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Subaru Legacy/Outback Oil and Other Fluid Questions

41 messages,  Last post on Oct 28, 2009 at 3:10 PM

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

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#1 of 41 Synthetic oil for increased gas mileage? by dliboiron Jun 07, 2007 (8:56 pm)
Will using a synthetic oil increase my overall gas mileage?   I drive a '97 Legacy Outback AWD, 2.5. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2007 6:08 am)
#2 of 41 Re: Synthetic oil for increased gas mileage? [dliboiron] by ateixeira Jun 08, 2007 (6:08 am)
Replying to: dliboiron (Jun 07, 2007 8:56 pm) I don't think it will make a measureable, significant change, so not really.   Won't hurt, certainly.
#4 of 41 OIL IN RADIATOR by kathrynw Jun 17, 2007 (9:55 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? Replies to this message: rsholland (Jun 17, 2007 10:34 am) paisan (Jun 17, 2007 7:01 pm) kathrynw (Jun 18, 2007 5:46 am) and 2 more...
#5 of 41 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [kathrynw] by rsholland Jun 17, 2007 (10:34 am)
Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 17, 2007 9:55 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 Replies to this message: paisan (Jun 17, 2007 7:01 pm) kathrynw (Jun 18, 2007 5:46 am) paisan (Jun 18, 2007 5:54 am) and 1 more...
#6 of 41 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [rsholland] by paisan Jun 17, 2007 (7:01 pm)
Replying to: rsholland (Jun 17, 2007 10:34 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 Replies to this message: kathrynw (Jun 18, 2007 5:46 am) paisan (Jun 18, 2007 5:54 am) xwesx (Jun 18, 2007 12:38 pm)
#7 of 41 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [paisan] by kathrynw Jun 18, 2007 (5:46 am)
Replying to: paisan (Jun 17, 2007 7:01 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. Replies to this message: paisan (Jun 18, 2007 5:54 am) xwesx (Jun 18, 2007 12:38 pm)
#8 of 41 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [kathrynw] by paisan Jun 18, 2007 (5:54 am)
Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 18, 2007 5:46 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 Replies to this message: xwesx (Jun 18, 2007 12:38 pm)
#9 of 41 Re: OIL IN RADIATOR [paisan] by xwesx Jun 18, 2007 (12:38 pm)
Replying to: paisan (Jun 18, 2007 5:54 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 41 re by kathrynw Jun 20, 2007 (8:56 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. Replies to this message: paisan (Jun 20, 2007 11:37 am) ateixeira (Jun 20, 2007 12:01 pm)

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