Transaxle outboard filter NHW11

Some time ago, "IFixEm" (who used to post here) installed an experimental fluid filter on my 2001. I have now removed the filter and made an unexpected observation.

The plastic case of the filter has become deformed. I suppose the fluid flowing through it was hot enough (~80 oC Bob?) to get bent. It does not appear to be at imminent risk of failure but I do not intend to replace it with similar. Use a hose fitting to connect the 2 tubes instead.

I will send the filter to Bob W for possible testing. By appearance it has not captured many particles at all. If we decide to replace the filter, it must be with an aluminum body or similar, with better heat resistance.

Photo attached.

 

The collected particles are on the 'outside' of the folded paper but they appear to be few. This contributes to the conclusion that this vehicle can do without the filter (as Toyota more or less decreed).

The suggested ATF filter looks like a good choice but our next plan is just to do without. At any time in the future it would be simple enough to splice in a filter.

 

This outboard filter and the current fill of WS have approx 25k miles. The tubes are bent and the case is subtly deformed. The connecting tubing applies the bending force (not easy to undo that) and i think any plastic (ABS?) case like this presents an unacceptable failure risk.

The Prius transaxle if given the opportunity would pump itself dry with such a failure in this plumbing modification. Nobody should want that!

No doubt the magnet(s; my system has 3) would to a good job with the iron (that passes near enough). If anything abrasive is sneaking in, filter capture might actually reduce the iron wear rate. This was the original motivation for the filter.

But it should not have had such a soft case.

 

By some means I will deliver the filter and WS sample to Bob. The drain plug did not have a magnet; somehow I was expecting that. I did not drop the pan this time but recall that this is the 4th fluid fill since new. Unusual for Prius no doubt.

To substitute for the filter ont he outboard lines I bought some fittings at an auto store but not quite large enough. The junction was made from brass lamp 'nipple' which will be a familiar article to some.

The drained WS was not ugly. Still red, obviously some suspended particles but not nearly as much as the engine oil with about 12k miles also drained. WS did not smell bad. Depending on the WS analysis I will probably suggest a long change interval to Bill (Tocha's new dad). Now he has seen the activity (and has the funnel&tube) and can probably do the next one on his own.

Today we pull the windshield wipers, en route to the PCV valve.

 

Now the maint tasks are done. The car has new plugs and PCV; WS, engine oil and filter. To my geat amazement the old wreck still runs.

 

The Prius in qeustion had its first transaxle fluid change at about 60k. That one included a pan drop and magnet cleaning (not done by me). Report was of a very small quantity of debris in the magnet(s) and pan requiring 'about 5 seconds' to clean out. Subsequent fluid analysis from this example has not shown excessive wear metals so I presume it will not be the next one to fail. Does a smile or frown go there?

I do have a report on the PCV and plugs which may add slightly to the groups' knowledge but it is not a good time to write that up yet.