Subaru Saga PART 2 - The Tribeca’s dirty little secret. Diagnosing a cooling system & heater core
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Diagnosing a problematic cooling system.
So I got catfished by my 2006 Subaru Tribeca auction buy. First appearances were great. But first drive I found out he had been hiding something from me. Now it’s time to dig deeper and find out just how bad things are. In this video we flush a cooling system, change a thermostat, test a water pump, back flush a heater core and ultimately uncover this cars dirty little secret! 
Авто/Мото
Just swapped the motor on mine. Had that lower radiator hose blow off on highway and dumped all my antifreeze while driving, and the motor heated up and kaiboshed the head gasket. Wouldn't even start. Wasn't sure of the damage, and the work to do a head gasket on these is expensive - so I just swapped the motor out with a newer JDM motor with less than 60k on it & a 3mo warranty. Costly, but drives like brand new now!
Hiya thanks for that. Yeah I’m feeling the same way. Got some prices and replacement is same quantum of money as fix. And that’s if the fix is straight forward. Think I’ll use this motor to run some test and take some vids. Never know I might get lucky as it’s a very minor leak. If I mess it up then I’m no worse off. Just replace the motor! 👍 more vids to come! (Eventually)
How is the new motor doing? I have a Tribeca (2006) with leaking front seal, rear seal, and internal seal- I also purchased it with a blown head gasket and have been using it after using Blue Devil head gasket fix that actually worked. Did that in 2018 and check with a block tester annually. All good on that end. Because the seal repairs will be between $3K and $4K and I am on a fixed income and in no position to purchase a new vehicle, I am thinking about a later model used motor. How has yours worked out over time and what was your complete cost for the motor and install? Kind of worried because of all the horror stories about JDM motors on youtube.
@@americanpancakelive the Subie is running excellent. No issues at all. I'm very glad i did it, vs getting a paynent for another unknown used vehicle - especially in this economy with inflated used car pricing & higher interest rates. Motor swap was the better economic choice. I've put about 4,000 miles or so on the new motor.
@@americanpancakelive im sorry i forgot to answer part of your comment. The motor was about $1,100 or $1,300 (i cant remember exactly) and the labor was what was the most. I paid about $2,800 In labor, including new fluids, spark plugs, filters & whatnot. So yeah, almost $4k total. But again... what kind of used car will you get for 4k right now? Plus, its used... so you have no idea how it was treated by previous owners. If you like your Subie & it is reliable... i'd take the car i know vs a 3-6yr payment loan on a car i dont know.
@@_GlockComa I am glad you had a good experience. Makes me feel better considering it. I am also curious if later years will fit in my older car. Like I would figure a 2012 motor (because they fixed the head gasket problems) would be a better bet if it would fit. AND I know what you mean about the used market. At least in California it is insane. Thanks
Happy to find your video. Not happy to hear what the diagnosis is. I have the same model and having same symptoms.
My situation is now exacerbated by the fact that I'm now towing a small camper trailer. But - even without the extra 2800lb load, a simple hill climb or even 5 minutes while parked will bring that gage all the way up.
With the current cost of a replacement vehicle, I'm keeping this one. Had it since it was new (2007).
I will eventually bite the bullet and replace the gasket. First though, I will get that test kit you used in order to confirm the issue. Thanks for posting this video.
Do you have gas accumulating in the cooling system? If so then unfortunately most likely the head gasket. If not then you might get lucky and find a bad component in the cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat etc). As an emergency you could try running with no thermostat and keep the ac on so the aux fan is running all the time. Good luck with it!!!
@@bbtrevival , after testing for exhaust gas in the radiator, luckily the liquid never turned yellow. I ended up flushing the radiator for the first time ever in that car. It was disgusting! I ended up flushing it for a long time. Finally, the car does not overheat anymore! So basically, I caused my own problem by never taking care of the cooling system. I got very lucky that it was just the radiator that was plugged up!
@@Cosmotube1960 that’s awesome news! So good when it’s caught before any damage done!! Happy travels!!
If youre replacing the head gasket, I've been there and done that. I was able to print out a large picture of the timing chain cover bolt locations, both inner and outer. Then I pasted the pictures to large pieces of cardboard and drilled holes in it. Simply put the bolts in their respective holes as you remove them....This is a BEAST of a job....
