N
nhopper
Previously, I posted about a coolant leak on an '02 Subaru Imprezia
Outback Sport. Here's what I wrote in December:
---
During the prolonged cold spell here in the northern plains, I started
noticing the sweet smell of burning coolant briefly when running the
cabin heat at idle. Underway, the smell disappears. This was of great
concern since the last Subaru I owned (an '85) cracked a head and oil
infiltrated the coolant system. The symptoms were similar -- except
this time there was no oil visible in the reservoir.
I started checking under the car and noticed a small spot of coolant,
perhaps about 50 ml of coolant, directly under the engine after it sat
overnight. Thinking pump failure, I took it into the mechanic who said
the pump needed to be replaced.
The car is a 2002 Subaru Imprezia Outback Sport -- the mini Outback
wagon. I've only got about 36k miles on it. Has anyone else had issues
with their water pump on this model? It seemed quite premature for the
pump to crap out like that.
---
There were a few replies, and one ominous suggestions that the head
gasket was shot.
Well, I didn't get the problem fixed and I spent more money than I care
to trying to track this problem down. Here's what DIDN'T fix it:
Replacement of water pump.
Replacement of thermostat housing. Mechanic said that he observed a
small pin hole leak coming from the housing. Apparently there is a tiny
emblem on the housing, and this emblem was where the leak originated.
Total cost was around $700.
I wasn't too happy with the mechanic's inability to locate the problem,
as I had the car in three times in the past four months for this issue.
Now, I'm off to the dealer. Where I live, the Subaru dealer went out of
businesses after they were sued by the Attorney General of a few states
due to some bizarre business practices. Now that there's a dealer who
stepped up to resume sales and service of Subarus.
The amount of leakage has diminished. However, I had to add perhaps 250
ml of fluid to the reservoir to maintain proper coolant levels about
two months ago. I notice a faint odor of burnt coolant upon returning
home. The engine operates decently well, but I've noticed a slight
decline in in-town gas mileage over the past few months. From perhaps
20 mpg to about 18 mpg. I could be my driving, as I'm a bit of a
speeder. On the interstate, the car is fine.
The heating and cooling system function normally, and the temperature
gauge never deviates from it's normal temperature after the engine has
warmed.
Just an FYI if you run into a similar problem.
Hopper
Outback Sport. Here's what I wrote in December:
---
During the prolonged cold spell here in the northern plains, I started
noticing the sweet smell of burning coolant briefly when running the
cabin heat at idle. Underway, the smell disappears. This was of great
concern since the last Subaru I owned (an '85) cracked a head and oil
infiltrated the coolant system. The symptoms were similar -- except
this time there was no oil visible in the reservoir.
I started checking under the car and noticed a small spot of coolant,
perhaps about 50 ml of coolant, directly under the engine after it sat
overnight. Thinking pump failure, I took it into the mechanic who said
the pump needed to be replaced.
The car is a 2002 Subaru Imprezia Outback Sport -- the mini Outback
wagon. I've only got about 36k miles on it. Has anyone else had issues
with their water pump on this model? It seemed quite premature for the
pump to crap out like that.
---
There were a few replies, and one ominous suggestions that the head
gasket was shot.
Well, I didn't get the problem fixed and I spent more money than I care
to trying to track this problem down. Here's what DIDN'T fix it:
Replacement of water pump.
Replacement of thermostat housing. Mechanic said that he observed a
small pin hole leak coming from the housing. Apparently there is a tiny
emblem on the housing, and this emblem was where the leak originated.
Total cost was around $700.
I wasn't too happy with the mechanic's inability to locate the problem,
as I had the car in three times in the past four months for this issue.
Now, I'm off to the dealer. Where I live, the Subaru dealer went out of
businesses after they were sued by the Attorney General of a few states
due to some bizarre business practices. Now that there's a dealer who
stepped up to resume sales and service of Subarus.
The amount of leakage has diminished. However, I had to add perhaps 250
ml of fluid to the reservoir to maintain proper coolant levels about
two months ago. I notice a faint odor of burnt coolant upon returning
home. The engine operates decently well, but I've noticed a slight
decline in in-town gas mileage over the past few months. From perhaps
20 mpg to about 18 mpg. I could be my driving, as I'm a bit of a
speeder. On the interstate, the car is fine.
The heating and cooling system function normally, and the temperature
gauge never deviates from it's normal temperature after the engine has
warmed.
Just an FYI if you run into a similar problem.
Hopper