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Radiator & coolant questions

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by WHCSC, Nov 2, 2021.

  1. WHCSC

    WHCSC Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2012
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    Location:
    Omaha, NE
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'll start off by admitting that I'm probably on the pinned list of people who should not own a Gen1.

    I started noticing that I had no heat in my '02. I added coolant to the overflow and the radiator. Puddles formed on the ground both sides under the radiator. I had a good shop verify the leak(s) and they recommended replacing the radiator/condenser at about $900. First question: should a shop that is familiar with the Prius do this job or can any shop handle it? I know it gets complicated with the inverter involved and the bleeding procedure.

    I also checked the inverter coolant reservoir and there was no movement. I reached down an felt the pump and it seemed to be working (it was vibrating). Second question: Could low coolant level make it so there is no turbulence in the reservoir even with the pump working?

    Thanks in advance for your help!
     
    #1 WHCSC, Nov 2, 2021
  2. nimblemotors

    nimblemotors Re Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2010
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    Location:
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    The inverter coolant is separate system from the radiator coolant, so there is nothing special about replacing the radiator in the gen1 prius.
    $900 is crazy, I need to become a mechanic...
     
    #2 nimblemotors, Nov 3, 2021
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  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    On the other hand, Gen 1 integrated the engine radiator with the A/C condenser, which throws an extra twist in the story, and the part alone is $329 list.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Nov 3, 2021
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  4. nimblemotors

    nimblemotors Re Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2010
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    Location:
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    And so they do! Though not really different than a normal car to replace, but will have to de/recharge the a/c to break the lines. I just looked at the one I removed when doing the engine swap on the blue car. Disappointing, because I wanted to use all of the A/C system for my motorhome project to get 12v a/c. I wonder if the same as an Echo? I would assume the connectors to the a/c condensor are the same?
    Just checked, the Echo has separate rad and condensor ($50 ea on rock auto). Has the same compressor as the prius, or might be the yaris.

    If the op want to buy this radiator I sell it for $100 plus shipping since I can't seem to use it now..although maybe use the radiator part of it for something too on the motorhome..hmm
     
    #4 nimblemotors, Nov 3, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2021
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