I just bought a 2004 outback sedan 2 weeks ago, this is my second subaru. I am experiencing a coolant on both sides of the bottom of the engine. I think its the dreaded HG leak. Anyone know of a reputable place around this area that could diagnose and repair my engine?

 

Thanks

Welcome.

 

I don't know of anyone in your area but someone else may be able to help.

 

If you decide to do it yourself the folks here are very helpful.

first drain the coolant and add two bottles of Subaru's Coolant Conditioner. If they're slow coolant only leaks sometimes that shuts them up.

 

that conditioner is required on your engine so make sure it gets it after the repair.

first drain the coolant and add two bottles of Subaru's Coolant Conditioner. If they're slow coolant only leaks sometimes that shuts them up.

 

that conditioner is required on your engine so make sure it gets it after the repair.

 

Read here about burping before you start the drain/fill.

Read here about burping before you start the drain/fill.

!!!!!! that's awesome, so eigth grade-ish. !

I took my car to a local Subaru dealer to get their opion and they agreed that they have had some problems with later model 4 cyl HG's.The service manager said that after Subaru started requiring the required Subaru coolant/additive the HG problem went away but Subaru did not inter that requirement into the owners service manual so some do-it-yourself people did not get the message to change the coolant/additive every 30,000 miles so the HG monster is reappearing once in a while. He said to put Subaru coolant/additive in the car if I tried to get Subaru to cut me a break on the repair, ($1500-$2000) at this dealer. I called the Subaru dealer where I bought the car because they gave me a 1000 mile 30 day warranty and they will replace the HG's FREE !!!! Can you beleive it!!! Awesome !!! The outback sedan has 78,000 miles on but I will have them replace tbelt plugs & parts as needed. They will do the job 11/7/11 & I will post the results then and I will post the dealers name then.

Well, that's certainly good news! Over in Athens here.

 

Doug

that's awesome.

 

i'd be wanting the timing tensioner and pulleys replaced with the belt, but they'll be pricey from Subaru. the pulleys and tensioner have more issues before 200,000 than i'm comfortable taking a risk on. or you can entertain having it changed before the next 100,000 miles as well, that's an option. the lower sprocket is the one that is usually in the worst condition - $59 from subaru (that's the discounted price i think).

I'll have them look closely at those parts and also the water pump which, according to the old hose listening trick, is making a pecking sound like a valve or lifter.

 

Thanks for the tips.

I got my car back to dealer where I bought it, BACHMAN SUBARU in Louisville, ky Monday early for the HG replacement. They stood by their word & replaced both HG's free of charge!!!!!!! They also inspected the water pump, (it was tight & OK) & the rensioner & idlers were good so it would have been a waste of money to replace them at this time. At my request the technician replaced the timing belt, plugs, both serpentine belts & changed the coolant/additive at a total cost of $200.53 for parts but didnot charge for any labor !!!!!!!!! Their driver took me anywhere I wanted to go while my car was worked on & all the Service & Sales personal were exceptionally pleasant to talk to. Also I talked to some of the other customers that passed through the service department & they all said they were extreemely pleased with BACHMAN SUBARU.

 

I have traded for & bought a lot of vehicles in my 65 years but, by far, this has been the best experience I've ever had. I cannot recomend BACHMAN any higher & would suggest anyone check with them for any SUBARU or GM needs, they will surely get my next business!!!!

I have traded for & bought a lot of vehicles in my 65 years but, by far, this has been the best experience I've ever had.

 

That is so nice to hear, especially in today's world. Kudos to the dealer and congrats to you for "getting her done."

 

Now get out there and enjoy that lovely Subaru!!!