J
Jim Knoll
I have been putting off the coolant additive recall on my 1999 Forester.
It has 39,000 miles on it. I have been smelling anti-freeze around the
driver side of the engine when I turn off the vehicle. I found one lose
and slightly leaking top radiator hose that connects to the engine
block. I tightened that one. So I figured there must be another leaking
hose possibly at the bottom side of the radiator or engine connection -
possibly leading to the anti-freeze smell.
Well I was wrong big time. Today I removed the engine splash protector
and inspected the hose. It was dry. I then turned the light on the
engine. Sure enough there is burnt anti-freeze toward the driver rear of
the engine around the head gasket. Darn. Darn. Darn.
So am I in deep trouble now? Everything on my Forester has been great up
until now. I have had no problems with anything (except a chattering
clutch now and then).
I guess I had better get in and have that recall treatment taken care
of. I looked on the date and it has been almost a year since it was
mailed out. Shame on me. Can the treatment seal the leak - as it says it
can seal some leaks?
What about the warranty? I live in Minneapolis, MN, USA. I have heard
tough stories about Subarus and head gaskets. I suppose mine is out of
warranty for sure? I am the original owner.
What are my options and can someone point me to a web site for any
support and help? I have to admit I am not used to major items going
wrong with cars. And I cannot really afford a big bill.
BTW, we like Foresters so much that we do have a 2004 Forester as the
second in our fleet.
Thanks in advance for some well needed help.
-Jim
It has 39,000 miles on it. I have been smelling anti-freeze around the
driver side of the engine when I turn off the vehicle. I found one lose
and slightly leaking top radiator hose that connects to the engine
block. I tightened that one. So I figured there must be another leaking
hose possibly at the bottom side of the radiator or engine connection -
possibly leading to the anti-freeze smell.
Well I was wrong big time. Today I removed the engine splash protector
and inspected the hose. It was dry. I then turned the light on the
engine. Sure enough there is burnt anti-freeze toward the driver rear of
the engine around the head gasket. Darn. Darn. Darn.
So am I in deep trouble now? Everything on my Forester has been great up
until now. I have had no problems with anything (except a chattering
clutch now and then).
I guess I had better get in and have that recall treatment taken care
of. I looked on the date and it has been almost a year since it was
mailed out. Shame on me. Can the treatment seal the leak - as it says it
can seal some leaks?
What about the warranty? I live in Minneapolis, MN, USA. I have heard
tough stories about Subarus and head gaskets. I suppose mine is out of
warranty for sure? I am the original owner.
What are my options and can someone point me to a web site for any
support and help? I have to admit I am not used to major items going
wrong with cars. And I cannot really afford a big bill.
BTW, we like Foresters so much that we do have a 2004 Forester as the
second in our fleet.
Thanks in advance for some well needed help.
-Jim