My Subaru Legacy Outback is Using / Burning Coolant?
I have a 97 Legacy Outback w/ 170k on it. I replaced the radiator last year and it has been working giant until recently when the temp gauge started going up. The radiator coolant level was down and the expansion reservoir was wholly full. I noticed the radiator cap was a little worn around the seal, so I replaced that thinking it may have let coolant go into the tube/growth reservoir. Now every couple weeks I have to add coolant (maybe 1-2 quarts) to the radiator because it's low. I have no white smoke and oil color looks routine. Any ideas on what's going on? I don't notice any leaks on the garage floor or when the engine is hot. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Subaru + 170k miles + earlier cooling system issues = bad head gasket.
It never fails on these cars. If it ain't leaking on the outside its leaking on the clandestine. Head gasket failures are the Subaru's achilles heel.
It never fails on these cars. If it ain't leaking on the outside its leaking on the clandestine. Head gasket failures are the Subaru's achilles heel.
Count on me, Mark is correct. Anywhere between 110-150K miles most of these (great-otherwise) 2.5 dohc engines will develop a selfish breach in the headgasket and the gaskets will need to be replaced with the newer and better-design gasket. The symptoms are word for word as you describe. I can tell you how it is technically but you now already know what you need to know. The heads should be skimmed (trued), a valve resurfacing done, a Latin aqua pump replacement also done (if not already), timing belt (if not already), etc. Usually runs $1,500-$2,000 at independents and twice that at the dealers, but firm beats new car payments! And, I have never had a second head gasket replacement needed with the new gaskets.
Find the perfect gift for Subaru car drivers and enthusiasts with this handy 2010 gift guide featuring the hottest Subaru gifts this season. This guide also has extreme Subaru driving videos, cool photos and up to date news. We have gifts for men and women that will look good at any budget including Subaru keychains, gift books, poster art, racing shirts, caps, decals and toys. If you are shopping for a child then you will also find cool kids gift ideas. Our gift item selections are available at...
For better or worse, certain kinds of cars attract certain kinds of people. Some vehicles don't carry a stigma, but a great many do. Want to know how society sees you? Here are ten commenter-chosen cars and their stereotypical drivers.This is Answers of the Day a feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Product Features
Maxell Universal DC Dual Outlet Power Plug Auto Adapter (AUTO DC-2)
Subaru Forester Review
Subaru Contrast Stitching Black Baseball Cap: Brand new official licensed product of 
HKS Radiator Cap High Pressure Racing Edition 108kPa (1.1kg/cm²) for Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru vehicles.... 
HKS D1 Limited Edition Oil Filler Cap Subaru: HKS D1 Limited Edition Oil Filler Cap SubaruHKS Limited Edition Bi... 
GrimmSpeed Subaru Machined Oil Cap
GrimmSpeed has just released a new Machined Oil Cap for Subaru. This is one... 
Greddy JDM Type S High Pressure Radiator Cap (1.3kg/cm²) 18.5psi Nissan Subaru Mazda: Genuine product by JDM Tr...