Long story short, I managed to make a small hole in my radiator grille and it proceeded to shoot cold steam everywhere for a good minute or two. Is this normal when a radiator is punctured or did I manage to take something else out as well? I did not hit it hard at all. I fear I might have punctured the AC compressor as well but I'm not familiar with the anatomy of my prius Any help is appreciated!
Yes, the Gen 1 Prius combines the A/C condenser (the part in front) with the engine radiator (the part in back), so if your hole was in front, that was refrigerant escaping, and there is now a small ozone hole named after you. (Happily, the car uses R134a, not the older, more ozone-depleting R12.) You'll need a new radiator and an evac-and-recharge of the A/C. -Chap
Haha great, I've always wanted to make my own hole in the ozone. So I understand that the evac and recharge can't be done by s simple DIYer such as myself, but how about the radiator replacement itself? Anywhere I can save on labor would be great, I need to get the car sold ASAP and with as little expense as possible
