Why is my Subaru eating coolant?
If your Subaru is consuming more coolant than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Coolant loss can be caused by a variety of problems, from leaks to internal engine issues. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why a Subaru may be "eating" coolant and provide guidance on how to diagnose and fix the problem.
Potential Causes of Coolant Loss in Subarus
There are several potential reasons why a Subaru may be consuming an excessive amount of coolant:
- Leaks - Coolant leaks can occur in various parts of the cooling system, such as the radiator, hoses, water pump, or even the engine block itself. These leaks can allow coolant to slowly seep out, leading to a gradual loss over time.
- Head Gasket Failure - A faulty head gasket can allow coolant to mix with the engine oil or be burned off in the combustion process, resulting in coolant loss.
- Cracked Engine Block - A cracked engine block can also cause coolant to leak into the engine oil or be burned off, leading to coolant consumption.
- Faulty Radiator Cap - A radiator cap that is not sealing properly can cause coolant to boil off, leading to a loss of fluid.
- Overheating - If the engine is overheating, it can cause the coolant to boil off, leading to a loss of fluid.
It's important to diagnose the root cause of the coolant loss to ensure the problem is properly addressed and prevent further damage to your Subaru's engine.
Diagnosing and Fixing Coolant Loss in Subarus
To diagnose the cause of coolant loss in your Subaru, you'll need to perform a thorough inspection of the cooling system. This may include:
- Visually inspecting the radiator, hoses, and other cooling system components for any signs of leaks or damage.
- Checking the engine oil for any signs of coolant contamination, which could indicate a head gasket or engine block issue.
- Performing a pressure test on the cooling system to identify any leaks.
- Checking the radiator cap to ensure it's sealing properly.
- Monitoring the engine temperature to see if overheating is a factor.
Once the root cause of the coolant loss has been identified, the necessary repairs can be made. This may involve replacing a leaking component, repairing a cracked engine block, or replacing a faulty head gasket. It's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your Subaru's engine.
If you're unsure about how to diagnose or repair the coolant loss issue in your Subaru, it's best to consult with a qualified automotive technician who has experience working on Subaru vehicles.
How do I know if my Subaru water pump is bad?
For example, one common sign of a malfunctioning water pump is unusual noises coming from your Subaru's engine. More specifically, a squeaking, howling, or grinding noise may indicate that a water pump bearing has worn down, whereas a whining noise might signify a loose drive belt or broken water pump pulley.
Why is my coolant going down so fast?
If the coolant level is dropping and there is no external leak evident, then the coolant is probably leaking internally, into the engine. If the car has recently overheated then this could have caused the head gasket to fail. If it has, it could be leaking coolant into the combustion chambers.
Why is my coolant suddenly empty?
These are the most common sources of coolant leaks: There's a leak in the radiator, heater core or one of the hoses. The radiator cap is stuck open. Hot coolant leaving the system evaporates quickly.
Why is my Subaru using so much coolant?
Mostly, there is some trapped air within the system which works its way out and gets replaced with antifreeze. Naturally, the level in the overflow-tank will go down as this happens. Any Subaru dealership should be happy to top it up if you stop by and ask them to do so.
Why does my car keep eating coolant?
- Overfilling the cooling system
- A faulty radiator cap
- A worn-out radiator hose
- A leak that only occurs under certain operating conditions
- An undiagnosed cracked engine block or cylinder head, or a blown gasket
- Towing heavy loads
Why is my coolant going down so quickly?
If the coolant level is dropping and there is no external leak evident, then the coolant is probably leaking internally, into the engine. If the car has recently overheated then this could have caused the head gasket to fail. If it has, it could be leaking coolant into the combustion chambers.
Can a bad thermostat cause coolant loss?
Coolant Leaks
As the engine overheats, coolant will overflow out of the thermostat housing. This means that coolant leaking out of your engine could be a sign that your thermostat has gone bad. It can also be a sign that you have a problem with your radiator hoses, the radiator itself, or the seals and gaskets.
How to tell if a water pump is bad?
The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. In this case, coolant may leak out and drip under the vehicle. If you notice coolant (in most cases green or red liquid) under the center front of your vehicle, it's time to check the water pump.
Why is my coolant disappearing with no leak?
Worn-out radiator cap: A worn-out radiator cap can allow coolant to slip through while driving, leading to coolant loss without a visible leak (1). Additionally, a clogged radiator system can block the flow of coolant, causing it to disappear without any visible leak.
Why is my Subaru low on coolant?
Low coolant level: If the coolant level in your Subaru is consistently low, it's likely that there's a coolant leak. Overheating engine: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious engine damage.
