engine water pump failed to seal?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Chris77*, Mar 17, 2026 at 11:11 PM.

  1. Chris77*

    Chris77* Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2020
    67
    16
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I attempted diy engine pump. I followed instructions of sr member Tombukt2. He set me up with a repair that seemed straightforward and i found a place to work on it at a friend. Tombukt2 advised take the pump off without draining any fluid this was the correct method if fluid is still good as you loose the min about a quart as promised.

    I bought a aisin pump it was marked to me as 20$ cheaper and still oem. It came with a new metal gasket. I torqued bolts to (8lb-ft, 96 in-lb). The repair was tight and messy but otherwise I got it done. When I went to burp it i hear the coolant hit the pavement as the pump didn't seal. Hopefully someone knows how to remedy this?

    Also, I am concerned that the coolant needs changed. What came out of there was orange and murky. The previous owner told me dont worry about engine coolant as he had changed the thermostat the same yr i bought the car and had changed fluid.

    Any help remedy these problems is appreciated.
     
    #1 Chris77*, Mar 17, 2026 at 11:11 PM
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2026 at 12:56 AM
  2. Chris77*

    Chris77* Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2020
    67
    16
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I am going to add an update. From my personal research AI thinks this is a gasket issue and somewhat common on prius. It said that this is a case where one doesn't want to go oem because after market is more forgiving on old cars. AI recommended FEL-PRO. i will say i was having problems seeing what i was doing so i did bend the gasket a little when i was setting it up. Its a pain the metal gasket is this sensitive, if the culprit. How would you guess go about it if you agree this is a gasket issue?
     
  3. Chris77*

    Chris77* Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2020
    67
    16
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    also i am going to do a proper inspection on the fluid as i feel like this might be the most important part.
     
  4. xw20_driver

    xw20_driver Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2025
    100
    53
    0
    Location:
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    This is good to know. My 2007 has a weepy and crusty WP and I also have a new AISIN pump from Rockauto that I hope to tackle in the upcoming weeks. I plan to replace the thermostat as well and will likely drain out as much of the coolant from the system as possible including the storage tank.

    Can you describe the coolant being murky? When I look into the radiator neck, my red coolant appears cloudy and opague and not transparent.