gcoonley Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I have a small coolant leak at startup in the morning. Maybe 1 or 2 ounces. I can take a couple hour trip without any issues. But over time I need to add to the radiator. The other weird thing is the overflow tank is always full, even when I need to add fluid to the radiator. Subsequent start ups dont leak when the car is warm. I cant find the source of the leak. This has been going on now for about 4 months. Anyone else seen something like this? I saw lots of different coolant leak issues during my search, but nothing like this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee07 Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 You have a tiny head gasket leak. My head gasket didn't leak when sitting over night, only when idling and maybe while driving and it was just one drop every once in a while. Time to Save up some $ unless you DIY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 ^^ Crap! I hope not. The coolant looks like it is coming out of the passenger side of the radiator area. But I cant seem to find anything wrong with the radiator. It does not come from any where around the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cseagle08 Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Generally shouldn't you only need to add fluid to the overflow bottle? I think as the engine cools it will have a slightly lower the fluid level in the radiator than when it's warm (cooler, less volume), which could explain why in the morning it seems low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 i wouldnt be so quick to jump at a head gasket. just cause some subarus had knowen head gasket difficulties. what is happening is wheen the cooling system is at say 5psi it leaks. at zero psi when cold over night, nothing is happening when at full 16psi the leak seals itself. but anyways its possibly the hose to radiator connection at the radiator since you say you think its leaking at one side. look for white crusty residue as well as actual coolant next time you look. http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/maintenance/60968d1106185498-small-coolant-leak-pics-enclosed-expensive-to-repair-coolant2.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkumaMax Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Another thing to try is go to an auto parts store and get some DYE for the coolant. Run it at night and grab a black light. You will find your problem if it is a leak! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 Generally shouldn't you only need to add fluid to the overflow bottle? I think as the engine cools it will have a slightly lower the fluid level in the radiator than when it's warm (cooler, less volume), which could explain why in the morning it seems low. Yea that is what I thought. Very odd. The radiator will be half empty and the overflow is full. I may have two problems. I think I will replace the hoses to the overflow. Couldn't hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 i wouldnt be so quick to jump at a head gasket. just cause some subarus had knowen head gasket difficulties. what is happening is wheen the cooling system is at say 5psi it leaks. at zero psi when cold over night, nothing is happening when at full 16psi the leak seals itself. but anyways its possibly the hose to radiator connection at the radiator since you say you think its leaking at one side. look for white crusty residue as well as actual coolant next time you look. http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/maintenance/60968d1106185498-small-coolant-leak-pics-enclosed-expensive-to-repair-coolant2.jpg Thanks, I will give it a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Sinister Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Yea that is what I thought. Very odd. The radiator will be half empty and the overflow is full. I may have two problems. I think I will replace the hoses to the overflow. Couldn't hurt. Another thing to check is the radiator cap. A bad one won't allow the system to pull coolant back in from the overflow when things cool off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Another thing to check is the radiator cap. A bad one won't allow the system to pull coolant back in from the overflow when things cool off. That's my guess. 2 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangendsley Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I had a leak and could not find it, but when i was pulling the old rad out and put in a allun one, i noticed that the rad black plastic was cracked by the cap and you could not see that it was cracked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I am in the radiator being an issue camp. We've seen them develop slight cracks at the plastic or the seam and they only really drip a little. The cap, if it failed is an easy and cheap one to try before anything. Another possibility is that one of the hoses isnt sealing anymore and might need the clamp tightened. So check everything out. -Jake http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg Call directly for your best Whiteline Price! | We also carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 I had a leak and could not find it, but when i was pulling the old rad out and put in a allun one, i noticed that the rad black plastic was cracked by the cap and you could not see that it was cracked. Which one did you replace it with? and were you happy with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 just get a "new" one. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangendsley Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Which one did you replace it with? and were you happy with it? Koyo. It fit perfect. The fans hooked right up to it also. Got a great deal by fredbeans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 i think i read some where on here that a wrx radiator is the same but thicker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 We have had great luck with the mishimoto radiators. They also have gret custy service as well. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 Still chasing this down a little, but I am going to go ahead and just put in a new radiator. I do have a couple of questions. The bottom of the radiator has two hose fittings that is not connected, is this normal? Not a good picture, but you can see the brass fittings on the far right and left of the picture. See how nothing is connected to them. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6859164943_9a6994bae1_z.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 Also, There is a little bit of crud in the overflow tank. I think I need a good flush as well. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6859164503_d18e97cb87_z.jpg But the fluid is clean http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6859163759_b8e867bb0d_z.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 We have had great luck with the mishimoto radiators. They also have gret custy service as well. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Are there any fitment issues? Will it drop in without modifications? You sell it as well dont you? What is the going rate for legacygt folks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwiener2 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Headgasket I've seen 02-03 Impreza radiators crack from age and suck, but I have not seen or heard of 05+ Legacy radiators doing it as well. On the cracked Impreza's I've seen, the crack is obvious because it has dried coolant all around it. My Mods List (Updated 8/22/17) 2005 Outback FMT Running on Electrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 Headgasket I've seen 02-03 Impreza radiators crack from age and suck, but I have not seen or heard of 05+ Legacy radiators doing it as well. On the cracked Impreza's I've seen, the crack is obvious because it has dried coolant all around it. I dont think so. The oil is clean and the coolant is clean as well. I can see the fluid running down the radiator. Actually you can see it in one of the pictures. It is either under one of the fans or where the plastic and the aluminum come together at the bottom tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwiener2 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I can see the fluid running down the radiator. Actually you can see it in one of the pictures. It is either under one of the fans or where the plastic and the aluminum come together at the bottom tank. then why didn't you say so? Subaru headgaskets don't typically mix oil and water. The fire ring leaks under high load but seals under the 98% of the rest of your driving. If it's the tabs on the radiator are unbending, it's possible the HG issue could have caused it.... or they're just old and unbent from years of driving. But I still think it's your headgasket. My Mods List (Updated 8/22/17) 2005 Outback FMT Running on Electrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoonley Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 then why didn't you say so? Subaru headgaskets don't typically mix oil and water. The fire ring leaks under high load but seals under the 98% of the rest of your driving. If it's the tabs on the radiator are unbending, it's possible the HG issue could have caused it.... or they're just old and unbent from years of driving. But I still think it's your headgasket. Sorry about that. I guess because I have not found the actual source of the leak yet, I am mostly convinced it is the radiator due to the fluid trails only come from the bottom half of the radiator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Headgasket I've seen 02-03 Impreza radiators crack from age and suck, but I have not seen or heard of 05+ Legacy radiators doing it as well. On the cracked Impreza's I've seen, the crack is obvious because it has dried coolant all around it. We have seen a few. The reason you see the 02-03 wrx going is due to age, it is now time for the 05-06 legacies to start failing. I wouldnt be so fast to say it is the headgasket. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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