Coolant storage hose found clamped! Is this ok?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusDadNoob, Jan 4, 2023.

  1. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    I recently bought another 2007 Prius and found the coolant storage tank host clamped when I looked under the car! See the photo. The vice grip was attached (still there actually as I was afraid to remove it!) Why in the world would this be clamped by the previous owner or mechanic and am I going to damage anything if I remove the vice grips? It's a strange thing...

    Photo attached.

    This is under the driver's side of the car taken from the center of the car toward the front left fender and the coolant storage tank. (CHRS??) Thanks for the help everyone, this forum is awesome.
     

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    #1 PriusDadNoob, Jan 4, 2023
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Probably was using those clamps to pinch off hoses while replacing the coolant control valve and forgot to remove it.
    That clamp is pretty much the model used in a popular online video showing how to replace that control valve.

    I watched the video and bought some myself (harbor freight). I put small rubber hoses over the long noses to help prevent damaging the coolant hoses.
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, Jan 4, 2023
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Unclamped would be better.

    Unless you find some problem, like a leak, appears with it unclamped.

    In that case, unclamped with the problem fixed would be better.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Jan 5, 2023
  4. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    I'll unclamp it guys. Strange that it does not matter that it has been closed. Is that line hose really important? I've read here that that "collector" is not even on the UK model Prius...

    Would any errors with that system (pump etc) throw a code? The previous owner said it needed an inverter pump but there are no codes to that effect.

    Thank you!
     
    #4 PriusDadNoob, Jan 5, 2023
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    There are a few codes that the ECM "should" set when things aren't working...but that don't always happen.

    If there's a problem woth the inverter pump- sometimes it shorts, which pops the AM2 fuse underhood and "kills" the car (shuts it off immediately). Other times the pump just stops- eventually the inverter can/will get too hot and set codes.

    You can check pump operation by turning the car to ignition on (power button 2x without pressing brake) or ready (2x with brake). You should see some turbulence in the inverter coolant reservoir and hear a slight hum from the pump behind the left headlight.

    Pump failure is common- Toyota (from a reputable source - not amazon or ebay) is the most reliable replacement and typically lasts around 100k. Aftermarket parts are cheaper and quality varies wildly. Some are fine for years. Some fail after a few months or weeks. Some work and then occasionally don't.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 mr_guy_mann, Jan 5, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2023
  6. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    okay so I unclamped that hose and replaced the inverter pump. Just drive the car two miles and the engine temp error came on.

    could that clamp have been fixing something?
    Will techstream show me the specific engine temp?
     
    #6 PriusDadNoob, Jan 9, 2023
  7. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Techstream will show engine coolant temperature (ECT) as well as Coolant Heat Storage tank temperature (tank outlet temperature).

    Normally ECT should increase until it reaches thermostat opening temperature. It levels off there until the radiator get fully hot then goes up until airflow removes heat (either driving or radiator fan).

    Did you install the thermostat with the "jiggle pin" at the top?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 mr_guy_mann, Jan 9, 2023
    PriusDadNoob likes this.
  8. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    Yes I did install it with the jiggle pin at the top but it was a slightly different type and the jiggle pin was not on the outer ring, but kind of built into the center. I was kind of desparate to get everything back together so I did not want to wait for a overnight part delivery...

    Do you think that could be the problem?
     
    #8 PriusDadNoob, Jan 9, 2023
  9. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    See attached images for the idea of what I mean on the jiggle pin. It's there, just inside the "cone".
     

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    #9 PriusDadNoob, Jan 10, 2023
  10. PriusDadNoob

    PriusDadNoob Junior Member

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    Just to update anyone who might read this thread. I went back and replaced the thermostat with a Toyota part. I honestly don't think it was ever bad in the first place. I think I just had the coolant level too low. The clamp has been removed. I replaced the coolant (twice) and installed a thermostat (Toyota) and of course bled the system and all is well.
     
    #10 PriusDadNoob, Apr 14, 2023
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