Coolant.

[2.5GT]

i've search and didnt find what i was looking for.

but what type of coolant does legacys used? the green kind or the red kind? im not sure what's in my coolant resevoir, its kinda black and dirty. so i might need to flush the radiator.

and can i use the advance auto kind? wheres its 50/50 mix?

[Huffer]

You can use Peak Global 50/50 with the Subaru Coolant Conditioner ($1.69 @ dealership). It works perfectly fine.

As long as you use a coolant that is ethyl-glycol you'll be fine.

I do know a few WRX and STi boys that use various chemical concoctions with Redline Water Wetter (better water surface tension) but in a car that is just a daily and not mashed on every light, the economics of such chemistry outweigh the benefits.

PS. Seeing as you're changing fluids, consider an ATF drain and refill (about 6.5qts) + some Lubegard ATF Protectant. If you think I'm talking snake oil, you can try doing a little search on the stuff (see my posts on the subject).

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yeah, 50/50 is what I use. Works fine.

[solbey11]

Subaru recommends using their own Subaru Long-Life coolant in their engines. It's a lot thicker and darker than regular neon green coolant out there. And Subaru Long-Life coolant is specifically formulated for Subaru all-aluminum engines. Yes, it does cost more, and a lot of people will tell you that it's the same exact thing as the neon coolant, so it's up to you on what you use. But in my 96 Legacy with 225k miles on it, I have always run the Subaru Long-Life coolant in it and never had any problems.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Subaru engines aren't hard to cool, In my experience.

My resirvior was dry for god knows how long, and it never overheated.

[solbey11]

Subaru engines aren't hard to cool, In my experience.

My resirvior was dry for god knows how long, and it never overheated.
I agree. When I was a tech at the Subie dealership, one tech forgot to plug a customers cooling fans back in after a job. They never complained about an overheating issue at all. I was the one that noticed them unplugged and they were like that for a few months. So we plugged them back in and all was good.

According to a Subaru Service Bulletin, "Subaru Long Life Coolant is a phosphate (non-amine) type and is specially formulated for all Subaru vehicles equipped with aluminum engines and radiators. Coolant of other types may not provide the proper protection to aid against corrosion of aluminum parts. If an equivalent must be used, make sure it is a phosphate (non-amine) type.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yeah, my fans were frozen most of the winter...but I broke them free when I noticed...let the car run for 10 minutes while watching them...the car never activated them. I have since seen them run, which means they work, but the car never overheated.

As for the non-subaru coolant, most companies say that to avoid idiots buying stuff that will damage the car. This 50/50 stuff has been used for a long time in this car, and no ill effects.

[ivwarrior]

Of course Subaru recommends you use their coolant. Don't all manufacturers recommend you use genuine parts? They make a little money off parts, too. ;)

[ooberdoob]

hell, when idling my fan goes on and off regularly. that's worrysome...

[Huffer]

No, it's when the fan DOESN'T go on and off when you're idling, that's when you worry.

[ooberdoob]

good to hear.


50/50 is the biggest waste of friggin money.

you're paying 3/4s the price for 1/2 the product.

just save a jug, buy a jug of straight, and then split and refill with water. look! 2 gal of 50/50!

der



i'm a little bitter on that one due to an argument with some redneck asshole at advance that, in the midst of arguing about the coolant, called out for being a yankee and i went A1 f'ing ballistic. it about got me sent home.

[solbey11]

Of course Subaru recommends you use their coolant. Don't all manufacturers recommend you use genuine parts? They make a little money off parts, too. ;)
Oh I agree, but to me, it's the same thing as using an OEM timing belt vs. an aftermarket one. There is no way in hell I would ever use an aftermarket timing belt on my car. The quality and fit is not the same as the timing belt that was designed specifically for your car from the people that made it. Who knows how many different timing belts that aftermarket manufacturer makes for all different brands of cars. They are more quantity than quality.

To me, it's the same think with coolant. I will only use what is specifically formulated for my car. And so what if it cost $3 more a gallon. That $3 is better than buying a new radiator, water pump, head gasket job, or engine.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I hear ya on that Solbey, I like OEM products for the small stuff, like belts. I just have a jug of 50/50 at home, and rarely need to use it, so that's what I go with.

[Reason]

I would only use 50/50 in the summer time. Shit I only run straight coolant :shock:

[Huffer]

Subaru long life coolant IS 50/50...

[2.5GT]

wow, alot of replies :P

and this Subaru long life coolant seem pretty good, i'll take yalls word on it. but just any coolant with ethyl-glycol in it will work just fine right? cuz i have a gallon at home right now, and i'll probably use it til i get to the dealership. its running hella low right now, so i tend to worry :o

[Wiscon_Mark]

don't worry, just take it easy on the car, it'll be fine. It's not like it's completely out, there's tons of coolant in the system.

[dropdfocus]

After we were the sent the service bulletin from Subaru at work (Jiffy Lube) about how "You should only use Official Subaru Coolant w/ conditioner", we were cut off from topping of any customer's coolant unless they demanded we top it off at their request.

The manager & I both use the Peak Extended Life 50/50 mix in our Legacys w/o any signs of problems. I guess it all comes down to personal preference.

[2.5GT]

anywho, thanks guys for the info. i'll keep in mind of all this.

this is gonna be a busy weekend for me, too bad the weather sucks tho (they're calling for snow :x ) and i have plenty to do :o