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radiator/coolant level concern

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by cyberpriusII, Oct 25, 2014.

  1. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    I am a bit strapped for cash at the moment. Just moved to Iowa and am in-between paychecks.

    Had my water pump (ICE) and serpentine belt replaced some 1200 miles ago at the TOY dealer.

    Just looked at my engine and the PLASTIC tank for coolant with the snap-on and snap-off cap appears to be somewhat empty -- I opened the snap cap and see no coolant in the plastic tank. However, the metal cap to the left of the plastic, when opened, is full to the top (that's the cap that you have to remove the black plastic to get to).

    This is NOT the inverter. Anyway, I know the Toyota PINK stuff is $$$$. Can I wait a couple of weeks before I fill the plastic tank?

    And probably, the more important question, is the lack of coolant in the plastic tank probably just a "burp" from the recent water pump replacement?

    And, yes, there is "internet" in Iowa, and I do owe a couple of you notes and I hope to get to that on Sunday.....:)
     
    #1 cyberpriusII, Oct 25, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You poor thing, you probably will be ok for a couple weeks. if there's no leak, you shouldn't need any coolant.

    But if you're the type to worry about situations like this, you can fill the reservoir with distilled water. If you like, I can also order you some coolant from amazon and give it to you as a house warming gift.

    Actually you can probably get some coolant for free at your local Toyota Dealer. Bring in your receipt to the service dept, explain to them you just had service at another state and the reservoir is empty. They will most likely welcome you to the state (and their dealership) by topping off that reservoir for free.
     
    #2 JC91006, Oct 25, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2014
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I agree that you might be able to get a free fill at your local Toyota dealer. If not I would defer filling the overflow container until you can pick up a gallon of SLLC, assuming that will be done within a couple of weeks.

    As to whether this constitutes reason for concern, the answer to that depends upon whether the coolant level continues to drop or not.

    I suggest you verify that the cabin heating works well, before you get into the winter season.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Oct 25, 2014
  4. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Paranoia on my part. I went in and they said the coolant is full, I said it doesn't look full -- look and snap off the cap.

    They said that did not matter and then shined a flashlight down the side of the tank until I could see the coolant indeed was up to the full line on the tank -- but it is very hard to see. Nevertheless, to soothe my feelings, they put about an ounce or two into the plastic tank so that I could see it through the opening....:oops:
     
    #4 cyberpriusII, Oct 26, 2014
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    :rolleyes::whistle:
     
    #5 JC91006, Oct 26, 2014
  6. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Yes, JC, I am a dumb blonde -- that make you feel better. ;)
     
    #6 cyberpriusII, Oct 26, 2014
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    no that actually doesn't make me feel better. :D
     
    #7 JC91006, Oct 26, 2014
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    :unsure:(n)
     
    #8 bisco, Oct 26, 2014
  9. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Well.... your thread is most timely. I noticed the other day my ICE coolant level was slightly low. It has always been right on the full line, but now its 1/4" under it. I didnt see any obvious signs (checked the ICE water pump too) so I figured it was an anomaly.

    I went to the cabin yesterday to winterize it (220 miles each way) and when I was getting ready to leave today I did my usual check of the car - oil level, tire pressures, etc... and I noticed this time, pinkish white marks all over the inside of my ICE water pump pulley :mad:
    Looks like I will be replacing it this week. It also looks terribly easy to DIY.
     
    #9 PriusGuy32, Oct 26, 2014
  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    No Chris its hard to see the level in that tank. Especially if its not new very pink colored coolant. If the color is thinned out very hard. I usually go at it with a flashlight. Just dump the rad and the overflow bottle once a year.

    Very glad to hear you made it Iowa without any car drama. Your very brave.
     
    #10 edthefox5, Oct 26, 2014
    Stevewoods likes this.
  11. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    Actually, this helped me out.

    After reading it, I went to check my coolant level, but, as noted was not able to see any coolant. Indeed it looked like it was empty in the overflow tank. I got my flashlight out of the car and discovered the batteries were dead. As winter is coming, it was good I discovered the flashlight issue. Once I had the flashlight working, I was able to see that I had enough coolant in the overflow tank, but, as mentioned, it was not all that easy to see.
     
    #11 Stevewoods, Oct 27, 2014
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I guess the overflow reservoir plastic has become more opaque on newer 2G Prius. With my 2004 and 2007 it is easy to see the coolant level by looking through the translucent plastic.
     
    #12 Patrick Wong, Oct 27, 2014
    PriusGuy32 likes this.
  13. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    A true "dumb blonde" is not actually aware of the, uh, "dumbness".
     
    #13 AzWxGuy, Oct 28, 2014
  14. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    My tank is white and very hard to see the level. Very easy with flasdlight.
     
    #14 edthefox5, Oct 29, 2014
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