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Radiator Drain and Fill

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by rogerthat, Dec 20, 2021.

  1. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2015
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    Location:
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I drained the radiator earlier today after a forum member suggested it as an alternative to a complete engine coolant drain. In total, 2250mL drained directly from the radiator.

    However, I only managed to refill with about 2050mL. I used a Lisle funnel and opened the radiator bleed port, vinyl tube attached, to assist in the fill ( I closed the port when fluid started coming into the tube). I also turned on the ICE and cranked up the heat for 5 min, but still couldn't get the last roughly 200ml of coolant into the system. I then took the car for a short drive and after it had cooled the water level in the radiator neck had gone down an inch so I topped it off, but I'm still likely at least 150mL short of the total amount of drained coolant.

    So what's the best way to proceed? Should I just keep checking daily and top it off when I notice the level is low? Does the system self bleed while just driving?

    Otherwise should I reattach the Lisle funnel, fill it up with an excess of coolant, and try bleed the system by running the ICE for a longer period? I could also run the CHRS pump using a multi-meter... just not completely sure of the best route at this point.
     
    #1 rogerthat, Dec 20, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2021
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Nov 10, 2013
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    150ml is nothing. If you insist on getting every last drop back in, just check it every morning, fill to the top of the radiator. If you do this for 3 or 4 days, you should be able to get everything back in
     
    SFO likes this.