I learned about this problem on a post on NASIOC where I've seen pics of coolant systems clogged pretty badly with paint chips. This mod is a bit obscure but that doesn't mean it's not important. The facts of the matter are, Subaru painted the lid of coolant reservoir for the turbo on earlier models. On later models, the lid remains unpainted. The problem is, the paint on the underside of the lid of the coolant reservoir blisters, peels, and clogs your coolant system. Later models are unpainted. I guess Subaru decided there was a problem.

If your turbo coolant reservoir is painted black, you're going to have a problem. Here is a pic of me removing the coolant hoses from the top of the turbo coolant reservoir. Notice, it's painted black. As I said before, later models are unpainted.

After you remove the hoses, you need a 10mm socket to remove the six bolts.

After you remove the top of the reservoir, it looks like this. Notice the rubber gasket. The focus is not so good, sorry.

Here is the inside of the top of the coolant reservoir. Notice the paint is badly blistered. I could pop it off with my fingernail. It was only a matter of time before the paint peeled off completely and clogged the coolant system.

I had some paint remover lying about in the garage. Using a small paintbrush. I applied paint remover, let is set for a few, and rubbed off all of the paint on the underside of the lid. After the paint was gone, I rinsed the lid in cold water and used toothpicks to get into the crevices where the tubes penetrate the lid and "goo" remained.

The red spots on the paper towel are blood. I busted a knucke.

In reverse order, reinstall the lid and reinstall the hoses.

I don't have the torque spec for the bolts, but they were on fairly tight. Just make sure you tighten the bolts opposite each other, like when you tighten lug nuts. Just don't snap any of them off.

I am going to do this tomorrow. I have to get some paint remover, or do think I can use a small metal brush.

started to flake off by touching it

I used paint thinner, and a tooth brush. Took 20 mins from start to finish.

This is a good idea. I would hate to see what would happen if the paint did infact clog the coolant.

now go brush your teeth with that nice toothbrush right there. =)

but this is good stuff to kno, thanks everyone.

my paint was barely there when i took it off. there was a giant chunch (about 1 square inch) just hanging from the plate. i was pissed.

now i need a flush

I'm in the middle of doing this. I had blisters in the paint as well, but fortunately nothing had peeled off. Did you guys notice that the metal tubes onto which the hoses connect have paint on the insides? Getting that off will take quite a few sprays of paint remover and lots of poking.


-Charith.

Does anyone know if there's the possibility of rust buildup after we remove the paint on the underside of the lid?



-Charith

the top of my reservoir isn't painted, so would the bottom be painted? i have a '03