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Coolant level not moving?

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by antny, Apr 22, 2022.

  1. antny

    antny New Member

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    Hello all. I am a self taught Prius guy like many of you. I've got a V that I added to my Prius fleet. It Needed a water pump, so I replaced it with a new Asin pump, and a thermostat/housing. I drained the coolant before the process. After reinstalling everything and upon maintenance mode for a few minutes, the level of coolant hasn't dropped in that tank. Cars temp got to 230, and I shut it off. I did make sure the drain valve was closed, and I did pump the large lower hose by hand. Anyone else experience some sorcery like this?

    Thanks again :)
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would check your work. Most likely the coolant is not flowing. Thermostat in wrong, bad connection for the water pump or bad water pump.

    Did the radiator fans come on before it overheated?

    I find the coolant system is easy to drain and requires no special effort to eliminate air. It does not have the early gen3 vent as it was unnecessary. I fill and leave the cap off for the first warm up. The air bleeds itself. When the thermostat opens around 185f you can see the coolant moving in the reservoir.
     

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    #2 rjparker, Apr 22, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2022
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Any more info on that?

    how many miles?

    early year 3rd gens had a engine coolant air vent, incorporated into coolant temp sensor just above EGR components. Later years (and I’d assume Prius v too) nixed the vent.

    If you opened that vent while filling with coolant air could escape. Maybe try disconnecting a topmost coolant hose there, see if it allows air out, and drops coolant level in reservoir.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Apr 22, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2022
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Just checking....

    • You filled to the B line?
    • ... installed and tightened the cap?
    • ... ran the engine up to operating temp and 7 minutes longer?
    • ... shut off and waited until cooled to ambient temp?
    • ... level was still at B, had not dropped to F?
     
  5. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    I have installed 2 water pumps on mine and never had a problem.......
     
  6. antny

    antny New Member

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    The coolant tank was clogged in the lower hose opening. A bunch of pink crystals were blocking the flow. I ordered a new tank. After taking everything apart again. Thanks for your replies.
     

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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Stop leak product?? See if 50/50 water/vinegar will dissolve them, and if so, flush the system with same?
     
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  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Those crystals sound very odd.
    Hope it's not stop leak....
    I didn't catch if this was a recent purchase.
    Might be a headgasket....
    Hope not...... I know all about it.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    What's the miles on it? EGR and intake manifold ever been cleaned?
     
  10. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

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    @antny: People are hinting that a previous owner tried to cover up a leaking Head Gasket with Stop Leak. That would be bad news if true. The Stop Leak may have caused the pump failure.

    I really hope that is not the case, otherwise a "Death Rattle" may be in your future.
     
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  11. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    Very Possible
     
  12. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

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    @antny is a new member. He might not know about the "Death Rattle".

    A "Death Rattle" is what happens when a Head Gasket coolant leak fills up the cylinder overnight, and you try to crank the engine. The engine sputters on a cold start.

    If you ignore the problem, it gets much worse.
    Eventually you break the connecting rods, or put a hole in a piston. With a 16:1 Power stroke, the results are impressive. Often the broken parts of the connecting rods break through the side of the engine. A really bad way to start your day.
     
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