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2001 Prius: Gunk in inverter coolant reservoir after adding pink coolant

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by romanlutsk, May 22, 2016.

  1. romanlutsk

    romanlutsk Junior Member

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    Hello everyone,
    I was running a little low on the inverter coolant, so bought the pink Pentofrost A4 from Autozone and and topped it off (maybe half a cup)

    A few minutes later I noticed some gunk forming in the reservoir (that looked like white-ish lard) and reduced coolant flow but thought it was washed up from the other parts of the system.

    I let it stand overnight and in the morning noticed that the level was low again, so I added another cup. Now all the liquid in the reservoir looks like molasses:
    Shared album - Roman Zhovtulya - Google Photos

    Any ideas what's going on and what to do about it?

    Thanks!
     
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    1. Use a suction device to draw out a sample.
    2. Get the proper Toyota coolant
    3. Drain system and collect all that comes out
    4. Refill with Toyota coolant
    5. Send a sample of the 3d party, Toyota, and collected material to a lab, like R&G in Tampa Florida, and ask for an analysis
    There are somethings were it makes sense to hire an expert.

    Bob Wilson
     
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    The Amazon.com description:

    I don't think the Toyota pink fluid is a phosphated OAT but I am not sure. But it does not list it in the ingredients.

    I'd try to get as much out as possible before starting up.
     
    #3 wjtracy, May 22, 2016
    Last edited: May 22, 2016
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  4. romanlutsk

    romanlutsk Junior Member

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    All good points - thanks a lot!

    I've drained the goo and currently flushing the system with distilled water. 4 gallons so far and the goo is still coming out :)

    Just picked the Toyota SLLC from the dealer and will fill it up once clean water comes out. Will post progress.
     
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  5. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Just take your time.
     
  6. romanlutsk

    romanlutsk Junior Member

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    Ok, 4 drain/refills/bleedings later, having used 7 gallons of distilled water and spending over 4 hours, the catastrophe is averted and the goo is almost gone.

    The fluid movement in the reservoir is much more vigorous now than even before I added the wrong coolant. So, it's a positive outcome overall and a great learning experience. Now I can change inverter coolants with my eyes closed :)

    Here's a good thread with some key points for changing the fluid and bleeding the system as well:
    Changing Inverter Coolant Fluid. | PriusChat

    Again, thanks for all the help - couldn't have done it alone.
     
  7. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Good News, well, if I may, drive her for awhile and flush again to get the rest of the goop out.
     
  8. romanlutsk

    romanlutsk Junior Member

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    Yes, I thought about it too. But at $25/gallon, the Toyota coolant is not exactly cheap. I flushed it with water 4 times before and it looks pretty clean so far. Will see - I might do it at the next oil change though.
     
  9. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Vigorous movement in the reservoir is a good thing :D