Rear Ballast Winterizing (06 Outback)

[gammapark]

Anyone know how to winterize the ballast system in an 06 Outback, I'm paying $90.00 by my dealership to have that done and can't believe it's that difficult. It's a one bag rear ballast system. Would like to do it myself next year (but only if I can be sure to do it right!!!).
Chris

[Yellowmobius]

All I have ever done was remove the bags and hung them out for a while.
I did this with my 2001 Mobius LS
and that is what I do with my 2004 LSV
I have never had any problems with pumps. I am not sure what they would do to them. At most I would say take the hose off the pump and let it drain out completely (if you can get to).
Ask them what they do for $90.00 - I would like to know.

[spyder]

maybe an antifreeze in the lines and pumps? not sure

[llxlv]

Don't forget to empty the strainer.

[Yellowmobius]

Good point, the 2001 didn't have the strainers. The 2004 does, I didn't think about it. I get it all when actually winterize. I am holding out, last year I made it into Nov and I want to do that again.

[Buttafewcoe]

Remove the bag and use a wet / dry vac to suck the water out of the lines, and empty the strainer is all I've ever done. Going on me 4th winterization w/ no issues or surprises waiting for me in the spring.
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Hope this helps
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B

[liquidlite]

how do you empty the strainer?

[Smrtz]

Im pretty sure the strainer just threads onto the top.
just a turn to the left?

Cheers

Jay

[Buttafewcoe]

Yah, just unscrew it, be careful not to bend the screen when reassembling.
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B

[gammapark]

Thanks all, I'll give keep this info for next winter, sounds simple enough.