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Old 07-18-2005, 04:56 PM   #1
MT_WRX
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Default WRX spitting coolant, but no sign of leaks

Recently, about 4 months ago, I blew the top radiator hose. I replaced it with the OEM hose, and was back in business. But now, for the last few days, I am noticing (smelling and seeing) increasing splatter, and loss of coolant at the top of the radiator. No increase in engine temps, but I am concerned. Anyone have any suggestions on where an unseen leak may be, or what might be going on? TIA

MT
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Old 07-18-2005, 05:39 PM   #2
DrD
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the top seam of the radiators tends to develop leaks (where the metal meets the plastic) but that seeps rather than splatters - if you are getting splattering, maybe the new hose is a little loose?
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Old 07-18-2005, 06:54 PM   #3
Crashton
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When they leak at the seam on top coolant leaks down & is picked up by the fans. That's what makes it seem to be spraying all over. Check the hose clamp at the radiator end of the hose. If it's loose that could be the source of your leak. Keep a close eye on your coolant loss. Don't want to fry your engine.
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Old 07-18-2005, 10:35 PM   #4
TexasForester
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Make sure it's not the radiator cap leaking. I once replaced a radiator only to discover later the radiator cap had a split gasket.

good luck
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Old 07-19-2005, 01:10 AM   #5
MT_WRX
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Default

Thanks for the feedback so far. I forgot to mention that I did make sure that everything was tight. Maybe it just wasn't tight enough...
I will check it out.

Bump for anymore ideas, feedback

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Old 07-19-2005, 01:15 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrD
the top seam of the radiators tends to develop leaks (where the metal meets the plastic) but that seeps rather than splatters - if you are getting splattering, maybe the new hose is a little loose?
I have a bit of this problem. Is this something I need to live with or should I have it look at? I mean, It's not that bad.
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Old 07-19-2005, 07:11 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Soyelflaco
I have a bit of this problem. Is this something I need to live with or should I have it look at? I mean, It's not that bad.
Generally speaking, the leak will get worse with time - my opinion on things like this is that you should replace it when you can, rather than wait for it to fail completely at some inopportune time (so you can choose the time to do the repair, rather than leaving it up to the radiator)

I was under the 3/36 when mine started leaking, so it was replaced under warranty.
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Old 07-19-2005, 04:36 PM   #8
MT_WRX
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Angry Cracked Radiator!!!!

So I found the source of my leak to be about a 2" crack on the top of the radiator. I guess its time to dip into the Subie fund and pull money out for stuff that isn't fun. Damn.

Anyone have any recommendations for a new one? This is a daily driver. Not a race or autocross car. Oh, and IBgetanoem because at this point, I know where and how much for one. I am looking for some other alternatives that are priced comparably, or maybe even less.

Thanks again for the help!

MT
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Old 07-19-2005, 10:49 PM   #9
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If you get another oem, chances are it will fail again. When mine went on my '02 WRX, I replaced it with a PWR: fit perfect, retained stock fans.

Some other options are Griffin, Koyo, and Fluidyne....just to name a few
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Old 07-20-2005, 12:17 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cooter
If you get another oem, chances are it will fail again. When mine went on my '02 WRX, I replaced it with a PWR: fit perfect, retained stock fans.

Some other options are Griffin, Koyo, and Fluidyne....just to name a few
How much did your PWR set you back?
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Old 07-21-2005, 07:15 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kean
How much did your PWR set you back?
$425 at www.kastleskorner.com
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Old 07-22-2005, 12:15 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cooter
...thanks cooter.
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Old 07-25-2005, 12:50 PM   #13
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i just got my radiator replaced under warranty last week. it was leaking from the seam. you would think subaru would use a better designed radiator with all the problems people have with them.
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Old 07-25-2005, 01:05 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXSleeper
i just got my radiator replaced under warranty last week. it was leaking from the seam. you would think subaru would use a better designed radiator with all the problems people have with them.
Subaru isn't the only car manufacturer with this problem. I replaced 3 radiators (plastic/aluminum design) in my Silverado.
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Old 07-25-2005, 01:30 PM   #15
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Well Kean, you are driving a GM.

Just giving ya guff man, don't take it personally!
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Old 07-25-2005, 02:59 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Weedy
Well Kean, you are driving a GM.
was (past tense)

yeah.... that thing had more problems than you could imagine over the 10yrs/110k miles I had it. Paint, differential, intake manif gasket, radiator(s), transmission(s), coolant leaks (at the intake manifold), windshield wiper motor, alternator, distributor, etc.
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Old 07-25-2005, 04:01 PM   #17
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Oh believe me, I can imagine just how much stuff you had to do to that thing. After working on cars for over eight years I have seen it all.

Just curious, I would be willing to put money on you going through 4 or more alternators in that period taht you owned that truck. Would that be accurate?
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Old 07-25-2005, 04:10 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Weedy
Just curious, I would be willing to put money on you going through 4 or more alternators in that period taht you owned that truck. Would that be accurate?
Actually, just one. It was a sudden failure but I was lucky enough to limp it home. The only multiple issues I had (with single components) was with the transmission, radiator, and a heater hose connection on the intake manifold (idiotic design).
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Old 07-25-2005, 04:17 PM   #19
Weedy
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Well Kean, I am glad to see that you have a Subaru now. I am actually on my second one, my first was a '99 2.5RS and I like a complete idiot, sold that car for a '97 Cobra. Well, I learned my lesson after I replaced the clutch only to find out that it was actually the transmission that was the problem. So I decided to get my dream car the WRX and make it what I wanted it to be. And no problems with my tranny either!
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Old 07-25-2005, 04:35 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Weedy
Well Kean, I am glad to see that you have a Subaru now. I am actually on my second one, my first was a '99 2.5RS and I like a complete idiot, sold that car for a '97 Cobra. Well, I learned my lesson after I replaced the clutch only to find out that it was actually the transmission that was the problem. So I decided to get my dream car the WRX and make it what I wanted it to be. And no problems with my tranny either!
Yeah, GM has left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth after that experience. In my 21 years of driving and vehicle ownership, that truck was the worst of the lot (even though I took good care of it).

As for the quality of my Subaru, I've been quite satisfied. However, my wife's '99 Honda Civic (although lacking the "fun" factor) has proven to be an absolute champ in reliability. ......now I just need to focus on my '69 Charger so I can get it back on the road again.
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