I drive about 250 miles a week, 200 or so on the highway at speeds of 75-85mph for at least 30 to 45minutes, twice a day. Essentially to and from work.

 

Most recently i had to add coolant to my reservoir as it was down to the bottom of the tank(could barely see it) and only one time before that i had to add a bit as i like to see it at the top of the line. No smells, no issues, temp gauge is pegged just a hare about the quarter hot mark.

 

Is this an indication of a hg problem or am i just paranoid? I had the additive put in and the oils changed every 4-5k. 2000 outback. Will be getting into a very long road trip and want to make sure i don't have any issues. 2800mile road trip that is.

 

thx

Doesn't sound too scarey to me. Look for leaks and if you see none go for it. I always check halfway thorugh my xmas road trip which I start tomorrow myself.

With the engine cold - off for at least four hours, or if possible overnight - open the radiator cap.

Is the coolant reaching the top? Is there any sign of oil on the surface of the coolant?

 

 

Check around the hoses in the engine room, maybe one has a small leak. I had this recently, and it was hard to track down, because the coolant was escaping as steam, but only in small amounts. That meant no traces of it leaving..

 

For peace of mind on your road trip: Fit a brand new Genuine Subaru radiator cap and bring a gallon of fresh coolant.

 

Happy Holidays :-)

<<For peace of mind on your road trip: Fit a brand new Genuine Subaru radiator cap and bring a gallon of fresh coolant.>>

 

how about a gallon of 50/50 mix of coolant and water. you don't put un mixed / dilluted coolant in a subaru.

I drive about 250 miles a week, 200 or so on the highway at speeds of 75-85mph for at least 30 to 45minutes, twice a day. Essentially to and from work.

 

Most recently i had to add coolant to my reservoir as it was down to the bottom of the tank(could barely see it) and only one time before that i had to add a bit as i like to see it at the top of the line. No smells, no issues, temp gauge is pegged just a hare about the quarter hot mark.

 

Is this an indication of a hg problem or am i just paranoid? I had the additive put in and the oils changed every 4-5k. 2000 outback. Will be getting into a very long road trip and want to make sure i don't have any issues. 2800mile road trip that is.

 

thx

 

If you want peace of mind, have someone do an exhaust gas test on the cooling system. You can also have them pressure check it to see if you have a leak someplace. Also look for air bubbles in the coolant. Could be as simple as a bad radiator cap. i would replace the cap and see what happens.

My gut feeling is that you dont have a headgasket issue, or its just too early to tell. Get yourself a gallon of premixed antifreeze, and have a good and safe trip.

 

 

nipper

"Fresh coolant" is code word for pre-mixed stuff

 

Of course I don't use 100% glycol.

 

 

MErry Christmas!