We should form a club....I have exactly the same issues.......I did add the " Subaru Coolant System treatment " ( STOP LEAK )...that was issued to get their cars through warranty..........My 2008 is a nice car with a bad head gasket.....The Subaru dealer here in Maryland ( USA ) quoted $160.00 / hr to figure it out.....( They know ! )........ I wonder what other motors fit ? ..... joe
Yeah I have grabbed some of that coolant treatment as well, along with some other progressively more aggressive stop leaks. Figure it’s worth a shot. My mechanic recommended replacing the motor instead of doing the heads as it is about the same cost. So nothing to lose! I have just ordered all the different additives and will start experimenting when I next have some time. Stay tuned 😊👍
With post 2000 subarus, if you're getting heating issues, might as well start troubleshooting with the head gasgets. eliminate that first as it is the likely cause. dont sell yourself short on the gasget replacement job - most people with a reasonable set of tools can do it in a weekend - job takes a couple weeks as the heads should be sent out to a machine shop for resurfacing - watch youtube videos on it. you can do it, save a ton of money.
Thanks for the encouragement. Wish I had the time to tackle a job like that. The car continues to sit on the sidelines as I can’t attempt right now and can’t bring myself to pay for someone else to do it. 😖
Just a heads up, you NEVER fill a Subaru through the radiator unless it's an EA series car. ALWAYS through the upper radiator hose.
Oh really? That’s for the tip. Why is that?
@@bbtrevival with the thermostat on the bottom, the coolant fills the radiator without letting a drop into the block. By this time, the air in the block can't escape through the thermostat (which isn't air tight) and a bunch of bubbles get trapped in the block. Having the upper hose off AND an open radiator cap gives the air an easy escape out, thus none of that gurgling non-sense 🤣
I have same symptoms in my Outback...head gaskets blown, bubbling in overflow tank, random overheating, top rad hose hot, lower rad hose cold. I drilled a few holes in my thermostat flange. The car is daily driver again with no overheating. Still need to check/top up coolant each day as pressure will still push coolant out. However no more overheating, ie lower rad hose is always warm now
Thanks for that. Given it is such a mild leak We are about to try an evolution of additives to see if any of them can help. I’m guessing not but it doesn’t hurt to try! Stay tuned 👍
@@bbtrevival I drilled three 1/8" holes probably too many. If I do it again I will do a more iterative approach. I am in Canada so with 3 holes I need to put some carboard in front of radiator to have some heat in cabin
Can you let me know what the name of the testing for carbon dioxide kit is?
Hi there. You are looking for a combustion gas test kit.
Here is a basic one like I used that comes with a little bit of test fluid:
www.ebay.com.au/itm/134958870367?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=krmejswvrj-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QJtsap5qTHO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Here is a more comprehensive equipment kit but you need to buy the fluid separately:
www.ebay.com.au/itm/395403741142?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=8ssslmt1syq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QJtsap5qTHO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
From my experience is not always head gasket ez 30 engines got some fault and head is often cracking on third cylinder between valves , when I was looking for one years ago I seen lots of them reconditioned for sale
Thanks for that, did not know they were susceptible to that. I don’t think I like any of those options 😖😖🤪
@@bbtrevival I bought mine with broken radiator i was topping coolant up and there weren't issues with temp , and after replacing radiator temp start jumping up , I remember after plugging comp and running diagnostic show lower compression on one cylinder and you can see coolant leaking through exhaust while revving
@@jaack13 that’s a bummer! Sorry to hear that 😥
Mine is doing same thing hg job here is over 3k .... thinking of putting that hg sealer in it I have heard mixed reviews
Yeah I haven’t had time yet but I’m thinking, given how minor the leak is, full coolant flush then new Subaru OEM coolant with conditioner (which is actually a mild stop leak). Then go with a product recommended to me - amsoil coolant boost. And then, if that doesn’t work then either steel seal or blue devil. Will post videos when I finally get around to it
@@bbtrevival I will be going with blue devil this weekend will see how it goes!
@@tommytfaa please let me know how it goes!!! Good luck with it 🤞
Any updates on this?
the position of the thermostat is horrible on this car- and tends to capture engine gases, a good hack is drilling some holes in the top section of the thermostat. If you decide you need a head gasket replacement, I used Blue Devil gasket repair and used it 6 years ago-- and still good to go. The older Tribecas (mine is a 2006) are kind of pieces of shit, sorry to say.
