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Coolant Drip

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 12, 2012.

  1. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    I am getting a slow coolant drip from my inverter . The very slow leak appears on the left side of inverter when facing the front of car with hood open . The connection point alum tube to coolant resevoir black rubber tube. The inverter coolant connection reservoir tube side is damp to the touch and has visible red goop buildup.......
     
    #1 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 12, 2012
  2. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Like the connection points in the bottom of this torn down inverter?
    http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/ginv/618channels.jpg
    If it is the tube going into the inverter, on the left, then I can't see what to do about it. But this stuff can flow and slime around. Maybe clean thoroughly and see where the source is more closely.
     
    #2 nh7o, Sep 13, 2012
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Pics please.
     
    #3 edthefox5, Sep 13, 2012
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    The most likely cause of your leak is a cracked inverter coolant reservoir. This is semi-common and more so on an older car. To verify this, unbolt the two front bolts on the inverter and pivot it toward the drivers side fender (lift slightly up and to the right). This will give you a better view. I'd be willing to bet the plastic on the reservoir is cracked (hairline crack) at the point where it enters the inverter. The reservoir can be replaced w/out completely removing the inverter but, its a pain in the butt.
     
    #4 usnavystgc, Sep 13, 2012
  5. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    I plan on images just need some time.......the drip/small leak is on the inverter connection side and not reservoir from my vantage perspective....I am consider another rebuilt inverter with the mileage at 105,000 plus,,

    If my orientation is correct on this image would be far left tube/connection
     
    #5 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 14, 2012
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Hi-
    If you replace the Inverter could you do me a big favor and take the bottom part off the leaking one to expose the coolant channels. I want to see how corroded it gets in there please. Pics of the coolant channels. Thank you.
     
    #6 edthefox5, Sep 14, 2012
  7. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    oh do you a flavor.......just kiddin.........from what I know the coolant gels up and blocks the small channels
     
    #7 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 14, 2012
  8. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Well, from the way you describe it, its on the same side as the reservoir. If that's the case, The most likely cause of the leak is a crack in the reservoir (especially since yours is a salvage vehicle). The coolant is probably running allong the hose and other hardware to a point where it can drip. This will make it appear to be leaking somewhere else. I'd hate to see you change out the entire inverter only to find out the plastic reservoir was leaking. But, it is a free country.
     
    #8 usnavystgc, Sep 14, 2012
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