86 GL-10 Turbo line leak?

[New2Subaru1]

I'm looking at buying an 86 gl-10.183,xxx miles, everything works, but its leaking green fluid from around the middle of the engine bay underneath the vehicle. The guy said he took it to a mechanic because he felt a little loss in power, and they said it was a turbo line. Would this be something I could fix myself if I got the vehicle? How difficult would it be to do? Thanks in advance

[john in KY]

That turbo is both coolant and oil cooled. Replacing the line isn't the end of the world but I won't overlook the possibility of a cracked turbo. Point is, don't assume the problem is a line. Verify/identify where the coolant leak is originating. 

[jono]

don't be fooled that a coolant loss being fixed is the reason for the loss of power and that if you buy it, fix coolant loss any power loss will be returned.

 

John, I am curious of this cracked turbo suggestion. Have you had/got a cracked VF2 ? I suspect I have one, fixed by a miracle block in cooling system stopped exhaust steam i did new HG and service heads when steam began, kept steaming after and oddly it all began the day after I used a cooling system cleaner. The turbo cast iron section has a white "tide" mark like lime seeping from wet cement or brick work - lime ?

 

After near thirty years the coolant banjo bolts that screw into turbo rot rather nasty. Really needs /worthy of a strip and inspect which is likely what seller has been told !

Edited June 5, 2016 by jono

[john in KY]

Have own 2 turbos over the years. Both developed a crack but not in a location to cause a leak. Just lucky.