Wants to overheat

[TomsSVX]

it is typical for these engines to do that at this point in time. It is best to test all avenues first which you did, but I believe their diagnosis is correct

Tom

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by Michael Blue

They called back, they think it's a headgasket (or both).
It will idle forever without getting hot, it's only when you give it a load it heats up.
They said this is because at least one cylinder is putting pressure into the cooling system via a crack in the HG.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

~M

They "think" it's the head gasket? Didn't they do the dye test? If they are convinced it is exhaust into the coolant then that test should definitely come up positive. Require them to do the test, if they haven't already done so, before they start doing any further work.

[Cam]

It would not necessarily be exhaust in the coolant unless the cylinder is firing before leaking through the gasket. Not sure if that matters for the dye test, but I have heard of bad head gaskets not showing up with those tests on our engine.

[TomsSVX]

Originally Posted by Cam

It would not necessarily be exhaust in the coolant unless the cylinder is firing before leaking through the gasket. Not sure if that matters for the dye test, but I have heard of bad head gaskets not showing up with those tests on our engine.

It happens a lot on all engines... I had my foreman swear up and down that the engine I was working on had no H/C leak... Finally he allowed me to pull the head after doing 30 some odd tests that I already knew the answer to... Gasket was fried as I suspected. The block tester kits are not always 100% but I did not want to start a debate by saying that

Tom

[kwren]

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

It happens a lot on all engines... I had my foreman swear up and down that the engine I was working on had no H/C leak... Finally he allowed me to pull the head after doing 30 some odd tests that I already knew the answer to... Gasket was fried as I suspected. The block tester kits are not always 100% but I did not want to start a debate by saying that

Tom

Huskie claims his broken SVX has no head gasket leak as well!! Hard to face the possibility for some... It is becoming so prevalent that it is scary. It is almost as though it is more of a time thing than a mileage thing. The fact that it could happen to one of my lo-mileage cars is especially frightening. That is serious money for the repair.

Keith

[svxcess]

Originally Posted by kwren

The fact that it could happen to one of my lo-mileage cars is especially frightening. That is serious money for the repair.

Tell me about it. My son's 92 pearlie has about 230,000 on it with no overheating issues.

However, my meticulously-maintained 96 polo needed a head gasket at only 125,000 miles (with symptoms showing up around 118,000). Needed a complete reman short block due to other issues that were found while disassembling the motor to fix the HG.

.

[Michael Blue]

It's at another shop now, they're testing for CO2 in the coolant.

Since someone brought it up...Any ideas on repair costs associated with this?
There is a serious likelihood that this '92 Pearlie has met its match.
If someone needs another parts car or something, I'll be all ears soon.

~M

[SVXMichelle]

Originally Posted by Michael Blue

It's at another shop now, they're testing for CO2 in the coolant.

Since someone brought it up...Any ideas on repair costs associated with this?
There is a serious likelihood that this '92 Pearlie has met its match.
If someone needs another parts car or something, I'll be all ears soon.

~M

Almost $2500 from Subaru dealer about one year ago. Might be more now
Michelle

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Michael Blue

It's at another shop now, they're testing for CO2 in the coolant.

Since someone brought it up...Any ideas on repair costs associated with this?
There is a serious likelihood that this '92 Pearlie has met its match.
If someone needs another parts car or something, I'll be all ears soon.

~M

Typical costs are going to be over $1000 if its a local mechanic, and $2-3000 if its a dealership type place

If it comes down to it being parted out otherwise, send me a PM and maybe we can work something out on the contrary.

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L

:Slaps hand over eyes:

Whos gonna say it? Im not going to, not this time.

I hate being right sometimes.

This is really making me worry about mine.... I slightly overheated last week after a long drive and sitting in a drive-thru, and the reservoir was almost overflowing with coolant. It hasnt done anything since, but im afraid mine might be going too. Theres no other explanation for my cooling system puking out that much coolant into the reservoir.

[Cam]

If you have access to an engine hoist, stand, and a decent set of tools a reseal job is not too difficult.

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L

I hate being right sometimes.

This is really making me worry about mine.... I slightly overheated last week after a long drive and sitting in a drive-thru, and the reservoir was almost overflowing with coolant. It hasnt done anything since, but im afraid mine might be going too. Theres no other explanation for my cooling system puking out that much coolant into the reservoir.

Your overheating could indeed be a head gasket but it isn't the only possible explanation. You might want to work through the possible causes. If it overheats too much or too many times for another reason then you could end up with a head gasket problem.

[Michael Blue]

::UPDATE::

The new shop tested the CO2 levels in the coolant, and they were normal. (So much for "being right all the time )

I ordered a water pump and timing belt, he should have it done Monday.

Gonna have him look at the wheel bearing while he's got it...
Anyone have a quick link to the proper "how to" on these?
I know there's a trick to it...

Also, anyone know where I can source a windshield inexpensively?

Thanks!

~M

[Ownbot]

I hope your problems are over, but I would bet you do need a HG. I've had 2 Subarus that the head gasket went bad. What you are describing sounds way too familiar. Sorry

[Cam]

Ditto. Just because a headgaskets failed does not mean that there is co2 in the coolant.