98 OBW EJ25 DOHC Coolant type/brand

[vic622]

Replacement Long block: 110,000 miles, Comp= 190/185/185/185

 

So I'll be changing long block on Monday and I want to know about coolant type and brand. No matter what, I'll be adding the Subaru/Holts stop-leak additive. I'll do a good flush of the system before adding new coolant.

 

Do I want to or need to use ONLY OEM Subaru coolant, or can I use another HOAT or OAT (Dex-Cool) type coolant?

 

EG:

Zerex G-05 (HOAT) or Zerex Dex-Cool (OAT)

 

What are the alternatives?

or

Suck it up and buy the Subaru OE Coolant?

Vic

Edited February 25, 2010 by vic622
added mileage/comp

[Rooster2]

The Subaru stop leak additive is made for the phase 2 motors, your 98 has the phase 1 motor, so the additive won't help.

 

I simply use Wal-Mart's house brand of antifreeze. The label says good for all cars. So far, no issues.

 

The flush is a good idea. Also suggest a new rad cap, and changing the thermostat if it is old.

[davebugs]

I always send the radiator out to be flushed and pressure tested. Usually folks have tried miracle cures before I buy the car to fix it.

 

I've gone to the Advance Auto parts universal coolant. Looks like Mtn. Dew kinda yellow green. Don't know if you have that chain of parts stores up there.

 

The Subaru dark green stuff is very pricey.

[vic622]

The Subaru stop leak additive is made for the phase 2 motors, your 98 has the phase 1 motor, so the additive won't help.

Engine VIN Code 6 = Phase 1 or 2?

I simply use Wal-Mart's house brand of antifreeze. The label says good for all cars. So far, no issues.

 

The flush is a good idea. Also suggest a new rad cap, and changing the thermostat if it is old.

For sure going to put on a new rad cap & t-stat.

[vic622]

I always send the radiator out to be flushed and pressure tested. Usually folks have tried miracle cures before I buy the car to fix it.

The rad should be good - I've been driving the car for 6mos before the dreaded HG failure.

I've gone to the Advance Auto parts universal coolant. Looks like Mtn. Dew kinda yellow green. Don't know if you have that chain of parts stores up there.

Does CarQuest or NAPA have an equivalent? I can hit them when I pick up the long block in Montana - No Advance Auto in Eureka.

The Subaru dark green stuff is very pricey.

$$$ Ain't that the truth! - But still not as bad as the cost of a long block

[davebugs]

I'm sure any major parts store will have a similar product.

 

I've personally used this in probably 50 Suby's by now with no known issues.

 

That's the only reason I said something.

 

If you are the one that has been driving the car and haven't dumped miracle sures in it and didn't let too much carbon/ick build up you'll be o.k.

[Rooster2]

Engine VIN Code 6 = Phase 1 or 2?

 

 

All 98 Subie Leggies have the phase 1 motor for sure. No need to check engine VIN code.

[AWDfreak]

The Subaru stop leak additive is made for the phase 2 motors, your 98 has the phase 1 motor, so the additive won't help.

 

I simply use Wal-Mart's house brand of antifreeze. The label says good for all cars. So far, no issues.

 

The flush is a good idea. Also suggest a new rad cap, and changing the thermostat if it is old.

 

 

I still use the Subaru/Holt stop-leak and Subaru coolant, I'm paranoid the head gaskets might go again Realistically, I won't need to worry about that since I asked the mechanic to get genuine OEM Subaru gaskets.

Engine VIN Code 6 = Phase 1 or 2?

 

For sure going to put on a new rad cap & t-stat.

 

Check if your engine is the EJ25D. It is very likely it is the EJ25D Phase I. I have the same engine on my 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback, and it had head gasket issues as well. It was a nightmare back then, but I laugh about it sometimes since I never overheated.

[2.5_IMP]

I think I paid $10 or $12 for a gallon. Silicate free.

 

http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/zerex/antifreeze/105

[vic622]

I think I paid $10 or $12 for a gallon. Silicate free.

 

http://www.valvoline.com/products/brands/zerex/antifreeze/105

I checked it out & I can't get it locally and not before Monday when the transplant is happening.

I sent an email to Valvoline tech to ask if I can use the one of the other types - if you go on their site, they have a link to a pdf that doesn't even show this for the Asian cars?!?

The others are low-silicate so we'll see what they have to say.

[montana105]

vic- i believe there is a Napa and a carquest in Eureka,Mt,if not hop down to Kalispell where I know both are there along with O'reillys

[vic622]

vic- i believe there is a Napa and a carquest in Eureka,Mt,if not hop down to Kalispell where I know both are there along with O'reillys

Carquest doesn't carry it (and can't get it for Monday) & Napa was closed when I called them - I'll try again tomorrow to see if they have it.

If I need to go to Kalispell, I'll have to convince the neighbour who's giving me a lift to pick up the block to see if he's willing to go for an extra 1hr road trip to pick up a jug of oil

Maybe if pick up all the OE parts from Glacier Subaru at the same time ...