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Subaru Legacy/Outback Oil and Other Fluid Questions

48 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2011 at 2:39 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Fuel System, Oil, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 48 Synthetic oil for increased gas mileage? by dliboiron

Jun 07, 2007 (9:56 pm)

Will using a synthetic oil increase my overall gas mileage?
 
I drive a '97 Legacy Outback AWD, 2.5.

#2 of 48 Re: Synthetic oil for increased gas mileage? [dliboiron] by ateixeira

Jun 08, 2007 (7:08 am)

Replying to: dliboiron (Jun 07, 2007 9:56 pm)
I don't think it will make a measureable, significant change, so not really.
 
Won't hurt, certainly.

#4 of 48 OIL IN RADIATOR by kathrynw

Jun 17, 2007 (10:55 am)

I just recently bought a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback, I started smelling oil burning, and it worried me. I looked under the hood and there is oil all over my radiator, and inside of the radiator. Are these Subaru models known for this problem, and does anyone know what it could be?

#5 of 48 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [kathrynw] by rsholland

Jun 17, 2007 (11:34 am)

Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 17, 2007 10:55 am)
No, Subarus are not known for this. In fact this is the first I've ever heard of it.
 
Are you sure that what you're seeing is oil, and not antifreeze?
 
Oil "in" the radiator is not a good sign. It indicates a possible cracked engine block, a cracked cylinder head or a gasket problem. Oil "outside" the engine could mean cracked external oil lines, or again a cracked engine block. Since you mentioned oil in the radiator my guess is a cracked engine block or cylinder head.
 
Pray that I'm wrong, as you're looking at big bucks to repair that.
 
Bob

#6 of 48 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [rsholland] by paisan

Jun 17, 2007 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 17, 2007 11:34 am)
Something doesn't sound right here at all. I highly doubt that the oil could be in and on the radiator at the same time. Do you mean in the rad, like in the radiator fluid? or in it like in the fins of the rad?
 
-mike

#7 of 48 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [paisan] by kathrynw

Jun 18, 2007 (6:46 am)

Replying to: paisan (Jun 17, 2007 8:01 pm)
there is oil in the radiator, mixed with the coolant, i guess. if you open to radiator and put your finger in, it comes out black.

#8 of 48 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [kathrynw] by paisan

Jun 18, 2007 (6:54 am)

Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 18, 2007 6:46 am)
First thing to do since the car is new-to-you is get the coolant flushed and then keep checking it. If it gets contaminated again then you have a headgasket or a cracked block problem.
 
-mike

#9 of 48 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [paisan] by xwesx

Jun 18, 2007 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jun 18, 2007 6:54 am)
Agreed - and she could also be experiencing multiple problems. The external oil leak could be a result of leaking camshaft/crankshaft seals and/or valve cover gaskets. These leak down and drip on the exhaust headers, creating the burning oil smell. If it gets bad enough, you will see smoke billowing around your car at intersections and other stops once the exhaust system heats up sufficiently. It is a real joy ( ), but a drop in the bucket compared to the head gasket (or block) problem.
 
Head gaskets and seals are a fairly common issue with the 1998 2.5L model. Cost of repair, if it is a head gasket problem, is about $2000.

#10 of 48 re by kathrynw

Jun 20, 2007 (9:56 am)

we drained the coolant yesterday, there was no oil in it. my friend looked at it and said that it could very well have been someone just poured oil into the overflow resevoir. we flushed the radiator, and now it seems to be doing fine.

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