Is this why my temp gauge is not working?? I can't get to the wire to put it back on, also the connector is rusty/damaged. Can somone explain what the removed wire does?

Whats the best way to get at it? Remove air filter/pipes

 

Get the wife to do it with her smaller hands

 

so is that temp sender wire to gauge or ecu or both?

 

The brown one that is connected is the water sensor for the ECU, the spade terminal that is disconnected is the one for the temp gauge in the dash

BTW long nosed pliers

 

the good news got it connected and working the bad news I need a new head gasket or engine!

What gaskets will I need and are best to use? Do I need full set or just head?

 

Had it been disconnected by previous owner so the problem was covered over????

Simon

 

I'm sure if you say it needs new head gasket you've looked into it and are correct, but what symptoms have you got, if it's just overheating it could possibly be other causes.

Also, I'd suggest a chat to API Engines before starting any major engine work. He will advise and sort you out with what you need.

 

mmmm I spoke to a guy earlier who said the overheating could be due to a faulty thermostat. So I will remove tommorow and take it for a run to see if it overheats again.

Any other reasons why car could be overheating?

 

You can take it to a local garage for a coolant gas contamination check to check for head gasket failure. Basically it checks if there are any combustion gasses in the coolant, takes half hour or so and isnt particularly specialised so dont need a subaru specialist.

Overheating could be thermostat, as you say, a blocked pipe, airlock, water pump/belt. Is your coolant level ok ?