Still haven't posted the detailing update but will do that when finished.
Radiator ReplacementYou might have seen in another thread that my radiator recently karked it which was surprising given the car had a full service history using genuine Subaru coolant. It comes down to plastic end tank radiators just being inferior for longevity, despite the Subaru one probably using a better quality plastic than the cheap replacement options. Mine started leaking from the top tank around the seal. The car actually wasn't overheating yet but was loosing coolant. The highest the temp went was below the half way mark but noticeably higher than where it should be. I didn't notice it on the gauge, I noticed the tell tale signs of burning coolant smell and white splotches of dried coolant around the fan shrouds and timing covers (where it had been blown by the fans as it leaked out).
After speaking with Miles from AM Auto, he advises this is actually more common than I thought. He has seen them go as early as 90,000Ks which is just pathetic Subaru. Mine showed no visible signs of cracks on the end tank but then I learned it is actually the seal mating surface on the plastic end tank (which you can't see) that pits and eventually coolant starts leaking past the seal. To think that Subaru used to charge $800+ for these is just a joke, now they are closer to $600. I tested the thermostat in a pot of boiling water to see that it is still working.
So given my 125K service is imminent I thought what better time than to replace my cooling system so I should get another 100K troublefree. So I went out and purchased:
1) New Mishimoto Radiator (less than $500 delivered) - excellent quality unit, can't wait to fit it. Also comes with new radiator cap.
2) New genuine radiator top and bottom hoses (not cheap but worth preventing a split hose and losing $100 worth of coolant and a big mess). I was surprised original hoses are still soft but you never know when they are going to go.
3) New genuine water pump, gasket and thermostat (just as insurance, I don't want the pump to fail 20K after doing timing belt. Apparently these SHOULD only need to be replaced on your second timing belt service.
4) 6ltr of genuine coolant (green) which will be mixed with ~1ltr of demineralised water.
Total $$ spent around $900. Subaru parts are not cheap and the pump was on special. To be honest I wouldn't risk aftermarket parts on this vehicle unless there is an obvious quality improvement such as the radiator.
Some pictures of what I should hopefully install today (check out the core thickness difference - and that is the standard replacement :O) :
I am expecting to have to trim the hoses based on Tony's (PSR) advice. He said this is the only think I should need to do to compensate for the increased thickness so the hoses sit in the same position and don't foul with accessory belts.
Will provide an update later once this job is done in terms of the fitment.