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Subaru Forester Engine problems

439 messages,  Last post on Aug 25, 2012 at 2:58 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 44 of 44

#430 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [aatherton] by xwesx

May 17, 2012 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: aatherton (May 17, 2012 1:36 pm)
The oil should be checked often enough to estimate how fast the level is dropping on the dipstick, and topped up before it drops below the dipstick.
 
I agree. The problem here is not necessarily how long you went between oil changes, rather that the oil level was not being monitored to ensure healthy levels.
 
I doubt your car was even four quarts low. Otherwise, you would have noticed more than simply a strange noise. Noises tend to start around two quarts low, and get progressively worse from there....

#431 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [xwesx] by mkunze

May 17, 2012 (3:29 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (May 17, 2012 1:50 pm)
The only good thing right now is that the car will be around for the summer, and a dealer has agreed that we will monitor it for oil consumption together. I just hope this is a big nothing - oil disappearing scares me.
 
I appreciate all the responses - keep any advise or recommendations coming.

#432 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [xwesx] by aatherton

May 21, 2012 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (May 17, 2012 1:50 pm)
"... Noises tend to start around two quarts low, and get progressively worse from there...."
 
That sounds like the engines begins to signal the oil level by making various progressive noises.
 
I think noises would be the result of damaging effects of lack of lubrication, would would occur after the fact, and there would be no recovery from the fact, even if oil was then topped up.
 
And no noise would occur until the oil pump lost suction and deprived the engine of enough lubrication to cause damage, which would occur at one point in time, rather than anytime between 2 quarts and 1 quart remaining in the engine, which could be a long period of time.
 
I think the oil pickup is likely located low enough in the sump to continue to pick up oil well into the last quart.

#433 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [aatherton] by xwesx

May 21, 2012 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: aatherton (May 21, 2012 12:33 pm)
It depends on the parts making noise, and how long you let it stay that way. The cams are the first to make noise, so I have to suspect there is either a flow or pressure effect associated with it getting low, even though it definitely is still sucking oil.

#434 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [xwesx] by mkunze

May 21, 2012 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (May 21, 2012 3:00 pm)
Talked to a subaru slaesman today who has been reseaching for me. He says several car guys have told him that it is not unusual for these cars to go through 1/2 a quart of oil a month.
 
When I bought the car the salesman said it the new synthetic oil they put in them is as thin as water. Perhaps the extremely low viscosity makes them like this. Just guessing.

#435 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [mkunze] by aatherton

May 23, 2012 (6:41 am)

Replying to: mkunze (May 21, 2012 7:01 pm)
The 2011-on FB engine is built with close tolerances to run on lower viscosity oil than the pre-2011 EJ engines, with the low viscosity oil still maintaining shear strength by being synthetic.
 
Using such low viscosity 0W-20 oil in the older engines would likely result in high oil consumption. Conversely, using 5W-30 oil in the FB engine would likely result in poorer lubrication and mileage.

#436 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [mkunze] by jlevando3

Aug 18, 2012 (7:42 am)

Replying to: mkunze (May 17, 2012 7:27 am)
I am interested in purchasing a used 2001 Subaru Forest (automatic) w/168K miles and apprears to be well maintained (will verify with carfax). I do know that the car was recalled by Subaru and had Engine Cooling Conditioner added given the concern for the HG problems.
 
My question is, to be throughly covered, is it advantageous to flush the coolant and replenish with the K Seal.
 
Any thoughts or comments.

#437 of 439 Re: Help!! Forrester going through oil rapidly? [jlevando3] by aatherton

Aug 19, 2012 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: jlevando3 (Aug 18, 2012 7:42 am)
Subaru's coolant conditioner is supposed to be added to a coolant change every 30,000 miles. It is the only thing that Subaru approves. But if you already have an active leak, you may as well add the strongest goop.

#438 of 439 Subaru Engine Cooling Conditioner to prevent HG problems??? by jlevando3

Aug 19, 2012 (3:55 pm)

Replying to: aatherton (Aug 19, 2012 12:42 pm)
Now I am strongly considering purchasing a 2003 Subaru Outback Legacy Wagon L (automatic V4 2.5L) with 139K. I don't think it has a HG concern/problem, but will have it verified in the next cpl of days with my mechanic (didn't the 2003 have a re-design on the HG?).
 
If one wants to be proactive (not re-active) and do everything possible to deter problems with the HG, what would be the best additive to the cooling system (eg, Subaru Engine Cooling conditioner, Blue Devil, Red Line, Purple Ice)?
 
Appreciate informed opinions.
 
thanks

#439 of 439 Re: Subaru Engine Cooling Conditioner to prevent HG problems??? [jlevando3] by aatherton

Aug 25, 2012 (2:58 pm)

Replying to: jlevando3 (Aug 19, 2012 3:55 pm)
Proactive - Subaru (Holt's Radweld) conditioner. Subaru evidently believes it won't compromise cooling.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/vintagefortytwo/Forester/HoltsSubaru.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/vintagefortytwo/Forester/HoltsRadweld.jpg-
 
Reactive - Anything else. Nothing to lose.

Messages Page 44 of 44

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