Yeah good call. I ran it without the thermostat for a while and it did help it stay cooler but a blown gasket is a blown gasket. It’s a very mild blown gasket, can still drive it okay and the temperature bounces around but doesn’t overheat. Radiator ends up accumulating gas and reduces efficiency, but not to the point it’s not drivable. Have been experimenting with blue devil but haven’t had any luck which surprises me given how minor it is and the results others like yourself have had. Any tips on getting the most out of blue devil?
@@bbtrevival It is hard to remember because it was so long ago but I remember I do remember flushing the system until the water was clean and then adding it etc per the directions. Later of course draining and adding coolant. I was shocked that it worked but never had a heating problem for 6 years actually until yesterday. I had my expansion tank filling with water after a 100 degree day. My suspicion was that the blue devil finally wore off but I did a block test and could not find any gasses coming off the radiator. So now, trying to figure it out-- maybe air pocket in the system or a faulty thermostat.
Thanks for that. I Flushed the system and then added it to fresh coolant rather than just water. I might try flushing the system again and going with just the water. Good luck with yours. I haven’t done a gas test since I added the blue devil but it is behaving the same so assumed I still have the same problem. However if you find a reason for the expansion tank filling up that is not a blow head gasket please let me know!!! Fingers crossed for you 🤞🤞🤞
I am trying to sell my 2006 and nobody wants this car. 😂😂
Does thia problem known in tyr 3.6 liter in the later model from 2009 ?
My understanding is the ez36 is considered the better motor. Improvements were made and the gasket issues are fewer in those than the older 3L ez30 motors like mine. But they still aren’t the strongest when it comes to head gaskets. Here is a good article:
dustrunnersauto.com/subaru-ez36-everything-you-need-to-know/
Cooling was completely revised it doesnt suffer from any overheating. HG only happened rarely on ez30 mostly due to uneven temperature stress around the rearmost cylinders, new design got individual coolant feeding for each cylinder instead of one for each side like previously. It's nothing even remotely like EJ25 issues(there is mostly because of cheap oem gasket design used, instead of better gasket from turbo 2.5L subarus.)
Hey what did it cost to get the Tribeca head gasket done?
In Australia I was estimated about $3k for the head gasket because it is an engine out job. Being a boxer motor there is not enough clearance in the engine bay to do the heads in place. Mechanic said that it would only be a little more (maybe $3500) to replace the motor with a warrantied one and so recommended that. Everyone on the forums is saying the same thing. If you looking at head gaskets you might as well do a JDM swap. Warranty and better motor for basically same money. Given mine is so minor and is now at the point (with all the cooling system cleaning and flushing) where it’s really daily drivable I’m just planning to keep driving it as is and use it as a test platform for different additives to see if I can improve it at all. If it finally gives up then I’ll prolly go the JDM route at that point.
Buy an engine crane and do it yourself. Temp going up and puking coolant under load on a hill is a telltale sign of HG leak.
It was cheaper for me to get my 2007 Subaru Tribeca B9 a new/used engine installed as opposed to replacing the head gasket on original one. I bought the engine for my mechanic off ebay I think it was and then paid him the labor to install it. Got a decent deal that way and like around $1,500 all together back in 2018 or 2019 I think it was.
What happened to this vehicle?
Life happened and It got shelved. I still have it a drive it occasionally as it’s still functional. Hopefully I’ll get some more time to test some different products on it and make some videos. A head gasket on these is an engine out job and the head work is almost as much as a replacement engine. so basically it’s a financial write off. Will try some increasingly aggressive additives until it either plugs the hole or kills the motor!
@@bbtrevival Yeah I have 2 of them that are blown, disassembled 1 of them yesterday... they aren't completely easy to tell if or where it's failed but I also had similar issues to you and coolant out the exhaust with this engine whilst pushing coolant into the overflow (exhaust gas). My other one will boil coolant in the overflow. So yeah not fun... when the internet tells you these motors don't blow headgaskets that much... it was a lie lol
@@bbtrevival I understand, I did the headgaskets on my EJ253 a few years ago and that was over $3.6K AUD... big waste of money since I swapped to the EZ anyway haha.
Subaru 🤬
Yes… they can be fickle, especially if they aren’t properly looked after
Україна.Клапана стукають...
Could a bad valve cause coolant pressure build up?
@@bbtrevival It can't. I meant that in the video you can hear the valves knocking. Did you adjust the valves?