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CHECK ENGINE Light just came on after traveling through flooded streets

19 messages,  Last post on Sep 16, 2009 at 8:27 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 19 Re: UPDATE... now I'm really nervous [parent1] by xwesx

Sep 10, 2009 (2:49 pm)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 10, 2009 1:58 pm)
It is possible that there is a cracked block issue here. I very much doubt, given the circumstances, that this is a something that would be warranty-related unfortunately. If you have experienced independent mechanics available, there is no reason not to let one inspect the situation.

#11 of 19 Re: UPDATE... now I'm really nervous [xwesx] by parent1

Sep 10, 2009 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Sep 10, 2009 2:49 pm)
One more detail: I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but I don't think any water got into the engine. I'm basing this off of the fact that when I checked the oil, it looked healthy (i.e., not milky).

#12 of 19 Re: UPDATE... now I'm really nervous [parent1] by ateixeira

Sep 11, 2009 (8:58 am)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 10, 2009 6:44 pm)
If it's new you may have the Subaru roadside assistance. Check the owner's manual. They can probably cover the first 100 miles towing for free.
 
I'd call 800-SUBARU3 and ask for their advice, also.
 
This is a bummer, the car is so new.
 
Whether they cover it or not will depend on what exactly happened, I guess. I'm suer they'll find signs of water so be honest with them, but then again a splash of water didn't necessarily cause all the damage. I hope not.

#13 of 19 Re: UPDATE... now I'm really nervous [ateixeira] by xwesx

Sep 11, 2009 (9:23 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 11, 2009 8:58 am)
It is so hard to say at this point. I used to drive my '96 Outback through some serious puddles. In the springtime here we get many streets and parking lots flooded due to frozen storm drains and massive meltoff over the course of a few days to a week in April (or sometimes May). Some of the puddles are 100 yards or more across and deep enough that the exhaust was underwater (gurgle gurgle gurgle....). I never had any problems at all. Usually that level of water causes problems when one tries to go too fast and sucks water into the intake.

#14 of 19 Status Update by parent1

Sep 14, 2009 (6:39 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Sep 11, 2009 9:23 am)
I know it's been awhile since the last post but I thought I'd update since future owners may find this info useful.
 
After driving through flooded streets, my 2008 OB developed an overheating problem. Specifically, after about 5 minutes of driving, when the engine temp gauge is at half, I begin to hear a "knocking" noise that sounds almost like a diesel engine. Then, the temperature gauge shoots up... after that, I don't know because I've only driven it a few times since the overheating problem developed.
 
The good thing is; I don't think there are any major issues with the engine/head gasket/transmission/etc. In earlier posts I had been concerned with damage to the engine but I've ruled that out as I can't re-create the noise when the vehicle is in neutral (after it has overheated). My impression is that water caused the failure of some electric component which is important in cooling the engine (NOTE: I AM NOT A MECHANIC).
 
The vehicle is still under the manufacturers warranty so I'll be calling road side assistance for a tow in to San Antonio, the nearest Subaru dealership. If its covered under warranty great, if not, I feel better about having it repaired by a Subaru mechanic. I'll keep you all posted with results in the coming days.
 
Thanks again for all the help; it is reassuring that there is a dedicated and knowledgeable community of Subaru owners willing to share their experience and $0.02. The Best,
 
Chad

#15 of 19 Re: Status Update [parent1] by ateixeira

Sep 14, 2009 (12:05 pm)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 14, 2009 6:39 am)
I'll be calling road side assistance for a tow
 
You made the right call. Good luck.

#16 of 19 Re: Status Update [parent1] by grahampeters

Sep 14, 2009 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 14, 2009 6:39 am)
G'day
 
Most obvious issue would be something caught in the fan blades of the cooling fan. Calling Roadside Assistance is the right idea.
 
Cheers
 
Graham

#17 of 19 Re: Status Update by parent1

Sep 15, 2009 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: grahampeters (Sep 14, 2009 3:15 pm)
Just heard from the Subaru dealership working on my OB. Turns out there was a decent sized hole in the radiator. He speculates that the fan blade impacted the radiator.
 
I asked him about the knocking noise that is produced after it overheats and his impression was that it was probably nothing to lose sleep about (unless one drove while it was overheated for a prolonged period of time).
 
Anyhow, hopefully that is the end of it... $470 later!
 
Thanks again for y'alls help.

#18 of 19 Re: Status Update [parent1] by xwesx

Sep 15, 2009 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 15, 2009 2:54 pm)
Keep us posted about how it continues to run. You might also consider changing the oil in light of everything that happened, if you have not done so already, just to ensure it is giving your engine the protection it needs.
 
I think you handled the whole situation very well. Hopefully you have many years of enjoyment from this vehicle yet to come!

#19 of 19 Re: Status Update [parent1] by ateixeira

Sep 16, 2009 (8:27 am)

Replying to: parent1 (Sep 15, 2009 2:54 pm)
$470 is about a quarter of what I was expecting for the repair. I hope that's all it costs you.
 
Definitely change all the fluids.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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