1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

gummed hybrid cooling system

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by jobody, Feb 3, 2012.

  1. jobody

    jobody jobody

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas, NM
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I've acquired an 03 with 125,000 miles and whitish gump in the hybrid coolant. Further, there's no turbulence in the reservoir and no fluid or air on opening the bleed valves with ig-on.
    I've flushed with water but the stuff stays glued to the inside of the plastic tank and presumably the whole system.
    Is there a solvent to flush with? Should I disassemble the system and try to clean out?
    Other solution to get my inverter cooling again?
     
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2010
    3,326
    1,513
    38
    Location:
    Santa Fe, NM
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Sounds like someone may have put ATF in the reservoir.

    Get a new pump.

    Be extremely careful with solvent. Most of what you are dealing with is aluminum. I suggest something like Permatex heavy duty aluminum radiator flush.
     
    2 people like this.
  3. freidawg

    freidawg Prius Recycler

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2010
    111
    35
    0
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    I am afraid what you have is a damn mess. See attached pic to see what the heat exchanger section of the inverter looks like.

    From the sounds of it you will have quite a time flushing the goop out. You can always try a flush and see what happens.

    It is possible to disassemble the inverter to this point and put it back together.

    Also, there is a small section on the tranny that has a similar feature.

    In any event, the small radiator should be replaced, as should the inverter coolant pump.

    Also, the possibility exists that the inverter has been damaged due to overheat.

    Eric
     

    Attached Files: