Warmed up or not?!

[Fred Boer]

Good morning:

An odd thing this morning: it was a very cold night (-20C), and when I
started my Subie this morning, the temperature gauge indicated the engine
was warm more quickly than I would have normally expected. I got out of the
car momentarily, leaving the car running, and when I got back in, the temp
gauge had dropped back down indicating the engine was still cold. It then
took about the time I would expect to indicate a warm engine.

Is there something wrong?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Good morning:

An odd thing this morning: it was a very cold night (-20C), and when I
started my Subie this morning, the temperature gauge indicated the engine
was warm more quickly than I would have normally expected. I got out of the
car momentarily, leaving the car running, and when I got back in, the temp
gauge had dropped back down indicating the engine was still cold. It then
took about the time I would expect to indicate a warm engine.

Is there something wrong?

Hmmm - is it possible there was a blockage of 'ice' or the coolant was
in a sludge/gel condition?

Carl

 

[Fred Boer]

Hmmm - is it possible there was a blockage of 'ice' or the coolant was in
a sludge/gel condition?

Carl

Hi Carl:

Thanks for responding! I suppose it might have been blocked somehow, but if
so, it wasn't because of the condition of the coolant. I just had the heads
done, and the coolant is new... It does seem reasonable though that perhaps
somehow a small amount of coolant was hot, but then the bulk of the coolant
started flowing.

Anyway, the car has run fine today, so perhaps it was nothing.

Thanks!
Fred

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

Hi Carl:

Thanks for responding! I suppose it might have been blocked somehow, but if
so, it wasn't because of the condition of the coolant. I just had the heads
done, and the coolant is new... It does seem reasonable though that perhaps
somehow a small amount of coolant was hot, but then the bulk of the coolant
started flowing.

Anyway, the car has run fine today, so perhaps it was nothing.

Thanks!
Fred- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well, the 'mix' could be off. Fo rinstance, in a 12 quart system, 7 of
water and 5 of glycol only protects to about -15 degrees.


Carl

 

[S]

Hi Fred!

Is there something wrong?

I'd bet the gauge needle was just stuck as a result of the extreme
cold. It'll happen to the speedo sometimes as well; it will go up to
30-35MPH and then stick there.
I don't know if this is caused by moisture getting into the instrument
panel and then freezing, or if it's just whatever lubricant Subaru
uses becoming sticky.
In any event, I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a regular
thing. even on warmer days.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Fred Boer]

Thanks... Car has been running fine since then so I am content...

Cheers!

 

[Tony Hwang]

Well, the 'mix' could be off. Fo rinstance, in a 12 quart system, 7 of
water and 5 of glycol only protects to about -15 degrees.


Carl

Hi,
My guess would be, because it was so cold battery was weak causing
erratic display on the gauge. For max protection, mix ratio is 50-50.
It's not only for winter, summer as well.(anti-freeze, anti-boil)

 

[Fred Boer]

That's an idea. I know the battery is so-so right now, and it is on my list
for replacement. As soon as I get 4 straight weeks without being in the
shop, I will be putting in a new battery!

 

[John O]

That's an idea. I know the battery is so-so right now, and it is on my
list for replacement. As soon as I get 4 straight weeks without being in
the shop, I will be putting in a new battery!

Can you wait that long?

Just kidding. I think I have a weak one too, but my symptoms are far less
pronounced.

-John O