Planetary Drive type (Gen1, Gen2...)?

Just been getting a Hi Mileage Gen2 2007 up and running. Some serious body damage but repairable. It now appears the the Traction battery is in good condition and other systems seem to be working well. I can't get out for a road test because of the body damge but did drive it around and aroud my property for ab0ut a 1/4 mile. Still only get error code when i try to do an OBDII (prius aware) scan. That may come later when it runs long enough to do all the system scan checks.

Mechanically, everything seems to be OK. Intially I thought the engine was a bit noisy as compared to my Gen1 2002. I could definately hear this engine start and run. A lot of rumbling. However, now that I'm getting better aquinted with this car, I think it is the Synergy Drive as the drive and motors are interacting through the planetary gear drive.

I have watch a couple videos that explain this setup and think I understand the principal. However, I'm not clear if the Gen2 still has the chain or was it just the Gen1 that use this.

The reason I ask is because if there were any "weak" link, due to high mileage, I would think the chain drive would be problematic. This car has 286,000 miles and the sounds I could be a noisy chain, more likely that gear wear.

Just curious??

 

Very interesting and informative.. Now I'm anxious to get this car road ready enough to drive til I get the system to set some OBDII codes. If they are to be, then better I know where to look for the problems and solutions.

Due to the extremly high mileage, I might keep an eye out for a complete low mileage ICE and tranny for a quicker swap-out. Haven't done any compression test yet but might do that shortly now that I can keep it running long enough to get the temp. up. (sorry, this thinking out loud!)

Steve

 

I'm only suggesting I will determine the condtion of this extremely high mileage engine with a "routine" compression test as outlined on page EM-3 of the Gen1 manual (I don't have access to the Gen2 manual but this is the same 1.5L engine). Someone with access to the Gen 2 manual might want to Chime in here, but here is some general info from manual on the compression test.

(it doesn't state this but normal automotive procedures, you warm up engine and the remove all spark plugs and do you compression test while the engine is still warm.)

a) Insert a compression gauge into the spark plug hole.

b) Fully open the throttle.

c) While cranking the engine, measure the compression pressure.

It also states that the "engine speed is automatically controlled at 250 RPM..."

For the benefit of those who don't have access to the manual, the procedure is pretty much the same an oridnary engine. Normal compression 106 PSI, Min. 77 PSI, Diff. between cylinders 14 PSI or less.

Steve

 

Old habit form conventional ICE days. When want to determine the condition of a older OEM engine, I take compression readings as a reference, from which I can generally tell if it needs valve work or rings or both. (use a method of "dry compression and wet compresstion tests".

Haven't tried it yet and the manual doesn't say. But I think I would remove all the plugs, intall the compression gauge in first cylinder, turn on engine in normal fashion, let crank monmentarily, turn off and read gauge and move to next cylinder, etc... Gauge has a check valve so only a couple revolutions is all you need.

The Prius ICE ECU is smart but I doubt is will notice the plug wires and plugs have been pulled. Most likely it will stop spinning the engine as soon as it realizes it didn't start and that is all you need since it will turn 4.2 rev/sec.. Cranking longer than that won't hurt the gauge or effect the reading once the max reading is reached.

Steve

 

Maybe I'm relying on the infor I am getting from the Gen1 manual. Is it possible/true that the Gen1 used a ICE conventional starter while the Gen2 uses the MG1. I think I remember reading that someplace on here.

Here to learn, "Not to Burn!"!

Steve