Notes on coolant change

[Bob Landry]

Got around to this chore this afternoon. Pulled the overflow bottle
(which was dry, I really need to pay more attention to maintenance)
and found 2 lumps of yellow/brown material in the bottom. In looking
at the "Coolant Conditioner" I got from the dealership today, I'm
pretty sure it was the same material. This same stuff also settled out
in the pan I was draining the old coolant into. Makes me wonder about
how this stays in suspension and what, exactly, it does that's of
benefit.
Kinda rushed the job, I guess, because when I was pouring the last of
the fifth quart of new coolant into the radiator, I noticed green
coolant coming out of the bleeder hole. So I assume I've got a mix of
products in the engine. The Xerex I used is nearly colorless, I expect
the overflow bottle will take on a green tinge fairly soon. So far the
temp gauge stays steady, but I haven't taken the car on the road yet.
But I think I'll keep the jug of coolant mix in the back seat for a
few days, just to be on the safe side.
And why are radiator drain fittings so damn hard to turn?



Bob
Just another nice basic flake.
(and old fart in training)

International Pipe-raising Day, Feb. 20th

 

[Frank]

Got around to this chore this afternoon. Pulled the overflow bottle
(which was dry, I really need to pay more attention to maintenance)
and found 2 lumps of yellow/brown material in the bottom. In looking
at the "Coolant Conditioner" I got from the dealership today, I'm
pretty sure it was the same material. This same stuff also settled out
in the pan I was draining the old coolant into. Makes me wonder about
how this stays in suspension and what, exactly, it does that's of
benefit.
Kinda rushed the job, I guess, because when I was pouring the last of
the fifth quart of new coolant into the radiator, I noticed green
coolant coming out of the bleeder hole. So I assume I've got a mix of
products in the engine. The Xerex I used is nearly colorless, I expect
the overflow bottle will take on a green tinge fairly soon. So far the
temp gauge stays steady, but I haven't taken the car on the road yet.
But I think I'll keep the jug of coolant mix in the back seat for a
few days, just to be on the safe side.
And why are radiator drain fittings so damn hard to turn?

I did change on my '98 Forester but let shop do it on '03. I've always
been concerned about bubble in head and make sure radiator overflow
always has fluid. Never did a coolant change on any car that was not
messy. Now with arthritic neck and other problems of us elderly, I let
shop do it

Frank

 

[Todd H.]

Got around to this chore this afternoon. Pulled the overflow bottle
(which was dry, I really need to pay more attention to maintenance)
and found 2 lumps of yellow/brown material in the bottom.

Uh oh. How's yer head gasket?

 

[Bob Landry]

Uh oh. How's yer head gasket?

Well, except for a little headache and a stiff neck.....


Oh, you meant the car. Appears to be OK. Car was at the dealer
recently and no mention was made of leaking. Also no oil in the
overflow tank (a dead giveaway on my older Saab) and no sign of
contamination in the oil.


Bob
Just another nice basic flake.
(and old fart in training)

International Pipe-raising Day, Feb. 20th

 

[John Varela]

Got around to this chore this afternoon. Pulled the overflow bottle (which
was dry, I really need to pay more attention to maintenance) and found 2
lumps of yellow/brown material in the bottom.

Did you put the conditioner into the bottle or into the radiator? It's
supposed to go into the radiator, after removing enough coolant to make room
for it.

 

[Todd H.]

Well, except for a little headache and a stiff neck.....


Oh, you meant the car. Appears to be OK. Car was at the dealer
recently and no mention was made of leaking. Also no oil in the
overflow tank (a dead giveaway on my older Saab) and no sign of
contamination in the oil.

Don't let the dealer tell you about it--be certain to ask before
100k. That coolant went somewhere. You own a Subaru, so, sad
as it may be, you statistically own an imminent head gasket failure.

I'd take it back and tell them specifically that you spotted the
coolant bottle empty, and are aware of head gasket problems with these
vehicles, and want them to check for external as well as internal
leaking. They won't volunteer it, but if you make a stink, you may
get a new hg out of it. Read more about why I'm making a deal about
this. You and I have lots of company, and i don't want you to wait
too long to report the issue of abnormal coolant consumption as I did:

http://scott.mcgerik.com/2004/02/18/subaru-outback-head-gasket-leak/