Good morning:
An odd thing this morning: it was a very cold night (-20C), and when I started my Subie this morning, the temperature gauge indicated the engine was warm more quickly than I would have normally expected. I got out of the car momentarily, leaving the car running, and when I got back in, the temp gauge had dropped back down indicating the engine was still cold. It then took about the time I would expect to indicate a warm engine.
Is there something wrong?
Hmmm - is it possible there was a blockage of 'ice' or the coolant was in a sludge/gel condition?
Carl
Hi Carl:
Thanks for responding! I suppose it might have been blocked somehow, but if so, it wasn't because of the condition of the coolant. I just had the heads done, and the coolant is new... It does seem reasonable though that perhaps somehow a small amount of coolant was hot, but then the bulk of the coolant started flowing.
Anyway, the car has run fine today, so perhaps it was nothing.
Thanks! Fred
Well, the 'mix' could be off. Fo rinstance, in a 12 quart system, 7 of water and 5 of glycol only protects to about -15 degrees.
Carl
I'd bet the gauge needle was just stuck as a result of the extreme cold. It'll happen to the speedo sometimes as well; it will go up to
30-35MPH and then stick there. I don't know if this is caused by moisture getting into the instrument panel and then freezing, or if it's just whatever lubricant Subaru uses becoming sticky. In any event, I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a regular thing. even on warmer days.ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101
Thanks... Car has been running fine since then so I am content...
Cheers!
messagenews:l44sj.56995$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...
Hi, My guess would be, because it was so cold battery was weak causing erratic display on the gauge. For max protection, mix ratio is 50-50. It's not only for winter, summer as well.(anti-freeze, anti-boil)
That's an idea. I know the battery is so-so right now, and it is on my list for replacement. As soon as I get 4 straight weeks without being in the shop, I will be putting in a new battery! :)
Can you wait that long?
Just kidding. I think I have a weak one too, but my symptoms are far less pronounced.
-John O
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