newsooby Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 This morning I noticed an accumulation of ice on the lower part of the passenger side bumper of my 99 OBW. Since we haven't had significant snow, ice or other precipitation in a few days, the appearance of ice at this location was odd. I popped the hood and checked the radiator, and everything looked OK until I noticed that the lower left (passenger) side of the radiator had a slight accumulation of ice/frost inside the grating (all the nooks and crannies). (This was before starting the car) I checked the coolant overflow tank and there is just a small quantity of coolant in the bottom -- less than there would be on a warm day. The car warms up to temp in about 1 mile. Everything seems to be working OK. Is the ice just the result of condensation from the warm/hot radiator pushing into the sub-zero air? Is my radiator frozen/plugged in the lower section? Things to consider: - The temps here in Massachusetts have been below zero just about every day/night for about two weeks. - Car is not garaged. - Car reaches temp in the same amount of time it would on a warmer day (1 mile). - Except for the accumulation of ice, everything seems to be functioning OK. All feedback, ideas, input would be appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 If that can help you evaluate the probablility of a radiator problem, I can tell you my rad has no ice on it or around it and my car is always outside and it's been between -20C to -35C here for at least 10 days. Two things I can think of: 1) Do you have a proper mixture of antifreize and water (at least 50/50)? 2) Would it be possible the radiator's top hose is leaking and the water is trickling down to the bottom of the rad? Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 If you have proper mix of coolant, it would be greenish and liquid (possibly slushy if close to it's freezing point. How far away is this point from A/C drain line? (I know, really far-sigh) fun mystery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newsooby Posted January 15, 2004 Author Share Posted January 15, 2004 Took car to mechanic. He couldn't find any evidence of any water or coolant leaks anywhere. Asked me if anyone parks their car in front of mine?! My wife backs her Camry up to my OBW's front bumper. When she starts her car in the morning, she lets it run for 10 - 15 minutes to warm it up (I keep telling her to STOP doing this!). Anyway, it DID snow last night. Apparently, her car's exhaust pipe melted all the snow and ice on my car, and her car, leaving this icy spot on the lower bumper of my car. There was a Camry on the mechanic's lot, and the exhaust pipe lined up perfectly with the "melt spot" on my bumper. I took the OBW for a car wash, then checked everything over. No evidence of water or coolant! Whew! I just need to be less paranoid!! While I was at the garage, one of the mechanics was ordering a set of head gaskets for a 2000 Forester with 80K on it. Bummer. We both laughed at the fact that Subaru denies there is a problem with head gaskets. Lying b******s! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 To make an abstract of what happened : a Subaru radiator problem was caused by a Camry exhaust system driver's error. If this had been a riddle, I dont think I would have found the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 WOW! sounds like a candidate for a Click and Clack the Tappett Brothers semi-automotive puzzler! You should SO send it in to them! http://cartalk.cars.com/Radio/Puzzler/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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