Subaru Cooling System Conditioner

[NateDN10]

A couple months ago I replaced the timing belt & water pump on our Subaru Outback, and of course the coolant along with it. A while later I read in the manual that you should always add Subaru Cooling System Conditioner after replacing the coolant. So I ordered some.

Tonight I put it in and it was not what I expected. It comes in a 125mL bottle, and it's a brownish liquid with chunks of stuff in it. I shook it a lot but could not get it to dissolve. So I poured it in, chunks and all into the radiator.

Has anybody else used this and experienced similar? And what does this stuff actually do?

 

[Trav]

Its made by Holts and is a ginger root formula similar to Bars Leak gold or GM tabs.
Ginger root only expands once wet then in the presence of air so its harmless in the cooling system.
Its good stuff, no worries its just a little insurance against leaks.

 

[bvance554]

Personally i wouldn't add it u less i had leaks or other issues.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: bvance554
Personally i wouldn't add it u less i had leaks or other issues.


have you personally owned a subaru?

I would definitely recommend it. Esp. for the non turbos that seem to have head gasket issues eventually.

 

[izualangel]

When I did my oil cooler repair on my 2006 Outback 2.5i, I asked at the dealer about the rad-weld stuff. I was told that for the 2005 and later models it's an optional thing, as the head gaskets are not as trouble prone, and usually leak oil first, and not coolant. The earlier model 2.5s, I'm told, they always recommend the coolant additive. I'm not trying to throw you off the idea of the coolant additive, just adding my perspective. And my HG has been leaking oil for about 10k miles. Coolant additive wouldn't do much good

 

[NateDN10]

Thanks, guys. I figured it was good stuff if the owner's manual said to use it. I just didn't expect it to be like that! Good to know what I got is normal.

 

[KenO]

Yes, the owners manual, and dealer service manuals recommend using it. It's a must-have on any pre-2005 Subaru when doing a cooling system service. Along with good 'ole fashion green coolant.

 

[bvance554]

Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: bvance554
Personally i wouldn't add it u less i had leaks or other issues.


have you personally owned a subaru?

I would definitely recommend it. Esp. for the non turbos that seem to have head gasket issues eventually.


Yes. I have a 2009 Forester with 155,000 miles in my driveway right now. Do 2009's have head gasket issues as well? Maybe I'm ignorant on the subject. I guess I'd rather add a bottle of something if it would prevent a head gasket repair. But it makes me wonder, just what is in this magic elixir that could prevent a head gasket leak.

 

[Boss302fan]

If I ever needed a sealer, I would use BG Universal Cooling System Sealer... It will not plug up your coolant system. I think it crazy that Subaru states to use Bars leak or similar.

 

[Hollow]

The Subaru stuff is rebranded Holt's RadWeld.

Good stuff, won't gum up things like most coolant additives. Can seal up small external HG coolant leaks. Costs maybe $5 at a dealer.

I use it every coolant service in my 03 Outback. System is fine and dandy at 132,000.