Huffer
11-09-2011, 01:02 PM
So around the season change people tend to drain and refill their coolants.
I've been doing some research on some OEM fluids and have found that the commonly available Prestone 50/50 mix is actually not that great for Subaru's aluminum engines/heads. The main reason being that the Prestone stuff typically uses silicates and borates in the solution, two items which can simultaneously corrode and cause blockages in the Subaru cooling system.
Honda's OEM coolant is silicate and borate free - specifically for those reasons. RRP is $20 per 1 gallon.
Honda Anti-Freeze/Coolant - Type 2
Extended life formulation 5 years/60,000 miles
Better cooling performance
Performance under extreme operating conditions -34º to 228ºF
Pre-mixed DO NOT add water
Contains NO silcate and borates
Subaru's OEM coolant is
designed for optimum cooling performance, for Subaru's aluminum engines. It contains an organic corrosion inhibitor instead of abrasive silicates for exellent corrosion protection. Must be used for warranty repairs. Meets all Subaru OEM specifications. 1 gallon bottles." RRP $22 per 1 gallon.
According to a Subaru FAQ, as long as the coolant used in a Subaru is non-amine, free of silicates, then it *should* be safe to use:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504002
What aftermarket coolant can I use? This was detailed in the May 2005 issue of End Wrench which is no longer online, but paraphrased here. When adding, replacing or servicing the cooling system always use Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant. Genuine 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. As a reminder, use of Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is mandatory on all repairs paid for by Subaru of America, Inc. that require the replenishment of coolant. This holds true for any claim type. Whenever the coolant is changed, you must add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner. Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner has been tested and approved for aluminum engines and radiators. Do not use after-market coolant reinforcement agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as those chemicals could corrode aluminum parts.
So what do you think?
Safe to use Honda Type 2 Coolant in a Subaru?
I've been doing some research on some OEM fluids and have found that the commonly available Prestone 50/50 mix is actually not that great for Subaru's aluminum engines/heads. The main reason being that the Prestone stuff typically uses silicates and borates in the solution, two items which can simultaneously corrode and cause blockages in the Subaru cooling system.
Honda's OEM coolant is silicate and borate free - specifically for those reasons. RRP is $20 per 1 gallon.
Honda Anti-Freeze/Coolant - Type 2
Extended life formulation 5 years/60,000 miles
Better cooling performance
Performance under extreme operating conditions -34º to 228ºF
Pre-mixed DO NOT add water
Contains NO silcate and borates
Subaru's OEM coolant is
designed for optimum cooling performance, for Subaru's aluminum engines. It contains an organic corrosion inhibitor instead of abrasive silicates for exellent corrosion protection. Must be used for warranty repairs. Meets all Subaru OEM specifications. 1 gallon bottles." RRP $22 per 1 gallon.
According to a Subaru FAQ, as long as the coolant used in a Subaru is non-amine, free of silicates, then it *should* be safe to use:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504002
What aftermarket coolant can I use? This was detailed in the May 2005 issue of End Wrench which is no longer online, but paraphrased here. When adding, replacing or servicing the cooling system always use Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant. Genuine 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. As a reminder, use of Genuine Subaru Long Life Coolant is mandatory on all repairs paid for by Subaru of America, Inc. that require the replenishment of coolant. This holds true for any claim type. Whenever the coolant is changed, you must add Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner. Genuine Subaru Cooling System Conditioner has been tested and approved for aluminum engines and radiators. Do not use after-market coolant reinforcement agents, sealers and/or flushing agents as those chemicals could corrode aluminum parts.
So what do you think?
Safe to use Honda Type 2 Coolant in a Subaru?