1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Water pump installation (should I pre-wet the magnet?)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jacob Bonner, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. Jacob Bonner

    Jacob Bonner Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2019
    86
    42
    1
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have read that a water pump should not run dry as it will burn out the mechanism. Quick question for water pump installations. For a fresh installation, should I remove the magnet and pour a small amount of coolant in the bore, prior to installation? Am I correct in thinking that the water pump will run from the moment I turn on the engine? Or does it kick on only once the thermostat has opened? In the process of purging air from the system, should I be concerned about running the engine until the temperatures exceed 185 Fahrenheit (for the thermostat to open), all while the water pump is running? I may be thinking about this too hard, but I'd really prefer to not burn out my brand new $300 water pump.
     
  2. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2009
    532
    225
    2
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Yikes, I didn't! I followed the procedure in the repair manual. That includes getting the car into maintenance(?) mode. Do you have these instructions?

    The water pump won't come on unless you have the heat on, or if the coolant temperature is above (? degrees).
     
    Raytheeagle and Jacob Bonner like this.
  3. Jacob Bonner

    Jacob Bonner Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2019
    86
    42
    1
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I don't have the repair manual.
     
  4. ttou68

    ttou68 Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2017
    340
    197
    0
    Location:
    40509
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    ICE water pump operating normally regardless coolant temperature, and whether thermostat open or close.
    There's no need to do anything to the pump during install, other than making sure gasket is in place and bolts are torqued correctly...

    Follow this helpful video, after pump install..


    Watch "2010-2015 Toyota Prius Engine coolant drain and refill" on YouTube


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    Raytheeagle and pjksr02 like this.
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Didn't do anything special for our old 2010's when I replaced it at 175k miles:).

    I did make sure to have a tube of Form In Place Gasket (FIPG) for the 2 studs that penetrate the block;).

    I did the thermostat at the same time and after 25k miles before I sold it the Prius was running great(y).