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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 2 of 5

#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.

#11 of 48 Re: re [kathrynw] by paisan

Jun 20, 2007 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 20, 2007 9:56 am)
Cool. I always try to direct folks toward the simple fixes before going crazy with the sky is falling routine. It probably needed a rad flush anyway! Glad to hear it worked out.
 
-mike

#12 of 48 Re: re [kathrynw] by ateixeira

Jun 20, 2007 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: kathrynw (Jun 20, 2007 9:56 am)
Glad to hear that, however....
 
Given the previous owner put oil in the coolant overflow tank, you might want to have all the fluids changed to be safe!

#13 of 48 1995 subaru legacy Seal in engine leaking by kcardona73

Feb 10, 2008 (7:17 pm)

Does anyone know the degree I need to torque the timing to so I can begin fixing this problem?

#15 of 48 Additives (fuel, etc.) by dakotadriver

Apr 21, 2008 (2:39 pm)

Has anyone ever heard of Ethos Fuel Reformulator? Allegedly increases mileage by up to 19 - 20%, lowers emissions, and lubricates and cleans internal parts (for more power, smoother running engine, longer lasting engine, etc.) I've watched some of the testimonials (including one from Al Unser from NASCAR) and numerous testimonials from people running trucking firms, etc. They also include local TV station stories on this product showing emissions test before and after, etc. My question is: would this harm the car in any way that you can think of? I normally do not believe any claims of better mileage and such but this one seems to be different from a lot of the other products out there in that I have not found any negatives online like you can for most other products advertised as doing the same thing, and the emission testing results on the videos from Las Vegas and Dallas local news seem to be confirming the claims (with increased mileage). I feel like trying it out but I do not want to cause any damage to my engine.

#16 of 48 Re: Additives (fuel, etc.) [dakotadriver] by ateixeira

Apr 22, 2008 (8:27 am)

Replying to: dakotadriver (Apr 21, 2008 2:39 pm)
20%?
 
Maybe if you add 3.38 gallons of the stuff to your tank (i.e. 20% of the fuel tank capacity).

#18 of 48 97 Outback Sport adding transfer case fluid by paulman

Sep 07, 2008 (7:09 pm)

I need to add fluid to the transfer case, but do not know how. Can this be done fairly easily, or must it be done by a mechanic? Thanks, Paul

Messages Page 2 of 5

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