coolant leak after coolant change

[86subaru]

flushed out changed the coolant in my 2000 legacy 2.5 a/t now leaking alittle coolant size of a quarter , :horse:any comments , hg ? going ready to blow, 127,000mi

[john40iowa]

Was this a chemical flush? Did you put the "Subaru Conditioner" in?

[bstone]

It's probably just displacing air with coolant. Did you burp it?

[86subaru]

no subaru stuff put in yet, no burp, just drained and filled flushed out with water used good name coolant, seems to come from center of motor, thanks merry christmas / happy new year

[john40iowa]

Are the hoses original? I had one leak after I changed the fluid. Be sure an add the Subaru Conditioner regardless; it is cheap insurance.

[GeneralDisorder]

You need to add the coolant conditioner every time you change the coolant with the earlier SOHC EJ25's. It's $1.50 a bottle at the dealer.

 

GD

[86subaru]

ok, dealer is like 1 hour away , yes i will

[john40iowa]

you can also order it on-line from several Subaru dealers.

[86subaru]

yes i know the subaru conditioner is better , but is there any other stuff that works as good, that can be found at any parts store ? it will take aleast 3 days to get here and wanted to put it in today ? thanks

[johnceggleston]

it will take aleast 3 days to get here and wanted to put it in today ? thanks

 

3 days will not make a difference, just leave 4 oz. of coolant out.

 

i think the stuff is made by ''holts'' so you might look for that.

[86subaru]

thanks

[86subaru]

called dealer , no longer available , i guess replace head gasket

[johnceggleston]

i got 2 bottles from my local dealer last fall. i'd call a different dealer.

[86subaru]

yes, looking closer seems like it coming from the water pump area instead , may need new water pump + gasket , thasnks

[johnceggleston]

great info from the outback forum, even if it isn't for your year, the basics apply.

 

 

Colin,

I am the tech manager at Prestone Antifreeze. Check out these service bulletins on your car regarding coolant loss

 

NUMBER: 08-52-08

DATE: 08/18/08

APPLICABILITY:

1999MY and later Impreza & Forester

2000MY and later Legacy & Outback

2006MY and later Tribeca

SUBJECT: Coolant Overflow

Introduction

If you encounter a vehicle which experiences coolant coming out of the coolant reservoir tank, it may be caused by the radiator cap pressure valve being stuck open by debris sucked up through the reservoir tank hose. As the cooling system cools down, it sucks coolant back into the radiator. If there is debris that settles to the bottom of the reservoir tank, the hose is low enough to also suck them back into radiator. This causes the radiator cap not to seal, allowing excessive amount of coolant to escape overflowing the reservoir tank. If this condition continues over time, there will not be enough coolant in the system to maintain proper engine temperature.

In order to correct the condition you need to clean (and test) or replace the radiator cap, clean out the reservoir tank, and shorten the hose slightly, following the repair procedure.

Production Line Change

The shorter coolant reservoir tank hose was used in production as shown above.

Repair Procedure/Information

1.Radiator Cap Cleaning

Many caps can be successfully cleaned. The important part is the thorough cleaning of the negative pressure valve. If this is not done completely, remaining debris may result in a repeat issue. If there is an excessive amount of debris or the sealing rubber on the cap appears to be pitted or damaged, replace the cap.

Note: If replacing the cap, skip to Step 2.

Using clean water and a brush, thoroughly clean the cap seal surface.

Note: A used toothbrush which has been cleaned works great.

Manually open the negative pressure valve. Using clean water and a brush, thoroughly clean the valve (inner and outer surface) and the valve seal surface.

Check the radiator cap valve opening pressure using a radiator cap tester to insure the cap is within specification (refer to the applicable Subaru Service Manual).

Note: If the cap is out of specification replace it.

2.Coolant Reservoir Tank Cleaning

Remove the reservoir tank (refer to the applicable Subaru Service Manual).

Using clean water, thoroughly clean the inside of the reservoir tank.

Reinstall reservoir tank. Fill with coolant to the Full mark.

Note: Be sure to use genuine Subaru Super Coolant or Subaru Long Life Coolant, depending upon what type of coolant is currently in the system.

3.Coolant Reservoir Tank Hose Modification

Remove the hose from the reservoir tank. Cut 20 mm from the bottom of the hose at a 45°angle. Reinstall hose in reservoir tank.

Start engine and permit to fully warm up.

Turn off engine and allow to fully cool down.

Recheck coolant level in reservoir and add coolant if needed.

Note: Be sure to use genuine Subaru Super Coolant or Subaru Long Life Coolant, depending upon what type of coolant is currently in the system.

Warranty/Claim Information

 

 

 

 

 

© 2011 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved.Terms of Use

Edited December 27, 2011 by johnceggleston

[johnceggleston]

too long for one post, here's the rest of it.

