Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions
18389 messages, Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 12:44 PM
You are in the Subaru Crew Forum. Your Host is kcram
Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.
|
Replying to: paisan (Oct 03, 2009 4:47 am) My radiator is leaking around the seams, after replacing it, should I replace the cap and/or the thermostat?
|
|
|
Replying to: phil2000 (Oct 03, 2009 5:52 am) -mike |
|
|
Hi - I've got this whining noise from my engine, and I can also smell something metallic/acidic. I figure it's the alternator not working properly, possibly even overcharging the battery. I found some wet gunk on top of the battery and on one of the terminals. Looks like the battery is boiling. I think that can be quite dangerous... I'll replace the alternator and possibly the battery as well. I was wondering if it would be worth getting a completely new alternator, or if a refurbished one would be just as good. Any special tips as to how to go about the whole thing would be greatly appreciated. I am pretty much a klutz, but a friend of mine has changed dozens of alternators over the years, and his cars run quite smoothly. He has no experience with Subarus, though. Thanks - MM |
|
|
Replying to: machius (Oct 14, 2009 7:25 am) About replacing the battery.... for me it depends on the length/severity of the issue. If the battery was low on water the lead cores could have warped, in which case I would replace it. Also, if a lot of (acidic) fluid escaped, topping it off with water will dilute the battery's acidity and reduce its holding capacity. Okay, so you can keep it and see how it performs, or just replace it. I'm almost convincing myself just to replace it. 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: machius (Oct 14, 2009 7:25 am) PS- If your interested in modern cars at all get an OBD2 Code Reader (Amazon for about $50), for when that Check Engine Light comes on someday. Actually hadn't thought about it, seems like OBD2 should give us a voltage reading, but maybe not.
|
|
|
Replying to: forester_incv (Oct 14, 2009 9:58 am) Regarding testing the system, I do have a voltmeter, so I could do these basic checks. I do not have an ammeter, though. In any case, I am a bit reluctant to turn on the engine if it's indeed the case that the alternator is over-charging the battery. How long does it take for hydrogen to accumulate so that it might explode? If I do it outside, would I have a couple of minutes to check everything out? Mind you, I drove over 30 miles with that issue, according to when I detected the smell for the first time, and I survived... Thanks again - MM
|
|
|
Replying to: machius (Oct 14, 2009 10:23 am) For what it's worth, that was July of 1999. I finally retired that battery this spring when it did not have enough juice to crank the truck after the winter and would not hold a charge for more than about 24 hours.  It was time, though; it was time.
|
|
|
Replying to: forester_incv (Oct 14, 2009 9:58 am) The OBD2 port gives a voltage reading to the ScanGauge in my old Scion xB, so it should do the same for a Forester. It can't measure voltage with engine off, of course, so engine must be running. |
|
|
|
|
Long time lurker although haven't been on on a while- 2003 OB with 126K miles- took my car to get oil change and rotation and also for noise on right front where I got a basketball hung up in my wheel- well- gotta love kids. So the "inspection" listed a bunch of stuff i should get done- some things I'm iffy about so I'll run it by here: Fuel Injector service for $75 Coolant Flush for $90 given they told that my upper and lower radiator hoses loooked "soft" and needed replacement Brake fluid exchange for $80 as part of brake service. These real and/or necessary or just upsale opportunities? Thanks RT
|
|
|
Replying to: rthompson9310 (Oct 21, 2009 6:18 am) Injector service is a usual service dept profit maker. Radiator hoses? Can't tell.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Subaru Impreza
2010 Subaru Outback
2010 Subaru Forester
2010 Subaru Legacy
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
