Subaru Outback Headgasket leak problem help
Thread Starter
previously known as wrxBRAH
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,383
From: San Jose / Campbell
Car Info: 2004 FXT
Subaru Outback Headgasket leak problem help
Ive done the headgaskets twice (once aftermarket and once from the dealer) and they still leak oil near the bottom. What could cause this? Im getting pretty frustrated with this car. Its a 2002.
Torque specs were followed. Heads as well as the block was cleaned of all residue and heads were machined. I know these cars have problems with the gaskets leaking commonly even after repairs but it usually takes 30k miles or so.
Torque specs were followed. Heads as well as the block was cleaned of all residue and heads were machined. I know these cars have problems with the gaskets leaking commonly even after repairs but it usually takes 30k miles or so.
Last edited by FXTbrah; Mar 28, 2011 at 11:16 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 997
From: SF Bay Area, CA (USA)
Car Info: 2014 Subaru XV (Crosstrek)
The Phase II is known to have external leaks. Was the "Subaru Cooling System Conditioner" (AKA Holts Radweld) put into the radiator?
BTW, not to spam or anything, but http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...isplay.php?f=3 is a great place to get older Subaru tech info and ask questions. The head gasket issues are the most heavily-discussed subject, so these guys could help even more.
BTW, not to spam or anything, but http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...isplay.php?f=3 is a great place to get older Subaru tech info and ask questions. The head gasket issues are the most heavily-discussed subject, so these guys could help even more.
Thread Starter
previously known as wrxBRAH
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,383
From: San Jose / Campbell
Car Info: 2004 FXT
no I didnt use the conditioner yet because I was under the impression thats only used if there is a coolant leak which the car doesn't have.
Thanks, I'll check that link out. I figured I'd post here first since Im a regular here and already have an account. Ill browse through their threads and see if I cant find a similar one.
Thanks, I'll check that link out. I figured I'd post here first since Im a regular here and already have an account. Ill browse through their threads and see if I cant find a similar one.
i-Club Sympathizer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,165
From: Mazda NAO
Car Info: 1969 BMW R75/5 & Work Whip
The reason I asked if it was a leak or a seep is for exactly the reason above... Subaru says the fix for seeping (which is a normal condition according to them) is to use the coolant conditioner. Up to two bottles can be used per coolant fill. If a leak occurs then you have a headgasket issue. Hope this helps.
no I didnt use the conditioner yet because I was under the impression thats only used if there is a coolant leak which the car doesn't have.
Thanks, I'll check that link out. I figured I'd post here first since Im a regular here and already have an account. Ill browse through their threads and see if I cant find a similar one.
Thanks, I'll check that link out. I figured I'd post here first since Im a regular here and already have an account. Ill browse through their threads and see if I cant find a similar one.
i-Club Sympathizer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,165
From: Mazda NAO
Car Info: 1969 BMW R75/5 & Work Whip
It's actually to correct and prevent leaks. Not exactly a temporary fix.
I can't find it right now, but we have been told that you can use up to two bottles per coolant fill.
Obviously you want to use one and see if it stops the problem then take it from there.
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.
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.
In the future, it will be necessary to add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner to the
cooling 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.
cooling 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.
Obviously you want to use one and see if it stops the problem then take it from there.
Thread Starter
previously known as wrxBRAH
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,383
From: San Jose / Campbell
Car Info: 2004 FXT
Yea I was reading that TSB before and even today. The whole "external coolant leak" was throwing me off. I'll post results after using a bottle.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
leon_trn
Engine/Power - non turbo (All non turbo Imprezas)
10
Apr 21, 2007 04:37 PM
bigdaddy
Engine/Power - EJ20T (pre-2006 WRX and JDM)
1
Jul 10, 2003 12:09 PM
