Checking and Changing BRZ/FR-S Engine Coolant

[GrimmSpeed]

GrimmSpeed DIY Guide Series

Checking and Changing BRZ/FR-S Engine Coolant

Updated 6/25/12

Introduction: This guide will illustrate how to check and change the coolant in your BRZ/FR-S.

Tools: The tools listed below are suggested for this task. Optional tools are noted.

- Rubber hose
- Drain Pan
- Funnel
- Flat head screwdriver
- Subaru Super Coolant, Item # K0670Y0001
o Manual Transmission 7.6 U.S. qt (7.2 L)
o Automatic Transmission 7.9 U.S. qt (7.5 L)

Tips:

Procedure:

A.) Checking your coolant level

1) Park the vehicle on a level surface.

2) Open the hood and locate the Coolant Overflow Reservoir. It is made of clear plastic and located directly below the Radiator Cap.

3) Check that the fluid level is between the "Full" and "Low" lines on the reservoir when the car is COLD.

4) If the level is low, add coolant to the reservoir until it reaches the "Full" line.

5) If the vehicle is cold, remove the radiator cap and verify that the coolant level is all the way up to the filler neck. If not, top off with coolant.

B.) Changing your coolant

1) Safely lift and support the vehicle. Refer to owner’s manual for preferred method.

2) Locate and remove the service hole cover on the underside of the front bumper, on the passenger side.

3) Locate the drain plug on the side of the radiator and connect a hose to the nipple. Use a hose with an internal diameter of 8mm. This allows you to drain the coolant into a container without making a mess.

4) Position your catch container under the hose, and open up the radiator's drain plug.

5) Remove the radiator cap to speed up the draining process.

6) After fully draining the radiator, tighten the drain **** plug, and reinstall the service hole cover.

7) Lower the vehicle onto the ground, and fill the radiator with coolant. Do so slowly to prevent air bubbles, and stop when you get to the filler neck.

8) Locate and open the air bleeder plug. It is towards the rear of the engine, attached to one of the heater core hoses that passes through the firewall. Unscrew the plug using a screwdriver to loosen.

9) Check the coolant level in the radiator. If the level dropped, fill it back up to the filler neck.

10) Close the air bleeder plug once fluid starts to come out of it. Otherwise continue filling the radiator.

11) Fill the coolant overflow reservoir until the level reaches "Full."

12) Replace the radiator cap, and twist to seal it. Start the engine and race the engine 5 times to about 3000rpm. Turn the engine off. Spend no longer than 40 seconds completing this step.

13) Wait for an entire minute and then remove the radiator cap. If the coolant level has dropped, open the air bleeder plug in the heater hose. Add coolant to the radiator until the fluid level reaches the radiator neck. Close the air bleeder plug.

14) Re-do steps 12 and 13 again.

15) Re-attach the radiator and reservoir caps.

16) Start the engine and turn the heater on to the maximum hot position with the blower speed set to "LO."

17) Run the engine at 2000rpm until the radiator fan starts and stops. Be careful with the coolant temperature to avoid overheating the engine.

18) Stop the engine and wait until the engine coolant temperature lowers to at most 86 degrees F.

19) Open the radiator cap. If the coolant level has dropped add coolant until the level reaches the filler neck. Also, add coolant to the overflow reservoir until it reaches the "Full" line. Re-attach the radiator cap and twist to seal it.

20) Set the heater to the maximum hot position and set the blower speed to "LO." Start the engine, and race to 3000rpm several times. If a flowing sound can be heard (from the heater core in the cabin) repeat this process from step 17 on.

[DarrenDriven]

Added to DIY Directory:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7365

[ft86Fan]

Thanks. This is super helpful.

[stockysnail]

Thank you very much! I'm swapping out my radiator hoses for more engine bling (Perrin red hoses) and I needed this info!

[448hpsti]

I'm looking for a factory radiator hose, if anyone doesnt need theirs please let me know. The one from top of motor to back of plastic pc that has the cap.

[NYCsubaruBRZ]

orange or green coolant???????

[NYCsubaruBRZ]

Originally Posted by 448hpsti

I'm looking for a factory radiator hose, if anyone doesnt need theirs please let me know. The one from top of motor to back of plastic pc that has the cap.

what happened to the one that came with the car?

[448hpsti]

I cut it poorly, ie its about 4mm too short. Jus thought I'd see if someone's upgrade resulted in spare hoses ..

[NYCsubaruBRZ]

Originally Posted by 448hpsti

I cut it poorly, ie its about 4mm too short. Jus thought I'd see if someone's upgrade resulted in spare hoses ..

r u in ny?

[448hpsti]

Originally Posted by NYCsubaruBRZ

r u in ny?

Arizona
Tho originally from nj and lived in NYC for a decade...

[zoth]

Can view the photo's.

[GrimmSpeed]

Originally Posted by zoth

Can view the photo's.

Sorry about that! When we launched our new website, we found a handful of broken image links. We'll have these sorted out mid-week, but feel free to give us a call with specific questions! You can ask for Chase or Matt in engineering.

Matt Beenen
Engineering

[fstlane]

Thanks OP for the very useful DIY guide! On a side note, I realized I didn't have the correct size hose for the radiator drain spout. I found the overflow tank hose works great as it's the correct size and even the bend fits perfectly. Just pull it off the radiator nipple and it slides out of the overflow bottle. Reinstall when done!

[OnionTou]

I was following this thread and as I loosened the air bleeder plug, I unscrewed it a bit too much and it fell. I moved my car in the garage and I couldn't find it. Moved items around the area I was parked and I still couldn't find it. Maybe it fell on an underbody panel/tray or it travelled into a parallel dimension.

Does anyone know the dimensions for it (or can measure it for me)?

I feel like an idiot.