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

Radiator and condenser dented from below... no leaks. What to do?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by viciousthinker, May 11, 2021.

  1. viciousthinker

    viciousthinker Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    14
    1
    0
    Location:
    Houston tx
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    hi all... ok, a friend came over to help me bleed my brakes, and in his zeal to assist he took my 3-ton floorjack and took it upon himself to jack up the front of the car while i was inside... as i walked out i was greeted with the sound of shattering plastic...

    [​IMG]

    he centered the floorjacks plate RIGHT UNDER THE RADIATOR/CONDENSER brace... and jacked it up good. both the radiator and condenser now have quite the dent in the bottom area, not centered but somewhat to the left...neither is leaking, and seemingly all is working normally, although i did have to take some of the coolant out as the overflow container was above the full line after this event...

    [​IMG]

    so what do you guys think? assuming i have hybrid assistant running on my dash (android head unit) and keep an eye on the temps is it safe to drive? i let it heat up to 192f revving it in driveway and the thermostat apparently opened and the temp dropped quickly to 186f... so assuredly flow isn’t hampered?

    [​IMG]

    i have a parts car here, and assume a good radiator along with condenser, and while i know i can swap the radiator in, i’m not exactly sure what’s involved with the condenser... i’d love some advice, also would love to actually be able to make it into work today! thx in advance all..
     
    #1 viciousthinker, May 11, 2021
  2. viciousthinker

    viciousthinker Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2020
    14
    1
    0
    Location:
    Houston tx
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    F5B9E416-B499-43C7-9B36-65C0769E2F63.jpeg 3DC6D502-D2CF-42FA-B7DB-E8FFCC93E799.jpeg D6DD0A23-4AB8-4502-9CE7-9D084A1682FD.jpeg
     
    #2 viciousthinker, May 11, 2021
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,673
    6,492
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Monitor only.

    The coolant system is pressurized.
    If there's a leak under pressure, you'll find it....or it will find you.
    Even if you have a very small weep, seep etc....your nose should serve as a fairly sensitive detector....

    I'm not seeing anything that would illuminate the 'change radiator' light for me personally.
     
    #3 ETC(SS), May 11, 2021
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,565
    4,436
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Prius v jack points.jpeg Condenser does not look too bad but the radiator rupturing as you drive could take out the engine. I would change the radiator.

    The condenser requires refrigerant evacuation, condenser replacement, a superior vacuum, add oil, add refrigerant by weight and test for leaks with an electronic leak detector, preferably a Bacharach H10 Pro. A guy with Prius variable capacity ac experience is highly recommended. I might let that ride unless you can easily afford the AC overhaul expense.
     
    #4 rjparker, May 11, 2021
    Last edited: May 11, 2021
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)