Special additive for cooling system?

[John O]

been steam cleaned but there's some oil mess in places I wouldn't expect

Previously replaced gasket's a possibility, but considering the car's
five+ yrs old now, I'd also add valve cover gaskets, camshaft and front
main seals to the list of suspects. A lot of people don't do it, but
it's a good idea to replace these at each timing belt change.

A sluggish or clogged PCV valve may also cause some oil leakage at the
hose junctions. Take a quick look at the oil pressure sending unit, too.

Doesn't look like anyting is leaking now, since it's been cleaned I'll try
to keep it that way just to be aware of what's going on in there. There's a
molex connector over by the battery, pushed vertically onto some lugs. Not
sure what it is, whatever, but the inside of this connector is full of oily
stuff. Looks like something went loose in there once. Maybe the mechanic
dripped oil all over once...who knows.

Car runs great now, no drips or anything.

-John O

 

[99Red_Forester]

Did not get notice for the outstanding "campaign", that's subbie dealer
talk for recall, but the notice did came up when I brought the car in for
service and they put in the coolant conditioner without being asked.

Next bottle costs $6 Cdn.

~99 Forester SOHC in Canada