2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1986 Subaru Other Repair Question


Topics covered: Coolant, Engine, Radiator.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on July 29, 2007

Gl wagon 4x4

Is it necessary to drain the coolant when replacing the timing belts? I ask because I recently had this done and discovered a few days later that the engine was overheating. When I drained the antifreeze I got only about 1 quart of old looking fluid out of it. I filled the radiator with water, but it now uses water without a visible leak at the rate of about 1 quart every 20 miles!

I now assume that I have a head gasket leak, what do you think? I think the repair shop forgot to refill the radiator unless they did not need to drain it to replace the belts???

Thanks
Avatar Asked by ambigua

Answer

Replied on February 28, 2009

Hi:
Make sure the coolant isn't making into the engine oil. Also, are you seeing any white smoke from the exhaust?

Joe

Tiny Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,472 answers provided