 

NUMBER: 09-42-05

DATE: 04/15/05

APPLICABILITY:

All Models

SUBJECT:

Cautions Concerning Engine Coolant

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform of cautions concerning engine coolant.

REPAIR PROCEDURES/INFORMATION

When adding, replacing or servicing the cooling system always use Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant. Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is a phosphate (non-amine) type and is specially formated for all Subaru vehicles equipped with aluminum engines and radiators. Coolant of other types may not provide the proper protection to aid against corrosion of aluminum parts. If an equivalent must be used, make sure it is a phosphate (non-amine) type. As a reminder, use of Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is mandatory on all repairs paid for by Subaru of America, Inc, that require the replenishment of coolant. This holds true for any claim type.

Do not use flushing machines.

 

 

If a flushing machine has been used to service other brand vehicles with copper radiators, a chemical reaction between copper ions and Subaru coolant may occur. This could also cause clogging of the radiator.

If regular flushing is required, only use fresh tap water. Do not use hard water. Hard water will create calcium build-up which will clog the radiator.

Whenever the coolant is changed, you must add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner. Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner has been tested and approved for aluminum engines and radiators.

Do not use after-market coolant reinforcement agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as those chemicals could corrode aluminum parts.

Disclaimer

And last, the cylinder head issue-

NUMBER: WWP-99

DATE: 02/2004

APPLICABILITY:

2000-2002MY Subaru Legacy and Outback;

1999-2002MY Impreza; 1999-2002MY Forester

SUBJECT:

Engine Cooling System Conditioner

INTRODUCTION

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that over time, affected vehicles may develop small external coolant leaks at engine cylinder head gaskets. This is the result of normal expansion and contraction of engine components caused by the heating and cooling of these parts. To prevent cylinder head gasket leaks from developing or to correct existing leaks, a special Subaru Cooling System Conditioner should be added to affected vehicle cooling systems.

This Service Program will involve adding one bottle of Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner to the engine cooling system.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

2000-2002 MY Subaru Legacy and Outback with 2.5L engine.

1999-2002 MY Impreza with 2.5L engine.

1999-2002 MY Forester with 2.5L engine.

Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below. Only vehicles with a 2.5L engine are affected.

NOTE :Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).

Vehicles identified in the preceding chart may include VINs that were not distributed in the U.S. market. Dealers will be provided a list of VINs that include the owner name and address. This information will enable dealers follow-up with owners of potentially affected vehicles. These listings contain owners names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is unlawful. Accordingly dealers are urged to limit the use of this listing only for the purpose of completion of this service program.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

SOA prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of the affected vehicles. Because of the number of vehicles affected and parts availability, owner notification will occur on or about the dates listed in the following four stages.

1999 MY - February 16, 2004

2000 MY - March 1, 2004

2001 MY - April 1, 2004

2002 MY - May 3, 2004

A copy of the owner notification letter is included at the end of this bulletin.

OWNER REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS

Owners are being advised in the owner notification letter, found at the end of this bulletin, that if they have previously paid an authorized Subaru dealer for repairs related to this Service Program, they may be entitled to reimbursement. The owners are further advised, to qualify for any reimbursement they must submit the original repair invoice to Subaru of America, Inc. Please review the owner notification letter, which explains this procedure so that you are familiar with it, and can assist owners with any questions.

FUTURE MAINTENANCE

In the future, it will be necessary to add Genuine Subaru Coding System Conditioner to the coding system of affected vehicles whenever the engine coolant is replaced. As a reminder, owners will be sent update pages with their notification letter that instructs them to add the pages to their Owner's Manual and Warranty and Maintenance Booklet Except for the initial application associated with this campaign, the cost of adding the conditioner is the owner's responsibility.

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WARRANTY EXTENSION

For owners of affected vehicles that have this Service Program performed promptly, SOA is extending coverage under the Subaru Limited Warranty for cylinder head gasket external coolant leaks to a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first Warranty coverage begins on the date the vehicle was delivered to the first retail purchaser. If the vehicle was used as a demonstrator or company vehicle before being sold at retail, warranty coverage begins on the date the vehicle was first placed in such service.

As a further condition for this extended warranty coverage to apply, the owner must properly maintain the vehicle's cooling system in accordance with the recommended maintenance schedule and Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner must be added each time the engine coolant is replaced. Resulting damage caused by a lack of maintenance or low coolant level will not be covered. Replacement of the Cooling System Conditioner during inspection and maintenance services is not covered under warranty.

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY

Dealers are to promptly service vehicles subject to this Service Program at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.

For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.

Vehicles in Dealer Inventory

Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this Service Program is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is in the dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the Service Program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

New or used vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:

^Immediately identified.

^Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.

^Inspected and/or repaired in accordance with instructions outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin.

Any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.

PARTS INFORMATION

Subaru Cooling System Conditioner

Note :Subaru Cooling System Conditioner is packaged in cases that contain 12 bottles. Each affected vehicle requires one (1) bottle. Each case contains enough material to treat 12 vehicles.

Prior to the release of this Service Program, each dealer will automatically be shipped a quantity of Subaru Cooling System Conditioner equivalent to 40% of their vehicle sales, or up to a maximum of 20 cases.

Additional quantities of the Cooling System Conditioner will be available through normal parts channels after 2/15/04. In order to maintain an adequate part supply, SOA requests that Dealers only order quantities necessary to satisfy anticipated demand.

REPAIR PROCEDURES

The repair procedure involves adding Subaru Cooling System Conditioner to the cooling system. Follow the recommended procedure that applies to either a "Cold" or "Hot" engine.

Caution :The engine cooling system is under pressure and may he extremely hot. To prevent personal injury or vehicle damage he sure to take appropriate precautions while performing this procedure.

Service Procedure on a COLD Engine

NOTE :Impreza and Forester vehicle system components are shown in the images below, but Legacy and Outback models are similar. Consult your service manual for exact locations and illustrations.

1.Install rags around the radiator filler neck to prevent coolant from contaminating the engine area.

2.Take off the radiator cap and set aside.

3.Extract 125ml (4.23 oz.) of coolant from the radiator using a suitable device such as a piston syringe, meat or poultry baster, antifreeze hydrometer, etc.

4.Place the syringe into the overflow reservoir and push the coolant out of the syringe.

5.Shake the bottle of cooling system conditioner until all contents are thoroughly mixed.

6.Pour the entire bottle of cooling system conditioner into the radiator.

NOTE o NOT pour the cooling system conditioner into the overflow reservoir. The conditioner Will settle at the bottom of the reservoir and not mix in the cooling system.

7.Reinstall the original radiator cap.

8.Remove rags from around the radiator filler neck.

9.Start the vehicle and let it run until the engine is warm. This ensures the conditioner circulates and there are no air pockets in the cooling system.

Service Procedure on a HOT Engine

1.Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (engine off).

2.Turn the air conditioning "ON" to cycle the cooling fans. Leave the air conditioning "ON" for approximately two (2) minutes. This will lower the pressure in the cooling system.

NOTE :The pressure relief on a "HOT" engine is approximate. Caution should always be taken when removing the radiator cap on a "HOT" engine. Additional A/C "ON" time may be required to relieve cooling system pressure properly.

3.Turn off the air conditioning.

4.Return the ignition key to the LOCK ("OFF") position.

5.Follow procedure for COLD engine listed above.

RECALL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Type or print the necessary information on a Recall Campaign identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES

Credit for performing this Service Campaign will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.

Listed below is claim entry information:

Add Engine Cooling System Conditioner - Use the following information for claim submission:

Enter labor operation 122-801 for 0.2 labor hours.

Enter the applicable part number. Parts will be reimbursed at dealer cost plus applicable handling allowance.

Disclaimer

 

 

 

Hope this info helps, you can email me with any cooling system questions at jay.buckley@framgrp.com

Edited December 27, 2011 by johnceggleston

[86subaru]

great post , got it all sealed up no leaks could have been to much coolant in reserever also

[86subaru]

got some sealant , still leaks but only leaks after driving it and sitting with motor off size of a quarter , so trying to see where it leaks , checked all hoses after sitting all nite, all look good , but will drive it again and check again , any suggestions

[MilesFox]

check for coolant on top of the block. There is a crossover pipe under the intake that has o-rings. maybe they could be leaking. just an idea of somewhere to look. I have only worked on a DOHC one time.

[86subaru]

ok, funny thing is all i did was change the coolant , drained and filled flushed out with water only, did not leak before,

[86subaru]

took it for drive , parked it ,started to leak between motor and tranny quarter size, no bubbles in over flow, under cap looks good, heater hoses good, radiator hoses good, nothing leaking on top of motor,

[GeneralDisorder]

It's running down to the area you are seeing it from somewhere. You need a cooling system pressure tester and a UV leak detection dye.

 

GD

[johnceggleston]

started to leak between motor and tranny quarter size

 

which side of the engine?

 

are you sure it is antifreeze?

 

the only coolant that far back are the heater hoses or thew driver side head gasket, rear corner.

 

lots of things leak in the area of the rear of the engine, but not all are coolant.

[86subaru]

yes coolant , put cardboard on floor and found green coolant on cardboard several times now, center of motor right where u would put a floor jack if jacking up car in the front, all heater hoses were dry , i hope no hg