wrxagon67
11-08-2006, 05:54 PM
Hello all,
Recently I crested 100k on my 02 wrx wagon. With a quote of $600+ for maintenance items from the dealer, I thought I'd go ahead and do it myself. I've been having fun learning about the car, have always done my own oil changes etc.
Problem:
While doing a coolant flush and fill using the vinegar technique in Unabomber's Maint. FAQ, I noticed the smell of the vinegar coming from my exhaust while letting the 50/50 solution of vinegar/DI water run through the system.
Just before this problem I had cleaned the IACV and changed its seal, making sure to use the recommended settling procedure for the new seal. I have had no "white smoke" coming from the exhaust at all. I only noticed the vinegar smell while flushing the cooling system.
I flushed the system with 100% DI water and then refilled with subaru coolant and conditioner and DI water. I have not noticed any smoke or smell since.
Is the vinegar smell something to be worried about? Head gasket going bad? I can post pictures of the spark plugs I pulled during the tune up if that helps. I'm trying to get feedback because I am thinking about putting a COBB stage 2 on the car pretty soon, but don't want to if there's a chance it will overstress the motor in ways it's not settled in to.
Thanks to anybody who can offer some advice.
Recently I crested 100k on my 02 wrx wagon. With a quote of $600+ for maintenance items from the dealer, I thought I'd go ahead and do it myself. I've been having fun learning about the car, have always done my own oil changes etc.
Problem:
While doing a coolant flush and fill using the vinegar technique in Unabomber's Maint. FAQ, I noticed the smell of the vinegar coming from my exhaust while letting the 50/50 solution of vinegar/DI water run through the system.
Just before this problem I had cleaned the IACV and changed its seal, making sure to use the recommended settling procedure for the new seal. I have had no "white smoke" coming from the exhaust at all. I only noticed the vinegar smell while flushing the cooling system.
I flushed the system with 100% DI water and then refilled with subaru coolant and conditioner and DI water. I have not noticed any smoke or smell since.
Is the vinegar smell something to be worried about? Head gasket going bad? I can post pictures of the spark plugs I pulled during the tune up if that helps. I'm trying to get feedback because I am thinking about putting a COBB stage 2 on the car pretty soon, but don't want to if there's a chance it will overstress the motor in ways it's not settled in to.
Thanks to anybody who can offer some advice.