96 OBW overheating question of the afternoon....

I usually put Water Wetter in all my vehicles just for the peace of mind ...have always put it in my bikes too since race tracks won't allow for anti-freeze and water alone just won't cut it. Coolant helps some with boiling point and heat-transfer, but is much more helpful for extreme cold (hence the name "Anti-Freeze") versus hot like I am used to. So, a bottle of pink water wetter in a cold radiator is about $7.50 and it's 100% compatible and helps improve the cooling process.

"mike" ....? ...and here i thought my opinions were just as valid as everyone elses' ...I feel like you are labeling me a possible troll....

"Edward Hayes" wrote

Thanks Mike and thanks Edward. What is the Subaru conditioner called? Once again, thanks.

Thanks Edward. By the way, the dealer replaced the radiator (2nd time in 18 months I had it replaced and this time, it cost $470--so much for the dealer) on my 96 OBW w/178k miles. I had had to replace antifreeze every couple of days. The dealer told me 20k miles ago that it needs a new head gasket. The prices to do so make it not worth it, which is the reason for my inquires. I am already getting sludge in the overflow tank, so I don't think that the Water Wetter will make a difference. Do you think that the Subaru conditioner will help to extend the life? How about these liquid head gasket "replacements" if you will? I use the car as a 2nd car and to haul things. I apologize for the long winded inquiry. Once again, thanks to you and to MIke.

IMO the Subaru product is just a "stop leak" kind of product BUT. In recent yrs at least Subaru's have had quite small passages in the radiator and off the shelf products will likely plug up the radiator. BTDT. Fortunately found a radiator shop that was willing to remove the top tank and clean out. They specifically mentioned how tiny the passages were.

IMO I would find out what the real cause is for your overheating problem and fix that and not waste time and money on band-aids.

Mickey

Thanks, Mickey.

Thanks, Edward. I ordered it and will try it. As you say, it's worth trying. Best regards.

In prior message I mentioned BTDT, used the Subie product prior to any weeping but it happened anyway, maybe a oz/day. Made the mistake after using the Subaru product to use an off-the -shelf stop leak as well (the cause of the plugged radiator), still weeped. To fix the problem the HG had to be replaced and as previously mentioned, rod out the radiator. Life is sweet now.

Mickey

Mickey:

Duh....what's "BTDT"?

Thanks!

Been There, Done That.

Duh...thanks!

Agreed. BTW I think the Subie part is Holt's Stop Leak relabelled. If it was me, I'd check that it definitely is the gasket. If so, you're probably stuck with fix or dispose, but just in case, I'd do a full system flush at home, treat it with a chemi-weld type product & then refill the system using the Subie cooling system conditioner. Then if you still have to do a head gasket, well at least you tried some options.

Actually, if the gasket's gone and it's been losing coolant &/or overheating for some time you oculd wind up cheaper swapping the engine for a good s/h one in case there's additional damage. Cheers