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What is the small nozzle type thing on the coolant overflow tank?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by root_root_user, Feb 18, 2018.

  1. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    Please see the attached picture to see what I am saying.
    So today when I checking under the hood and cleaning some leaves that were on the windshield, I knocked the cap of that nozzle off. I am unable to find it now. Should I be worried about it?
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think that's a "stop" of sorts, to keep the cap from unscrewing itself, not that that'd ever happen. I had the cap off a few months back, and I seem to recall you had to push or lift a bit to get the cap started unscrewing.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    can you post another pic with the nozzle cap missing?
     
  4. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    Thanks. Just joined the Prius family. The picture I posted is without the cap. It is a small black cap which goes into the area I marked with red. I got this reference on Amazon. The thing that has gone missing is the smaller black cap below the main cap.
     
  5. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    Thanks. I will keep an eye on the cap to see what's going on. As an aside, is it OK to have the coolant level in the overflow tank, an inch below LOW level?
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does it look like it broke off?maybe you can grab a new one at a salvage yard or eBay.
     
  7. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    It just came off when I was cleaning the tank. It looked loose to me. Do I need to get a whole tank or just the small cap? I will try to see if anyone is selling on ebay. There is a similar nozzle on the power control unit coolant tank, and it doesn't have any cap at all. So I am thinking this should be OK. Still wanted to make sure as this is my first car. Thanks.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hard to tell from the pic, and i don't have access to my car.
    mendel is probably spot on in post #2.
     
  9. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    That's what it looks like when I looked at more pictures online. Will keep an eye on the tank to see any cooling is coming out or something.
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can you try putting a wire or something in to see if it is an opening or not? i suppose it could be an air vent.
     
  11. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    Will try when I get back home and the engine has cooled down.
    Just did a test with a wire and the only place the wire is going is the thread of the main cap. So I guess it's nothing major. Although, now I am curious as to the function of it. Anyways.
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I took a look at ours: it is a small spiggot, with hole that goes through, so I'd say you should replace the missing cap. Look for vacuum caps, or brake bleed-bolt caps, maybe you can get a pack with assorted sizes. it's past the locking mechanism, which is those little "ramps" on either side of the protrusion on the cap. Here's a pic of mine:

    IMG_8235.JPG

    Regarding the low coolant, I would pick up a gallon (yeah I know) of the kosher stuff, "Toyota Super Long Life" (pre-mixed) and top it up to the upper line. You can always use it for a coolant change, down the road.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Feb 18, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2018
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  13. root_root_user

    root_root_user Junior Member

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    Thanks a lot Mendel. I plan on picking up coolant soon and monitor the levels to make sure there are no internal/ external leaks.
     
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  14. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    I haven't looked lately, but I thought there is a right angle "hose" that goes on there. It's the overflow, to prevent the tank from exploding if the coolant boils.