Persistent Coolant Venting Under Load: Good Cap, 0 Misfires, 216°F Peak (Graph Attached)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Asfand, May 19, 2026.

  1. Asfand

    Asfand New Member

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    Hey everyone,

    I’m dealing with a persistent coolant venting issue on my 2010 Gen 3, and it's driving me crazy. I'm attaching a Torque Pro graph of my coolant temps from a recent long highway trip for context.

    The Symptoms: After long, sustained highway trips (ambient temps are very hot right now, around 95°F-100°F / 35°C-38°C), my engine coolant reservoir level drops, and I get pink crust spraying around the cap threads and around the coolant reservoir at sides.
    upload_2026-5-19_14-26-54.png upload_2026-5-19_14-28-13.png

    What I've Checked/Done:

    1. The Cap & Vent: I swapped the engine cap with a known-good 108 kPa (16 PSI) cap. I also made sure the side overflow nozzle is completely open and unobstructed. It still vented coolant on my last long drive.

    2. Head Gasket Signs (or lack thereof): I am logging all 4 cylinders in Torque Pro, and I have exactly 0 misfires across hours of driving. The engine runs beautifully smooth under heavy load.

    3. The Data (See Attached Graph): As you can see in the log, my engine coolant temp (7E2) fluctuates normally but peaks at about 214°F to 216°F (101°C - 102°C) during heavy uphill highway stretches.
    If the cap is a good 16 PSI cap, and 216°F shouldn't be hot enough to boil a fully pressurized system, why is it still pushing steam/coolant past the cap?

    Graph1: Different temperatures against other PIDs
    upload_2026-5-19_14-20-49.png
    Graph2: Cylinders misfire graph against other PIDs
    upload_2026-5-19_14-23-7.png
     
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    It's likely a failed coolant pump, and/or thermostat.
    Other issues could be a clogged radiator, hose, failing fans.

    Are you using the correct Toyota coolant?
     
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    No fix that one . Good research . Let it go . You will not benefit trying to fix. Don't get caught in this unless you just can't stop you're self . And good