Oil leak, coolant loos

Tau137 · 11-26-2008, 02:00 PM

03 Forester.

Problem #1: Oil leak at the drain. Apparently, it has been hit at some time in the past... Using new crush washer, everything seems tight, no leaks (no cracks either) - yet a thousand miles later it's down 1/2 quart, and it clearly leaks from the plug, nowhere else.

Any suggestions on fixing this without replacing the oil pan? Which sealant to use?

Problem #2: Loosing coolant. Slower than oil, and no traces anywhere - yet there is faint but clear coolant smell in the engine compartment (not at the exhaust). ???

P.S. No signs of oil in coolant; No signs of coolant in oil.

tre36 · 11-26-2008, 02:21 PM

1. Have you tried replacing with a new plug? It won't hurt to try and fairly cheap. This is hoping the threads on the drain pan aren't the culprit.

2. Sounds exactly like how I found out my left headgasket failed @ close to 60K miles. External leak to be exact. Same symptom here. Coolant smell after car is driven. No oil in coolant and no coolant in oil. At close to 90K miles now, the right headgasket went.

The trace of coolant on chassis underneath the car or a little under the driveway will definitely point to failed headgasket.

Traces of coolant might not be present if coolant leaks onto exhaust and burns off. Might want to look underneath the car right after it is driven. I'll assume you already check the upper/lower radiator hoses for leaks.

I believe Subaru uses the coolant conditioner to stop minor leaks.

Tau137 · 11-26-2008, 02:50 PM

Damn holidays.... guess I'll just go and buy some oil, silicone, new coolant, uv tracer and some leaks stop, and hope for the better - until I can actually find time to fix all this.

HG leak would be bad... my wife will not be happy for sure.
I just wish it would hold for a bit longer, closer to the 100K (approaching 70K now... wishful thinking, probably).

P.S. So it seems 03s are just about as bad for headgasket leaks as 99-02...

neoshi · 11-26-2008, 03:02 PM

When was the last time you had your radiator cap replaced? It could be as simple as that.

toddlamp · 11-26-2008, 03:05 PM

Check for bubbles in the coolant overflow tank

ndondo · 11-26-2008, 03:14 PM

I hate to thread jack but mine smells coolant too yesterday after driving at 110 km/h on the highway. I smell it in the inside while I was driving.

I notice no visible coolant leak - should I do used oil analysis?
should I add some of those coolant conditioner too?

sorry to thread jack

toddlamp · 11-26-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndondo

I hate to thread jack but mine smells coolant too yesterday after driving at 110 km/h on the highway. I smell it in the inside while I was driving.

I notice no visible coolant leak - should I do used oil analysis?
should I add some of those coolant conditioner too?

sorry to thread jack

It is never a bad idea to get your oil analyzed. I do it at least every other oil change. However that is not the tell-all for a bad HG. I needed a HG replacement and there was no coolant in the oil or vice-versus. I did have exhaust gas making its way into the cooling system that cause bubbles in the overflow. This also cause my overflow to overflow and spill coolant in the engine bay which produced that distinct, sweet burning coolant smell.

BlueBrick · 11-26-2008, 05:59 PM

It would appear that there are more and more '03 owners experiencing HG failure. I just did mine at 126,000 Kms. The Coolant conditioner had been used since the 50K maintenance. The left side was gone, and as they were going to pull the engine to do the job, I had them do the right side too. Mechanic noticed my subie had pretty bad piston slap, so he suggested checking piston #4(the usually problematic one). That one was bad and so was #2. So I had them replace both pistons as well.
This seriously makes me question Subaru's build quality, as they had the HG issue for a long run of model years.
I like my Subaru and wouldn't change it for another vehicle, but they need to smarten up and get their quality inline with the other Japanese brands If the want to enlarge their market share. Things like the HG failure will leave a bad taste in many people's mouths for years to come.
Tau 137, good luck with your HG change, it's going to happen sooner or later. This is just a real crappy time for it to happen.

