well that might be a problem.

Kinja'd!!! by "xsnowpig" (xsnowpig)
Published 08/18/2017 at 12:38

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Kinja'd!!!

my beloved outback has been running warm and coolant bubbling out the overflow tank when slow speed driving. head gaskets are only about 20k miles old so was really hoping to avoid that process again. decided to start throwing every other possible part at it first.

this is the bottom of the rad, but its the side facing the engine and not exposed to road gravel and other debris. current working theory is mag chloride road salt and filth accumulated in the bottom and oxidized the fins and channels.


Replies (4)

Kinja'd!!! "RacinBob" (racinbob)
08/18/2017 at 14:04, STARS: 0

That’s not the problem That damage might cost you 2% of radiator capacity. Meanwhile normal usage needs only 30% of radiator capacity. So unless you are racing it on a 100 degree day, that fin loss is not causing the overheating.

The question to ask is what is the temperature of water coming out of the engine? If it’s reasonable, but it’s bubbling, you got a head gasket or cracked head problem. The average temp is good but gas is pressurizing the system and may be forcing some places in the head to be dry....

Another thing to look at is the water pump. Did suby’s use plastic impellers?>

It doesn’t look like it, but if they did for your years, your symptoms could be the impeller loosing it’s impeller blades. That’s a common failure on BMW’s Merc’s and Jag’s.

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "xsnowpig" (xsnowpig)
08/18/2017 at 14:37, STARS: 0

I kind of know down deep that the exhaust gas is heating and/or pressurizing the coolant, but the sentimental value of the only brand spanking new car i’ve ever bought creates some pretty strong denial.

Kinja'd!!! "RacinBob" (racinbob)
08/18/2017 at 19:08, STARS: 0

Live by the boxer engine, die by.....

What year Suby? Have you investigated stop leak? Before you laugh, it fixed my brother’s 535i head gasket leak........

Kinja'd!!! "xsnowpig" (xsnowpig)
08/19/2017 at 09:54, STARS: 0

06 OB 2.5i SOHC. I haven’t investigated any of the sealant additives thus far. I was almost motivated to pull the motor again this weekend since the clutch is starting to go also, but that has faded with the arrival of other parts for other cars.