question about the subaru HG fix (stop leak stuff)

[bgambino]

Hey guys

I have a suby I bought from an old friend -- 06 forester, 98,000 miles--- that I plan to keep for a long time

 

Before buying it I looked under it quick with a flashlight to see if there was any HG issues

I saw a little bit of oil but because of that huge stupid plastic shield covering everything ....I of course

could not get a perfect view

 

The guy is a friend and takes the car to the dealer so I assumed if there was any issues it would have been found

 

Recently I took that shield off and besides some weeping oil....I think there was a little antifreeze also

 

I will monitor the overflow tank closely but was wondering how well those tablets (or is it sold as a liquid?) work

The last thing I want to think about is doing a HG job....getting too lazy I guess

 

TIA

[ThosL]

I tried them all, Blue Devil is supposedly the best with the guarantee, but it did not work with my internal leak; I got two refunds though!!  One with the standard product and another with the PourNGo.  So at least their word is worth something.  I also got the $47 Bars product at Auto Zone and did a chargeback on my credit card.  I would call them explain what the problem is and see what they have to say and see if anyone here has any recommendations.  Heck, even with a blown head gasket I am now over 300K miles and it runs great!

[wtdash]

If the Foz WAS MAINTAINED @ the Dealer, they should have put the Subie conditioner in (not stop leak) when they did a coolant/anti-freeze service. It's a liquid w/a precipitate (?) that needs to be shaken before pouring in.

 

If you're seeing what you're seeing where you're seeing it, than I'd save up for a HG job soon....it's inevitable anyway.

 

Td

[1 Lucky Texan]

I don't think 'blown' HGs are inevitable on an 06 but, external seepage seems pretty common.

 

the Subaru conditioner is meant to stop/slow external leaks - everywhere,... but of course HGs were/are the main reason Subaru offers it.

 

 

it was never meant to help with internally blown gaskets.

 

don't use 2 bottles, don't add a bottle if there's the chance a dealer or prev. owner added one, don't combine other stop-leaks, DO NOT dump it in the overflow, go by the instructions.

 

 

people have reported it helping.

Edited October 12, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan

[bgambino]

yep...that's what I was talking ---conditioner

 

Anyone use that stuff AFTER they saw some antifreeze weeping out??

Also....how long has anyone had the weeping of antifreeze without it growing into a larger issue?

 

 

I HATE SUBARU FOR THIS PROLONGED HG ISSUE...I mean COME ON....since 1996 or so???? jeez

[bgambino]

tex...sorry, I posted without seeing your post

 

what if I have no real idea if it was done?

I guess I could try calling the dealer

I don't think the guy I bought it from would remember and he is in hawaii

[1 Lucky Texan]

do a drain/fill and use the conditioner. Other than that, it's risky.

 

KEEP IN MIND - you are due (overdue actually) for a timing belt service if it hasn't been done(105kmiles OR 105months). You could combine that service with cooling system service fairly easily.

 

if you decide to change the thermostat since the coolant system is empty, you MUST only use an OEM-style t'stat. (there is a Stant Xacstat that seems to work, but do a search for the correct part number. - you could just re-use your old t'stat, might be a good idea to test it on the stove in hot water -  oh, uh-NEVER let any mammal you care about consume even a small amount of antifreeze!)

 

might be a good idea to get a new radiator cap too. refresh the whole system. many folks pull the overflow bottle and clean it out. Cut the tube in there at a 45* angle on the bottom to help reduce sucking any contaminants back up to the radiator neck. Consider putting a tiny clamp or a coupla zipties on the small tube at the neck too.

 

you can find plenty of threads on cooling system maintenance

 

of course, people have done all of the above and still experienced bad HGs. particularly with used cars - you don't know if an engine was overheated or not..

 

But, typical subaru 'blown' HGs push all or most of the coolant into the overflow bottle and most will have active bubbling of combustion gases while failing.

Edited October 12, 2015 by 1 Lucky Texan

[AdventureSubaru]

It's generally expected on these motors that it will need head gaskets once in it's life. Usually between 100-170k. It's a job, but not ridiculously expensive if you shop around for a good shop. Or can be done yourself in a day even for a first timer if you aren't shy about wrenching.

 

The stop leak stuff has been met with mixed results. Sometimes it does nothing. Even when it "works" on a Subaru it seems to just be a band aid and buys you time before it fails again. But this can be useful if you need some time to save the $$$ to pay for the job. Expect to pay between 600-1200 in labor depending on your region or spend a solid day on it if you do it yourself. (Actually a little longer since you should have the heads resurfaced at a machine shop and will have to wait on them.)

[idosubaru]

1.  make sure the leak is current and not residual?

 

2. the Subaru Coolant Conditioner works nearly every time on initial external leaks of Phase II OEM installed headgaskets.  (every word in that sentence is carefully chosen for a reason).

 

so yes - your engine likely fits all of those requirements.  drain and add coolant conditioner (or just add conditioner if you're really cheap). 

 

yes, ask the dealer.  i have asked dealers about prior maintenance on Subaru's I've bought and known they were maintained at a dealer.  they've always been helpful...three different dealers I believe, one over the phone, in telling me prior maintenance history.

 

nonetheless if you have an existing leak - i'd add conditioner.  i'd probably add two bottles if the engine is in otherwise excellent condition.

 

3.  there's nothing you can do about the oil leak.   theses leaks typically get worse faster than other engines, but you should have lots of time to plan the repair, they get worse rather slowly.  thicker oil might help, make sure the PCV valve isn't clogged.

[ThosL]

I would also check all cooling lines as there are many people miss, also the hose clamps to make sure they are secure.