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Help Identifying a Leak (Engine Block Coolant Drain Plug?)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Purrius, Nov 19, 2024 at 3:01 AM.

  1. Purrius

    Purrius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2020
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    Location:
    Northeastern US
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    20241118_181952.jpg 20241118_182058.jpg

    I didn't want to necropost on Den49's thread, but I have a question regarding the same black hexbolt mentioned in it.

    I have a 2010 with 208, 000ish miles. While doing an oil change today I noticed a leak ended up appears to be coming from this bolt?

    Likely unrelated:
    I've been planning to inspect the PCV and spark plugs for current condition, because I'm unsure when they were last addressed, as I only started doing my own maintenance within the last couple years.

    I feel like recently the car is struggling a bit, and I have to push her harder to get up to speed sometimes. :(
     
  2. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
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    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Leaks are......'interesting' .... at least to me.

    Submariner's rule:
    If you find it?
    It's a leak.

    If it finds you?
    It's flooding.

    So.....
    What's 'leaking?"
    Oil?
    Coolant?
    Rain water?
    Transaxle Fluid?

    How much are we talking about??
    It is a weep? seep? drip? dribble?

    They each have individual meanings.

    Where is the car parked?
    In a garage?
    Driveway?
    An 8oz cup of fluid is....a LOT.
    Spill a full cup of coffee onto your kitchen floor and you will know what you know....

    What's in YOUR gargae?
    Driveway?

    Deets!!!!
    Are you the original owner?
    Does the phrase "EGR cooler" mean anything to you?
    What's the coolant level? Oil? Coffee carafe?
    Has the bottom end of the engine been replaced (yet?)
    Maintenance history?

    If you're the 2nd (or 3rd....4th...etc...) owner then you must presume that 'your car' has a 'history.'
    This is nothing to be ashamed of.
    We all have 'histories.'

    PRESUME that YOUR car has its original head gasket, plugs and coil packs, oil filter, and that the EGR circuit hasn't been cleaned.
    PRESUME that this is a factory-maintained vehicle, and that you're 80,000 miles past the extended factory warranty period - which means (according to Toyota's philosophy) that they've met their obligation to produce a 'good' car.

    Me?
    I'd start looking at fluid levels more often and I'd replace the plugs IMMEDIATELY - not because the plugs are wrecked but rather to give you the opportunity to look at the plugs and maybe invest $50 in a borescope, and maybe look into the holes.

    Also...
    If you start to get the "Prius Death Rattle" ......STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY.
    You will not have to wonder if this is occurring.

    Good Luck!!!