after the engine cranks up. After a few seconds the sound goes away until the next stop.

    Does anyone have any idea what is causing this sound?
     
    #1 marblekit, Dec 26, 2014
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Radiator low on coolant?
     
    #2 dolj, Dec 27, 2014
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  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Piston slap?
     
    #3 Mike500, Dec 27, 2014
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Water trapped in the cowl tray below the windshield wiper motor.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Dec 27, 2014
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    there's a thread about this. maybe several. anyway, there's a little trap door on the cowl. pull it off and see if a pile of debris is clogging the drain hole behind it.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Dec 27, 2014
  6. marblekit

    marblekit Junior Member

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    I don't think it's trapped water as car movement via the electric motor only (no gas engine) does not produce and water sounds. It's completely silent.

    The sound only comes right after the gas engine fires up. Also, if the car is standing still and the engine fires up the water sound is produced...
     
    #6 marblekit, Dec 27, 2014
  7. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Do you have normal heater operation? There are sloshing sounds that go with an improperly filled coolant loop in the heater section. Definitely check the radiator level (not the overflow tank).
     
    #7 nh7o, Dec 27, 2014
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
    #8 bisco, Dec 27, 2014
  9. marblekit

    marblekit Junior Member

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    Heater seems to be working OK. How do I check the radiator level? The overflow tank looks to be of normal level.
     
    #9 marblekit, Dec 27, 2014
  10. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Turn the car upside down and see where the water is coming from. ;)
     
    #10 GregP507, Dec 27, 2014
  11. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Remove the large black plastic cover over the radiator, to gain access to the radiator cap. That cover is secured with six plastic fasteners that look like, but are not, screws. Use a Philips screwdriver to rotate each fastener while applying upwards pressure on the cover to pull the fastener up.
     
    #11 Patrick Wong, Dec 27, 2014
  12. marblekit

    marblekit Junior Member

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    I added a small amount of coolant (about 1/2 cup) to the radiator and now the mysterious sound is gone! Thanks guys! I'm surprised a drop in so little coolant produced such loud water sounds in the car. It sounded like I was at the water park! :)
     
    #12 marblekit, Dec 29, 2014
  13. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I suggest you continue to check the radiator coolant daily, early in the morning before the car is first driven, and continue to fill until the coolant level no longer drops down.

    Also, take a look at the engine coolant pump. If you see pinkish deposits on the inside of the pulley or on the air conditioner housing below the pump, then replace the coolant pump.
     
    #13 Patrick Wong, Dec 29, 2014
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  14. marblekit

    marblekit Junior Member

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    Looks like I have pinkish deposits on the inside of the pulley. How much does this usually cost to repair/replace? Is there a good place to go other than the dealer?
     
    #14 marblekit, Dec 29, 2014
  15. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    You could try Avi's Advanced Automotive. Otherwise, any mechanic can replace the water pump. Getting the air out of the system requires extra care.
     
    #15 nh7o, Dec 29, 2014
  16. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Always a good idea to
    It depends how long it took to leak out. It may not be worth the repair if you only have to add coolant a few times per year.
     
    #16 GregP507, Dec 29, 2014
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