radiator replacement proactively?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by 97trophy, Jun 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

  1. 97trophy

    97trophy Junior Member

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    2005, 190k miles no problems.

    Thoughts on proactive rad replacement, thanks.
     
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Your AC condenser is in front of your radiator; so it's shielded from road debris. IMHO; proper coolant changes would do more for the health of your cooling system - unless you dumped some sort of sealer into your cooling system.

    YMMV
     
    #2 BiomedO1, Jun 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2026 at 3:58 PM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    First try pulling the bumper cover and spraying the AC condenser and Radiator with cleaner designed for it and use a comb designed to fix any bends on the fins of the condenser and radiator. This will give you an opportunity to search for damage that would justify replacement.

    In general Gen2 engines don't have an issue with running too hot. If this was a 2010-2015 Prius that has a known problem with cooling system running too hot and engine cooling pumps running too hot/failing that likely contributes to a relatively common head gasket failure, then yes it would be wise. Fortunately Gen2 wasn't designed by idiots trying to fit a bigger engine into a high mpg economy car.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You'll need an AC condenser long before you'll ever be discussing the radiator unless you've clogged it up with stop leak
     
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  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Pretty sure the cooling system was designed to and functions quite well in both gens.

    The problems really start when aftermarket replacements are substituted - which applies to most things under the hood. It is particularly foolish if you replace a good oem part with an aftermarket maf, coil, egr valve (gen3 only), water pump(s), radiator, ac condenser or injector.

    Since the op says "no problems", the smart thing is don't fix it if its not broken.

    Spend your money where it counts - on fluid replacements. Brake fluid, both cooling systems (50k miles or less), engine (5k miles or less) and transaxle. Filters, engine, cabin, oil filters. Battery blower wheel inspection and clean if needed.

    Obviously new oem parts are ok if money is not an issue. However there are counterfeit oem parts in fake Toyota packaging on ebay and amazon.
     
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Maybe change your tire valve stem covers instead . Just color choices no thinking. Radiators work really well until you see a puddle of fluid underneath them then is time. Proactiv ride the bike a few times a week .