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Coolant Loss

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by donzoh1, Nov 13, 2023.

  1. donzoh1

    donzoh1 Active Member

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    IMG_20231113_114803960.jpg My 2013 was losing coolant from the large hose connecting the cylinder head to the driver's side plumbing. I tightened these clamps (yes I know they're incorrect) and that fixed the major leak. But, a small amount of coolant was still being lost. I noticed some dried coolant residue on the coolant reservoir so I figured it was either bypassing the reservoir cap or the coolant hose connection at the front of the reservoir. I tied some paper towel strips around both. The strip at the small hose connection has now turned pink so I'm hoping that's it. Note the pink paper towel strip in contrast to the white one under the cap.
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    The jug is probably cracked right there at that fitting look carefully with a flashlight sticking right on top of the jug and on the side the bottom front you'll find it I doubt things are leaking past the clamp. Usually the plastic of the jug is compromised
     
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  3. donzoh1

    donzoh1 Active Member

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    I did stop the leak with clamp tightening but the reservoir could still be cracked.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It looks like it may be and the system does make a certain amount of pressure so you want to keep an eye on it when you get it warmed up going somewhere for a while whatever and see what you have going on If it is leaking from pressure you need to get it replaced a cheap aftermarket one can be fine It's a Gen 3 so it's not going to be around that long no worries on cheaper parts the cheaper the better with this car actually better doesn't improve the car's chances per se.
     
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  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Perhaps a new hose????? There reall isn't much to trim back and reattach.
    And a new cap? That will likely stop the leaking. If not, you could remove the tank, clean
    it really well. Then fill the tank and put pressure on it to find the leak. Then heat
    an old screwdriver or something metal and melt the place(s) where the leak is.
    Or purchase a new one....

     
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  6. johnHRP

    johnHRP Active Member

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    You use non-springloaded clamp on coolant system. That is the most common cause of leaks. Spring loaded OEM clam expand and contract as the temperature changes. If the hose is not cracked, than just replace the clamp. Otherwise, replace both and the leak will never occurs anymore.
    Always use OEM "spring hose clamp" on any car. There is a reason why Tesla, and all ICE cars still use this spring.
    https://www.huyett.com/blog/hose-clamp-types
     
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Patron saint of newly poured sidewalks

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  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Some of these cars seem a perfect candidate for o-ring removal and zero pressure coolant It's for big trucks and it stinks real bad I can't remember the name of it We were using it in the '80s and some Toyotas but basically you change your cap and the stuff runs zero pressure it just gets pump through it doesn't need the pressure for the added boil protection if you will I guess.
     
  9. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Any update? Did you find what was leaking? Were you able to fix it?