Hey guys, I have a 91 Legacy L wagon with a bone stock EJ22 currently at 210K on the clock. The head gasket is replaced at 160k and I've never have any problems with the car. Recently, about every 500 miles, the coolant would just "disappear" to the point that the reservoir becomes empty and the temp would pointing to the red at stop and go traffic. Of course, when this happens, I would just add coolant and it would be okay for the next 500 miles or so until the issue reoccurs.
I've checked the oil and found no coolant or change in color/thickness. There is also no leaking in any hoses or on the radiator. The spot where my Legacy sits at home is dry as bone with no evidence of any leakage. It still runs like a champ regarding of driving condition, so I'm at a lost as to where did all the coolant go? I want to blame the head gasket but it doesn't seem like the course of the problem... or am I wrong??? What other area should I be looking at?
As always, any input or advice is greatly appreciated
OK something like that recently happened to me, I'd refill the overflow whenever I noticed it.
The reason I never saw any coolant dripping was because I had a slight leak on the upper radiator hose that only showed itself when the engine was under load. I had the stock hose clamps on, and for some reason they would allow a slight mist of coolant out when above 3k RPM. I was seafoaming my engine and messing with the throttle cable and finally saw it. I replaced the crappy hose clamps on both radiator hoses and haven't had a problem since.
1992 Legacy SS 5mt, build in progress
Josh Colombo wrote: ↑Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:23 am
Wait....I'm confused now.
Other thing to check is the radiator end cap on the passenger side. The part facing forward will sometimes end up cracking over time due to the heat, and it's not an easy spot to see unless you know where to look and remove the radiator mounting brackets.
You may want to rent a coolant pressure tester. It should show you right away if and where you have a leak.
Thank you Mike-tracy and Legacy777 for your feedback and advice.
The cause of my problem was very similar to Mike's. Instead of crappy hose clamps, I found an unnoticeable crack on the side of the upper radiator hose. I wouldn't have known until I popped the hood and held the throttle @ 3k RPM like Mike mentioned. It was then I discovered bubbling on the crack. So I just replaced the hose and now all is good.