Speedi4got · 11-26-2008, 06:24 PM

Yeah I've been noticing the coolant smell here also. Mine is a 99 with 76K miles on it right now. But ti doesn't seem to be showing anywhere right now. Oh well I'm just going to let it go because I don't have the extra funding right now to get it fixed at the moment.

I would like to hear suggestions on how to maybe extend the life on the HG a little. Like additives and such, and is it really worth me going ahead and replacing them now? Will they go out again in another 75K miles or what???

FXTDave · 11-26-2008, 08:02 PM

As far as the coolant issue: Find a shop with a 4 or 5 gas analyzer. Just call them and ask if they have one. If they do, they can stick it in the coolant reservoir, and if the PPM HC goes over about 50-100, then you have a bad headgasket. It is the easiest and most definitive test out there for the task. Just keep the rez sealed up for a while before you bring it in.

Tau137 · 11-28-2008, 10:39 AM

Gas cap... possibly, but it would be noticeable around it - and it is not.

And there is a bad piston slap, too.... And I though 03 was a pretty safe bet....

09BlackForester · 11-28-2008, 11:00 AM

★ Subaru head gasket problem and your vehicle year

Good Luck

Tau137 · 11-29-2008, 07:14 AM

Thanks for the link. Technically, HG trouble does not bother me too much, as I can fix it myself relatively cheaply.... I just don't like "unknown" problems, and slightly nervous about piston slap.

ndondo · 11-29-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tau137

Thanks for the link. Technically, HG trouble does not bother me too much, as I can fix it myself relatively cheaply.... I just don't like "unknown" problems, and slightly nervous about piston slap.

share the tips to fix it relatively cheap?
or do you just know your way taking out the head gasket and putting a new one on?

Tau137 · 11-30-2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndondo

share the tips to fix it relatively cheap?
or do you just know your way taking out the head gasket and putting a new one on?

Only one tip here - DIY.

On the 03, I should be able to do it with the engine still in the car. That means no hoist required, ~$200 for the gasket set (incl. cams, crank seals, etc.) and misc. expenses, and about a day of work, may be a weekend if I'm feeling lazy. May be $100 more to machine the heads, if they need it. Might as well combine that with a new timing belt - assuming HG last until close enough to 105K so that I am not risking beheading for "unnecessary expenses" (I'm married).

11-26-2008, 02:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tau137 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 818 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Oil leak, coolant loos 03 Forester. Problem #1: Oil leak at the drain. Apparently, it has been hit at some time in the past... Using new crush washer, everything seems tight, no leaks (no cracks either) - yet a thousand miles later it's down 1/2 quart, and it clearly leaks from the plug, nowhere else. Any suggestions on fixing this without replacing the oil pan? Which sealant to use? Problem #2: Loosing coolant. Slower than oil, and no traces anywhere - yet there is faint but clear coolant smell in the engine compartment (not at the exhaust). ??? P.S. No signs of oil in coolant; No signs of coolant in oil. __________________ 98 Forester L (5MT), Swift+GR2 and more 03 Forester XS (4AT), stock

11-26-2008, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
tre36 Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 2,664 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 2 / 100%	1. Have you tried replacing with a new plug? It won't hurt to try and fairly cheap. This is hoping the threads on the drain pan aren't the culprit. 2. Sounds exactly like how I found out my left headgasket failed @ close to 60K miles. External leak to be exact. Same symptom here. Coolant smell after car is driven. No oil in coolant and no coolant in oil. At close to 90K miles now, the right headgasket went. The trace of coolant on chassis underneath the car or a little under the driveway will definitely point to failed headgasket. Traces of coolant might not be present if coolant leaks onto exhaust and burns off. Might want to look underneath the car right after it is driven. I'll assume you already check the upper/lower radiator hoses for leaks. I believe Subaru uses the coolant conditioner to stop minor leaks. __________________ MY03X-AT Last edited by tre36 : 11-26-2008 at 02:28 PM.

