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Water Pump Question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by MelonPrius, Jul 3, 2024 at 7:55 PM.

  1. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    I know this topic has been covered before, but I'd still like to get some feedback.

    At 120k miles, I'm going to replace my water pump out of precaution. There are no obvious signs of needing replacement. But I'll be taking a few trips this summer driving through long stretches of desert.

    1. Can I just replace the engine water pump, or is it common practice to replace both water pumps?

    2. While the mechanic is doing the work, is there anything else that needs to be done? I read in another thread that the thermostat should be replaced but I'm not sure how many miles they last.

    3. Does it matter which brand of water pump to use? What is recommended.

    I had my EGR cleaned at 90k miles. I'll need a new hybrid battery within a year (38% life left as per Dr. Prius) and don't know if I'll get a new battery or sell the Prius. So, I'm not looking to spend too much money just in case I end up selling the car soon.
     
    #1 MelonPrius, Jul 3, 2024 at 7:55 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't think we've seen enough water pump failures at your age and miles to bother
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 3, 2024 at 8:01 PM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    With the quality issues with pumps these days you may be trading in your original water pump that's more reliable for another pump that less reliable.

    And because these water pumps are easy to replace if they fail... Just buy a spare pump and watch a you tube video on how to replace it and wait for an error code telling you the pump is bad before replacing it.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Jul 3, 2024 at 8:13 PM
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    II
    If you're thinking of possibly selling the Prius, I wouldn't bother changing out the pump. Mine had an error code at 214k miles. It was a over rotation code, it didn't actually fail. I went on Amazon and bought a new water pump rotor to replace the old unit. Yours at 120k miles should have plenty of life left (at least another 50k before you need to think about replacing it)

    I didn't want to spend a lot on this engine as it's nearing the dreaded "need head gasket" mileage. So I refurbished the water pump with a new rotor and it should last until the engine needs a head gasket.
     
    #4 JC91006, Jul 3, 2024 at 11:26 PM
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