beemer11 Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I need to order a radiator for my 96 Legacy outback. Auto Zone has 2 part numbers. One has a sensor fitting, one does not. The one that does not is $100 cheaper than the one that does. Do I need the sensor fitting? Is it for the sensor that tells the fan when to engage? I checked 1stSubaruParts.com and they don't list 2 part numbers for this car. Any help is much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I have two OBWs, a 98 and 99, but don't remember ever seeing a sensor plugged into a radiator. Sensors usually screw into the block. Suggest you visually look at both sides of your radiator, and inside along the bottom edge for a sensor on your radiator. I doubt that you will find one. If so, it will have an electrical wire connected to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I've used www.radiator.com for all my radiators. They usually have the best prices around, and are the most knowledgable. I dont ever remember a sensor being in the raditao of this model year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebugs Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 2 comments. I've done my fair share of these and don't recall a sensor in any Outback radiator. Second - it seems 96 and some 97's take a different (more pricey) radiator. May I sugest that you look at the bottom plastic pegs and see it they are the whole way out at the ends under the plastic tank on both ends or lets say 3-4 inches toward the center from where the tank meets the aluminum to make sure you get the correct rad. I just got the wrong one from the radiator barn but they seem like they are gonna be good about taking it back. Mine was for a 97. Luckily I scrounged around and had a servicable used one around here. The ones with the pegs closer to the middle are more rare and pricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike104 Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I got one from Pep Boys and it was about 1" shorter than the one I removed. Had to make some adjustments to get it to fit. Would recommend checking radiator.com and getting them to help, they have a tech who can answer your questions and get the correct rad. Helpful to have old rad P/N and tape measure handy to make sure you get the correct one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94Loyale Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Agreed with the other guys, I've never seen the sensor plug into the radiator on any Legacy's. Loyales were like that, but I've never seen a Legacy have the sensor on the rad. All the EJ's have that sensor on the coolant passage below the intake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemer11 Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 Thanks very much folks. I think I have enough info to make an informed purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 you might shop around a little. any parts seller that misses a 96 radiator that badly ............ double check, or the one you get may not be right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheinen74 Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 why do you think you need a radiator? Did it get smashed and now is spewing coolant? Or are you getting the normal overheating and coolant loss that a blown head gasket EJ25 does? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemer11 Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 Radiator is definitely spewing coolant. I ordered one from http://www.radiator.com last night and got it this afternoon for the lowest price I was able to obtain in my search. It appears to be the right part. I'll be installing it Friday. Thanks again to all who responded to my question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vasy Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 Beemer11: I also need a radiator for my 96 OBW with auto. Do you mind sharing your experience with your replacement? Is your Outback an auto, or 5-speed? Does your replacement from Radiator.com fit perfectly? How is the visual quality of construction? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 I also need a radiator for my 96 OBW with auto.. why do you need a radiator? what is the car / radiator doing? you might contact mdjdc, ha has a forester he is parting out and a line on an 01 outback. he's in richmond and may be able to help. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=109611&highlight=parting http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=112214&highlight=parting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vasy Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 why do you need a radiator? what is the car / radiator doing? http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=109611&highlight=parting http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=112214&highlight=parting It's leaking coolant from the passenger's side of the plastic side tank. I plan to keep the car for as long as I can so I'd like to get a brand-new one (lasts longer vs. used). I can get a new OEM from 1stSubaruParts.com for $245 shipping included. Radiator.com quoted me $188 including shipping but they wouldn't tell me what brand it is, a little odd to me. For the timing being, I'm using a modified radiator cap that does not pressurize to minimize leak. I've done this before on this Subaru and a 1990 Nissan. Never had water temp issue with the modified cap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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