11-26-2008, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tau137 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 818 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Damn holidays.... guess I'll just go and buy some oil, silicone, new coolant, uv tracer and some leaks stop, and hope for the better - until I can actually find time to fix all this. HG leak would be bad... my wife will not be happy for sure. I just wish it would hold for a bit longer, closer to the 100K (approaching 70K now... wishful thinking, probably). P.S. So it seems 03s are just about as bad for headgasket leaks as 99-02... __________________ 98 Forester L (5MT), Swift+GR2 and more 03 Forester XS (4AT), stock

11-26-2008, 03:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
neoshi silly wabbit Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 949 THE OC/The Real 415 Posts: 2,596 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 5 / 100%	When was the last time you had your radiator cap replaced? It could be as simple as that. __________________ Ninja Turtle Orange Juice

11-26-2008, 03:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
toddlamp President of MarkyD fan club Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Laurel, MD Posts: 9,455 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 11 / 100%	Check for bubbles in the coolant overflow tank __________________ 06XT MT CGM Blouch TD05-18g 8cm equipped

11-26-2008, 03:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
ndondo Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 172 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I hate to thread jack but mine smells coolant too yesterday after driving at 110 km/h on the highway. I smell it in the inside while I was driving. I notice no visible coolant leak - should I do used oil analysis? should I add some of those coolant conditioner too? sorry to thread jack __________________ 2004 Forester XS 5MT

11-26-2008, 05:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
BlueBrick Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 4th Province from the right, Canada Posts: 640 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	It would appear that there are more and more '03 owners experiencing HG failure. I just did mine at 126,000 Kms. The Coolant conditioner had been used since the 50K maintenance. The left side was gone, and as they were going to pull the engine to do the job, I had them do the right side too. Mechanic noticed my subie had pretty bad piston slap, so he suggested checking piston #4(the usually problematic one). That one was bad and so was #2. So I had them replace both pistons as well. This seriously makes me question Subaru's build quality, as they had the HG issue for a long run of model years. I like my Subaru and wouldn't change it for another vehicle, but they need to smarten up and get their quality inline with the other Japanese brands If the want to enlarge their market share. Things like the HG failure will leave a bad taste in many people's mouths for years to come. Tau 137, good luck with your HG change, it's going to happen sooner or later. This is just a real crappy time for it to happen. __________________ 03 X Pacifica Blue Metallic Smooth Brick.

11-26-2008, 06:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
Speedi4got SF.ORG JUNKIE Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moores Hill, Indiana Posts: 181 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 1 / 100%	Yeah I've been noticing the coolant smell here also. Mine is a 99 with 76K miles on it right now. But ti doesn't seem to be showing anywhere right now. Oh well I'm just going to let it go because I don't have the extra funding right now to get it fixed at the moment. I would like to hear suggestions on how to maybe extend the life on the HG a little. Like additives and such, and is it really worth me going ahead and replacing them now? Will they go out again in another 75K miles or what??? __________________ 99 Silver L A/T 76K miles 99 VW Golf Wings West body kit

11-26-2008, 08:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
FXTDave Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE MN Posts: 53 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 2 / 100%	As far as the coolant issue: Find a shop with a 4 or 5 gas analyzer. Just call them and ask if they have one. If they do, they can stick it in the coolant reservoir, and if the PPM HC goes over about 50-100, then you have a bad headgasket. It is the easiest and most definitive test out there for the task. Just keep the rez sealed up for a while before you bring it in.

11-28-2008, 10:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tau137 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 818 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Gas cap... possibly, but it would be noticeable around it - and it is not. And there is a bad piston slap, too.... And I though 03 was a pretty safe bet.... __________________ 98 Forester L (5MT), Swift+GR2 and more 03 Forester XS (4AT), stock

11-28-2008, 11:00 AM	#12 (permalink)
09BlackForester Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 20 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	exteneded warranty may apply? ★ Subaru head gasket problem and your vehicle year Good Luck

11-29-2008, 07:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
Tau137 Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 818 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Thanks for the link. Technically, HG trouble does not bother me too much, as I can fix it myself relatively cheaply.... I just don't like "unknown" problems, and slightly nervous about piston slap. __________________ 98 Forester L (5MT), Swift+GR2 and more 03 Forester XS (4AT), stock

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