Geezerette
Senior Member
I didn't notice a section for car questions/ problems so I thought I'd try here first. I have a 20 year old Outback that I'm trying to kep running as lomg as I'm able to drive safely. Have always done regular maint. and repairs. On Mon Nov 25 took it in to shop for regular oil change and AAA inspection and everything was ok.
Wed. Nov 27 drove home from errands and some white vapors came out from front of engine. Called the shop where I had the work done. Since they were to be closed till Mon 12/2, the owner came out and diagnosed a coolant leak but no idea where in system. Sat. I took it to one of the oil change shops to see if they could locate the leak and they did and showed it to me They were VERY thorough. Leak caused from a crack in the "coolant bypass cap" a little $4 part, but they couldn't get the right part to fix it. Called the original shop and told him what problem was and what he needed to do about it. He is going to obtain the part but acted like he never heard of it before. I'm sort of wondering if somehow the thing got sabotaged on my original visit so he could try to sell me a new rad. , but the crack leaked too soon. Anyone ever heard of a "coolant bypass cap" before or had any problems with one? Anyone else ever suspicious that garages put time bombs under your hood to set up problems for later? thanks!
Wed. Nov 27 drove home from errands and some white vapors came out from front of engine. Called the shop where I had the work done. Since they were to be closed till Mon 12/2, the owner came out and diagnosed a coolant leak but no idea where in system. Sat. I took it to one of the oil change shops to see if they could locate the leak and they did and showed it to me They were VERY thorough. Leak caused from a crack in the "coolant bypass cap" a little $4 part, but they couldn't get the right part to fix it. Called the original shop and told him what problem was and what he needed to do about it. He is going to obtain the part but acted like he never heard of it before. I'm sort of wondering if somehow the thing got sabotaged on my original visit so he could try to sell me a new rad. , but the crack leaked too soon. Anyone ever heard of a "coolant bypass cap" before or had any problems with one? Anyone else ever suspicious that garages put time bombs under your hood to set up problems for later? thanks!