Can MBC ruin radiator? (warranty question)

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Nov 30, 2002 | 08:36 PM

100

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 38

From: Oakland

Car Info: Blue WRX Wagon, Stage II ish, 260 whp

Can MBC ruin radiator? (warranty question)

Last time I went into Subaru they mentioned a "modification to the turbo" and said that it voids my warranty (which it doesn't). I don't know if they saw my MBC, unichip, or just my boost gauge tap. But now I have to go in for warranty repairs - my radiator sprayed coolant all over the engine bay.

Can Subaru deny me warranty coverage on the radiator because I had an MBC or Unichip installed? What's going to happen when I press them on it? And should I go to a different dealership, or do they share records of this stuff.

Thanks in advance for any help,

100

Nov 30, 2002 | 09:08 PM

Imprezer

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Posts: 6,965

From: Alameda, CA, USA

Car Info: 02 Black Legacy GT

They can blame anything on anything. However, they need to prove it, otherwise you can complain.

An MBC and a Unichip could damage your radiator. At higher output, your engine could run hotter, hense higher pressure and break the seals on the cheap plastic/alum radiator we have.

I doubt it did it, since it is a known problem.

- Alex

Nov 30, 2002 | 11:03 PM

Obi-Wan

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If you take your mods off before you go they might be less apt to give you a hard time.
I take my MBC off anytime I go to the dealer, it only takes me about 3 minutes.
So far they seem not to mind the boost gauge or turbo timer.

Dec 1, 2002 | 02:56 PM

DanMan

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Do you have a "high-performance" radiator cap?

Oddly enough, these silly little things (from STI, greddy, etc.) will happily blow out the seal on the top of the radiator/plastic tank.

Dan

Dec 1, 2002 | 08:03 PM

davenow

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 201

From: Somerville MASS

What I dont understand is

WHY anyone would take their car in to a dealership with the MBC installed? It takes less than 5 min to put it back to stock, and no warranty problems.

Just take it out and deny it was ever there.

Dec 2, 2002 | 10:23 AM

100

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 38

From: Oakland

Car Info: Blue WRX Wagon, Stage II ish, 260 whp

I lost the T and the restrictor hose in a house fire. Nobody in the BAIC forum offered to lent me the parts.

Is this worth ordering the parts?

Dec 31, 2002 | 10:00 AM

galvatron

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I know you can get that cheap plastic vacuum T thing (plus additional hose if you need it) at any auto parts store for a buck or too. I also always take off my MBC before going to the dealer. In fact, that is why I didn't get an EBC.