2006 Subaru Outback, 2.5l NA, ~110k
Had the timing belt, including water pump and some old, corroded hoses replaced about 3 months ago since it seemed overdue. Which I would assume if not a full flush is still a drain and fill of the coolant. And according to dealer (bought car used around 90k) head gaskets were replaced shortly before I purchased, have the service receipt.
Noticed today the engine was heating up much faster than usual, hit about 75% of the temp gauge during normal, commute driving. Checked under the hood and the reservoir tank was completely dry.
No time to wait to cool and check radiator, so just topped up the reservoir tank to the tippy top (as in to near the cap). After a short, 2-mi drive from the gas station to work (with temp gauge quickly dropping to normal levels), checked again and the reservoir tank is now sitting right about the full line.
Never had any particular reason to suspect coolant leak. No puddles, or smoke under the hood. Never smelled anything weird (though hard to say, living in a city, sometimes during commute I get a wiff of gasoline but you can't tell if it's you or the truck in front throwing heavy exhaust smoke).
Before driving home, with the engine cold, might be a good chance to take off the radiator cap and see what level is like inside there. But can't focus right now. I'm wondering if the timing belt replacement was shoddy, if the gaskets are leaking. Just want to see some preliminary opinions of whether this is just something that can happen or a sign of something serious.
