How come the coolant in the recovery tank will not return to the radiator?

What is your question?

I have replaced the radiator,hoses,cap,thermostat,pressure tested the system and it was within spec.,leak-down test the cylinders,compression tested,tested block for hydrocarbons and all was fine so what else can it be?

swzach in Sacramento CA

Mar 8, 2014

4 Replies

Popular Answer

PARTS GUYon Mar 8, 2014

The bottom line is you have a coolant leak somewhere. The cooling system is a sealed system. Meaning that when it is hot it dumps any pressure over the system pressure limits into the reservoir. When it cools down the contraction of the cooling system sucks the coolant out of the coolant reservoir and you cooling system is working properly. If you have to add coolant to the reservoir then you have a leak. Coolant does not evaporate.

swzachon Mar 8, 2014

I haven't had to add coolant I just pump the over-flow back into the radiator with minimal lost

Reply in Thread

pushrodon Mar 8, 2014

Overheating? Let me know for more suggestions! Have an idea.

swzachon Mar 8, 2014

There has been no overheating and the temp gauge remains perfect this has just started in the last month,I check the levels before I start the car and usually pump the over full over flow back into the radiator,The cap is brand new from Subaru and all hoses are new and double checked.

pushrodon Mar 9, 2014

Drive it without doing anything and see what happens!!!! Can always add coolant "IF" necassary!

Reply in Thread

ProfessorGon Mar 8, 2014

Check the seal of the hose that goes between the radiator and the reservoir, make sure the cap is not faulty, might need a better quality radiator cap.

ziptie12on Mar 9, 2014

checking it each time under SAME conditions? (hot or cold)

swzachon Mar 9, 2014

It never is the same and always different ,it works perfect 35% of the time in same conditions.

ziptie12on Mar 13, 2014

Replace the cap , with a SUBARU cap

swzachon Mar 21, 2014

I replaced the cap with a Subaru cap and I even exchanged that cap for another. It has come down to the heater core,It is hard to check for a leak. Could it be that some of the spring hose clamps are failing? What type of hose clamp is best? I have tested the compression and did a leak down test 4 times with a block test after every test with no change in the color of the test fluid.........

pushrodon Mar 21, 2014

Bottom rad hose ever ge hot or stays cool while top hose is hot??

Reply in Thread

Join the conversation!

What are the best Subaru repair shops?

RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 1999 Subaru Forester. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.