Coolant Leak.

[hanzz]

I noticed earlier today that I had a small coolant leak. After throwing the car up on jack stands, I see that its coming from the drivers side of the car, right by the axle. But I can't tell exactly where the actual leak is. I felt the head, it was greasy on the outside but no visible coolant, it's also running at normal temp. Should I get a pressure check just in case? What else could it be? Not sure where the thermostat is, but could it be from that? Could it also just be the I put to much coolant in and it overflowed?

Car info.

2001 Outback 5sp
170xxx miles

Thanks for any answers.

[LiCelsior]

thermostat is on the front portion of the driver side engine. look under and follow the lower rad hose and u'll see it. i dunno if this engine has freeze plugs or not but possibly thats leaking?

[hanzz]

Thanks, I'll check those!!

[Kiwi GT]

Head gaskets are common to seep coolant. Could be a heater hose or throttle water feed hose too.

[hanzz]

If it is infact coming from the headgasket, would that be a sign it's going? I'll check those other two items tomorrow! Thanks!!

[Kiwi GT]

If it is infact coming from the headgasket, would that be a sign it's going? I'll check those other two items tomorrow! Thanks!!

As in leaking combustion gasses? No, not at all. The head gasket seals combustion gasses, coolant, and oil from each other, and all 3 from the atmosphere. Just because it has a coolant leak to atmosphere doesn't mean anything else is leaking.

[hanzz]

Great thanks. I'm 17, and this is my first car. So I'm trying to get a handle on all of the mechanics of it. What would be the best way to seal the leak if it is the head?

[jewbaru]

no easy fix. have to replace it.. :-?

[jewbaru]

depending on the year and model and mileage, id call ur local dealership and see if the headgasket replacement is covered under warrenty

[ShadowGT]

Driver side / right side head gasket.
Lower radiator hose which on that side of the car is damaged, not seated properly.
Right side coolant drain plug, damaged or loose. You have a left and right drain plug on the bottom of the engine. They flank the oil pan.
Start looking at simple things first and good luck.

[ProjectLGT97]

The coolant lines that go into the heater through the firewall are also on the driver side on top of the block. Check those, there are two lines one is a "supply" and the other is a "return" They are kinda near the starter

[ShadowGT]

If you really want to go on a stretch, your idle air control valve has a coolant inlet and outlet that plugs into it as well. It's on the back of the engine beneath the throttle body. I mean we're looking for a coolant leak that can make it to the right side of the engine.

I forgot about the heater firewall pass through.

The whole headgasket thing is a scary ordeal. Start checking your oil see if looks milky.

[ouch1011]

Coolant leaking from the head gaskets on early phase 2 engines (like you have) are really common. As was said, its so common that Subaru extended the warranty specifically for that problem.

Not saying that is necessarily what it is, but its common.