Cooling System: Inspection

To check the radiator for leakage, fill it with engine coolant, and attach the radiator cap tester (A) to the filler neck, and apply pressure.
Pressure:

Non-turbo model

157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm ² , 23 psi)

Turbo model

122 kPa (1.2 kg/cm ² , 18 psi)

Check the following points:
- Leak from radiator
- Hose joints and other connections for leakage
CAUTION:
- For Turbo model, inspection must be carried out at the side of coolant filler tank, not at the side of radiator.
- Be particularly careful not to deform the filler neck of radiator when installing and removing the tester and after testing.
- When performing this check, be sure to keep the engine stationary and fill radiator with coolant.
- Wipe off check points before applying pressure.
- Use care not to spill coolant when detaching tester from radiator.
- Do not remove the radiator cap. (Turbo model)
- Non-turbo model
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Cooling System - Non-Turbo Model
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Turbo model
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Cooling System - Turbo Model
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Check the radiator cap valve open pressure using radiator cap tester.
Raise the pressure until the needle of gauge stops and see if the pressure can be retained for five to six seconds. The radiator cap is normal if a pressure above the limit value has been maintained for this period. If the valve opened at the service limit or less, replace the radiator cap.

CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the cap may prevent valve from functioning normally: be sure to clean the cap before testing.

Non-turbo model radiator side and turbo model coolant filler tank side

Specification:

93 - 123 kPa (0.95 - 1.25 kg/cm ² , 14 - 18 psi)

Service limit:

83 kPa (0.85 kg/cm ² , 12 psi)

Radiator side on turbo models

Specification:

122 - 152 kPa (1.24 - 1.55 kg/cm ² , 18 - 22 psi)

Service limit:

112 kPa (1.14 kg/cm ² , 16 psi)

Fig 3: Checking Radiator Cap
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Identifying Deformation Points
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Start the engine, and then inspect that it does not overheat or it is cooled excessively. If it overheats or it is cooled excessively, check the cooling system. Refer to INSPECTION , Water Pump. Refer to INSPECTION , Thermostat. Refer to RADIATOR . Refer to RADIATOR CAP .
Check the radiator fan operates using Subaru Select Monitor, when the coolant temperature exceeds 95°C (203°F). If it does not operate, check the radiator fan system. Refer to RADIATOR FAN SYSTEM .