86-Rich 5 Report post Posted October 16, 2016 Hi guys I brought my gt86 with just 2000 miles on the clock it's a 65 plate,the coolant when I brought it was on the max level,now 6 months later I noticed its dropped to just below half,should this be happening? Do they use a bit of coolant or could this be a possible problem? Thanks in advance 👍 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ade 517 Report post Posted October 16, 2016 It does evaporate over time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bfranklyn86 52 Report post Posted October 16, 2016 If you are topping this up remember not to do it to the top of the plastic thing. There is a line on it where it shouldnt go above. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted October 16, 2016 If it's around the halfway mark cold, I'd leave it. Mine generally settles around that point. Just check it weekly when you check your fluids. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bassett 48 Report post Posted October 17, 2016 I found this on mine after the first 2000 miles/around 6 months. I remember looking it up at the time as i thought it was strange but it doesn't seem uncommon with a few owners reporting it. IIRC it's quite a specific coolant and best bet to get it from a dealers which is around £16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
surrey86 352 Report post Posted October 19, 2016 I've not noticed yet in the 86 but my Impreza seemed to use a bit, seems to be a Subaru thing. I found with the Impreza the coolant level wasn't an exact science, if I remember correctly the level was much higher when hot than cold. Remember coolant is 50% water anyway so as the coolant capacity is something around 8 litres, adding a couple hundred ml of water isn't going to do it any harm if it's only slightly low. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
86-Rich 5 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 cheers guys will have to keep a eye on it,i doubt its anything to worry about,i had celicas for the last ten years,and my gen 7 celica had to have a new water pump as they are prone to it,dont know if the 86 suffers same problem,will just check it regular and keep a eye Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lauren 2259 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 8 hours ago, maurice said: Remember coolant is 50% water anyway so as the coolant capacity is something around 8 litres, adding a couple hundred ml of water isn't going to do it any harm if it's only slightly low. I wouldn't advise ever adding water given the life expectancy of the coolant is 8 years/160K. I have mine topped up when it's serviced if necessary. But IIRC it's only been topped up once, maybe twice in 90K miles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
surrey86 352 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 There's nothing to stop you adding 100ml of water one time, then 100ml coolant the next. Water is better at cooling than coolant itself, your engine isn't going to rust or freeze over with a 49/51 mix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kodename47 446 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 .... so long as you're using distilled water, then I guess it's OK. Otherwise, just top up with Subaru Blue SLLC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Minion 132 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 Just now, knightryder said: .... so long as you're using distilled water, then I guess it's OK. Otherwise, just top up with Subaru Blue SLLC. Is there a need for distilled water? Most garages just use normal tap water and they never have any problem? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rob275 1817 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 Never bothered with distilled when topping up a little bit 1 Minion reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Minion 132 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 52 minutes ago, rob275 said: Never bothered with distilled when topping up a little bit Exactly the same as me and everyone else I know Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
surrey86 352 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 I've used both.. Depends what the tap water is like, around Surrey seems fine but I'd think twice before filling with water in the Bristol area having seen what it does to the kettle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdstrike 186 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 I did some sums elsewhere on the internet. If you live in a hard water area and doggedly change your whole coolant every year for three years with tap water and additive, you'd end up with significant scaling in the radiator as well as increased galvanic corrosion. After a bunch more years you'd probably start seeing radiator leaks, loss of cooling and so on. That's why you're recommended to stick to distilled or deionised water. That said, a few tens of millilitres of tap water won't lead to catastrophe. I suppose you might introduce algae or similar which could lead to sludge in the system if it was able to survive. My last car lost coolant slowly due to a faulty pressure cap, but I'm not sure we all have faulty caps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ade 517 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 I filled mine with Millers Alpine Red Coolant mixed with Deionised water. As nerdstrike say if you are flushing the system make sure you used de ionized water. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
surrey86 352 Report post Posted October 20, 2016 Alpine fresh coolant Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
