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Smoke when accelerating hard?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Wraiththe, Nov 19, 2023.

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  1. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    When I accelerate hard on the highway. I get a lot of steam coming out of the back of the car. a lot. I am losing antifreeze a little bit each day and I'm thinking I'm probably getting any freeze in the exhaust. I thought this might be. The bypass in the exhaust it's a known issue but since this happens under heavy acceleration, I'm wondering if it's something else. I have a 2017 prius 44. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 Wraiththe, Nov 19, 2023
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The exhaust heat exchanger is kind of a known issue for that generation. I don't expect heavy acceleration to put a lot more coolant in the exhaust ... but it definitely makes a lot more exhaust, which might account for what you're seeing.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Nov 19, 2023
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Didn't you already do a coolant bypass on your heat exchanger?
     
    #3 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 19, 2023
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 19, 2023
  5. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Is it white smoke? If so, could be coolant getting into the engine (head gasket).

    One of those head gasket testers (that changes color) can help diagnose it.

     
    #5 ColoradoBoo, Nov 19, 2023
  6. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I'd start by looping out the exhaust gas heat exchanger. If the coolant lost stops, you've got your answer. Those head gasket chemical test will read positive anytime exhaust gases is pushed into the coolant system. It doesn't tell you where the exhaust gases is being pushed into the coolant system (ie. exhaust gas heat exchanger).

    Hope this helps....
     
    #6 BiomedO1, Nov 19, 2023
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  7. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    Nope, but I found an excellent Toyota mechanic willing to do one.
     
    #7 Wraiththe, Feb 27, 2024
  8. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    thanks, Since the coolant is always that pretty pink, I would assume there is no exhaust gases going into the coolant line. The inside of the exhaust pipe looks brand spanking new.
     
    #8 Wraiththe, Feb 27, 2024
  9. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    Now, @137K.
     
    #9 Wraiththe, Feb 27, 2024
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  10. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    Sorry... I had a hip replacement in December... Prior to that and a few weeks after, I have been out of sorts...
    Good to be back. Life changing operation.
    With so much stuff I have becoming obsolete... i.e. computers... DVR's... Nice to have a little challenge that can be approached. (cars)
     
    #10 Wraiththe, Feb 27, 2024
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2024
  11. Wraiththe

    Wraiththe Member

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    Nope.
     
    #11 Wraiththe, Feb 27, 2024
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