Hello, as you can see from the pics, the Coolant Heat Storage Tank Assembly (I didn't name it ) for the electric motor has been dented from a wreak. Is it safe to use the canister or will it have to be replaced? If it needs to be replaced, where would you recommend I order this from? Thanks! This is a 2007 prius.
It looks okay. Basically, you have nothing to lose by trying it out, because it is easy to get to if you want to replace it. Salvage are hard to come by, because most junkyard cars are similarly damaged in the front, so expect to pay at least a few hundred for a used replacement. New, they are $1000 +/- if I recall correctly.
Check the pump as well, which is on the other side of the tank. They are also often damaged in a collision. It's also called a coolant storage thermos.
Just a quick fyi. That tank is for engine coolant storage. Nothing to do with the electric motors that propel the car. I agree you should try it. If it doesn't leak its probably OK.
Take your finger and run it over the area around the bend. As long as the bent area is "radiused," and there is no crease that ends in a sharp point, you'll be just fine. The tank has to be a "soft" anealed stainless steel for it to be deep drawn to make it. No "point" crease means that the material has not been strained to the point of "separation" of the alloying "crystals" in the stainless steel. A "point" crease creates enormous tension on a pinpoint. This pinopint results in the separation of the crystals often known as "metal fatigue." If there are no "point" creses, the tank will be long lived.
