98 Subaru outback coolant needs.

Asked by Bob Aug 10, 2017 at 03:54 PM

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Subaru Outback/Legacy adding coolant question . . . since i can't find an
answer in the manuals . . . How much coolant should I add? If I pop the cap
on the radiator it's filled to the brim, while the reservoir is basically empty.
Should I fill the reservoir up, half way?? I'm going to be driving the car on
it's first long trip, since I recently bought it---going from foggy/mild San
Francisco out to the hot eastern side of the Sierra and parking it for some
time---just want enough coolant in the system and slightly confused.
Thanks!

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Gary answered 10 months ago

There should be 2 lines on the reservoir, one for 'Full Hot' and one 'Full Cold'. The cooling system is sealed so if it get hot, it will flow into the reservoir. When the engine cools, it will pull coolant back into the system if necessary. If you cannot see any markings on the reservoir, I would recommend half full.

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F_O_R answered 10 months ago

Fill the radiator and fill the overflow tank to the "hot" or "cold" line depending on the engine temperature. Do use Subaru brand anti- leak in the radiator. Good luck on the JMT!

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Bob answered 10 months ago

Thanks for the amswer!

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Bob answered 10 months ago

. . . so to be clear ( as I am easily muddled ) the car is now sitting on the street. Engine cold--I should go out and fill the>>RESERVOIR<< line to the "Full Cold" level??? I don't see any in there now.

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F_O_R answered 10 months ago

Yes fill to the cold line and don't worry if you overfill. Any excess will over flow eventually.

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F_O_R answered 10 months ago

On a different subject I checked the map and I can't see the JMT but I can see the Clark range and Mt. Hoffman from my window.

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Bob answered 10 months ago

will plain water be sufficient, since it appears that the radiator itself is already full?

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F_O_R answered 10 months ago

A little plain water is fine as long as there is anti-freeze in the radiator. You might want to take along a gallon of 50/50 anti-freeze as a precaution.

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Bob answered 10 months ago

F_O_R . . . I posted on your profile page about the JMT . . .

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