Big loss of coolant
 

Is there any way of telling (while driving) if you've just lost most of your coolant?

I just went up the servo and back, on returning noticed a very strong smell of cooking coolant. Popped the bonnet and I could hear my coolant boiling, all down the engine is dried coolant, I think either one of my hoses has gone, or my water pump. (cant tell until the car cools down and I can get in there)
Things is, there was no change in my temp. obviously because no water was left in the system.

Ive pulled the cap off, and theres about 1" of coolant left in the cap ontop of the motor and none in the overflow.

Hopefully its only a hose.

But yeah, luckily it was only a short trip (about 2km)

Which "cap" did you pull off? The metal turbo feed one? Sounds like either your bottom radiator hose has given wai (get it? haha!) or your radiator itself is rooted. Id be more inclined with the bottom hose as you would notice a stuffed radiator or the top hose if it would spill most your coolant.

Why dont you get some more coolant, and top it up. It might come out where ever the leak is. Could be numerous things. How long since you got it last serviced? Thermostat housing? Maybe water pump. How long since its 50,000 and 100,000 service (providing its had either).

EDIT: I wouldnt really look at your temp gauge for indications of overheating. Mine didnt bother moving and my engine temp was up about 13 degress nearing 100, but its still functions like it should.

[QUOTE=Sphoolin]Which "cap" did you pull off? The metal turbo feed one? Sounds like either your bottom radiator hose has given wai (get it? haha!) or your radiator itself is rooted. Id be more inclined with the bottom hose as you would notice a stuffed radiator or the top hose if it would spill most your coolant.

Why dont you get some more coolant, and top it up. It might come out where ever the leak is. Could be numerous things. How long since you got it last serviced? Thermostat housing? Maybe water pump. How long since its 50,000 and 100,000 service (providing its had either).

EDIT: I wouldnt really look at your temp gauge for indications of overheating. Mine didnt bother moving and my engine temp was up about 13 degress nearing 100, but its still functions like it should.[/QUOTE]

Nah mate, the gauge didnt move at all.
Im going more on it being the top hose, since most of the dried up coolant seems to be at the top, but once its cool enough, Ill be checking all that out. As for topping it up, wont be doing that until tomorow, I dont have any replacement coolant here, Ill have to buy some.

Have you done over 100km, did you replace the water pump when the timing cover is off? As they will make 100km, but don't expect them to get to 200km.

Wouldn't be surprised if it's your pump at all, other than that .. fucked up thermostat not opening, thermo fans coming on?

check heater hoses at the back of the engine too.

Radiator or top hose if it is at the top of the engine. Very common since it is the hottest part of the cooling system

Found the culprit, it was the top hose, on the underside of it, near the connection at the engine, it looks like its been rubbing on something, its worn paper thin, and has holes in several spots.

Luckily, I had a spare hose sitting there, which was for when I fitted a temp sensor, but cars still not going anywhere until I buy more coolant, since theres hardly any left in the engine, might flush out whats left and replace it.
Normally Id just ask Peel Subaru what they put in, since they were the last ones to replace the coolant, but I have a feeling they will say a 'subaru' coolant. Rather not pay extra if theres something better around, so any suggestions on coolant?

After refilling, hopefully all is well. (considering how little coolant was left when I got home)

Genuine coolant ftw.

any decent coolant is fine like Castrol or even tectaloy

Just don't mix them

stick with one brand and if you switch do a thorough flush.

Ive heard Subaru stuff is just Castrol coolant anyway. So you can just buy some concentrate and 10L demineralised water. You'll have enough to last you ages and it wont cost you like Subaru coolant will.

I'm using Tectaloy 60 now and have been for two years now. Its fine. No corrosion or any problems.

I've been told that Genuine Subaru Coolant is one of the best on the market and every mechanic I've worked with has recommended it... either they've all been brainwashed or it's some good sh*t!