Follow along as I replace the radiator in our 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6. This would be a significantly expensive repair at the dealer, so my goal was to save money and share some reference on the steps I took and the level of effort to tackle this job. This video should apply to radiator replacement on 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 3.6 engine models and Subaru Legacy 3.6 engine models. 2.5 liter engine models will use a different radiator and hoses, but mounting and removal will be similar.
The replacement radiator was ordered online from O’Reilly Auto Parts. ($131.99 + tax with a Limited Lifetime Warranty) and available for pick-up the next day. I pulled my old radiator one afternoon, picked up the new one the next morning and installed it. I didn’t make the video to debate whether a Subaru dealer sourced radiator is better, it will certainly be more expensive 😉 my original Subaru radiator only lasted 109k miles.
The tanks, top and bottom on these radiators (original and replacement) are plastic. Certainly not designed to last. For some Subaru models there are aftermarket radiators that are all aluminum, but unfortunately not for 3.6 engine models that I could find.
Most of this job is fairly simple if you take your time. Disconnecting the fan harness was challenging due to lack of space, I did it from below the car and do my best in the video to describe the process. If you haven’t replaced top and bottom radiator hoses recently, this is the ideal time while your coolant is already drained!
Lastly, after topping off your Subaru with coolant, be sure to burp your cooling system. Air pockets trapped in the cooling system can cause your Subaru to overheat. This requires a special funnel, I briefly show this step at the end of the video. Have your car on an incline (mine was on my small DIY wood ramps) this helps air rise to the high point at the radiator cap opening.
Parts used:
Murray Radiator https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/murray-heat-transfer-4283/cooling—heating-16773/radiator-20386/radiator-11357/02ac48565f9e/murray-heat-transfer-radiator/8013281/4459953/
(2) Zerex coolant https://amzn.to/37gnbPX
Loctite Blue https://amzn.to/3rZw88b
Recommended Parts: (while you have the coolant drained)
Gates Lower Radiator Hose – 23613
https://amzn.to/33WqPuO
Gates Top Radiator Hose – 23743
https://amzn.to/33VSnjL
Gates Top Radiator Hose – 23617
https://amzn.to/32SiWVJ
Tools used:
Slotted screwdriver
3/8” ratchet, medium length extension
10mm, 12mm sockets
Pliers
Hose Pick Tool https://amzn.to/3b4EpkI
Lisle Spill-Free Funnel (to burp system) https://amzn.to/2N0yPI8
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Riddle me this, this subaru engine has 3 radiator hoses…
My theory is that if we start from the water pump and go in the direction it's pumping, it goes to the thermostat through the cylinder head(s) (not sure exactly before that is where i'm lost), if thermostat closed and engine heating up, it pumps through one cylinder head, to one of the top radiator hoses, across the radiator, to the other, back through the other head and completes that circle.
Thermostat opens at OT then it pumps through large bottom hose to bottom of radiator, then up through radiator (fins and fans help extract heat) then through one or both cylinder heads at same time through both hoses (cylinder heads have a coolant hose on top of block that also joins them) then down through pump and cycle continues… am i close?
I'm just trying to work it out logically in my head but seems a little complex in the actual flow.
Hey, what size hose clamps did you use ?
Excellent, what I needed to see. Thank you! Do you have a video on how to check transmission fluid and fill what was lost in radiator replacement?
Thank you for making this video!!!