ChrisC

My car (1995 WRX - 70k miles) seems to have developed a real thirst for water not just the usual petrol. It is not due to the recent warmer weather but seems to have been growing for a little time. I have noticed the fans coming on early so it clearly does get hot.
I can't find any signs of a radiator/hose leak so any ideas?
I know its odd because my 1993 WRX was not prone to such behaviour.

911

Possibly the thermostat not regulating water flow in response to temp sensor, or even a gradual blocking some where in the system.
You can get to the stat from below, need to drain the system anyway to do that, so why not pull it all apart, backflush the rad, remove the stat (easier with the rad out) and fit a new one with a new seal, i paid about £8 for the Subaru parts recently for my Sti v3 (same as a UK part).
Fresh fluid would be good if it is contaminated with sludge.

Hope that lot helps!
Good luck
911

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

Does the water actually disappear?

If it does, wouldn't that indicate that it somehow ends up in the cylinders if there are no leaks (blown head gasket?)?

Try lifting the oil filler cap off, if you have a blown head gasket you might get water in your oil, which can sometimes show up as white/grey sludge around the oil filler cap.

Also, are there plumes of smoke (white) behind your car when you accellerate etc (or indeed startup or driving in general)?

Does the water that is left appear oily?

ChrisC

I tried that expecting that possibility and there is no sludge.

Again no.
The water level just seems to drop quite dramatically like it is being boiled off as the system gets too hot. I've changed the cap on the header tank in case that was faulty but no improvement. I'm going to go over the thermostat at the weekend and see what that produces.

dread

I have exactly the same problem and mine is a 95wrx with 75k. Took it to the garage and they are not to sure what the issue us. They think it could possibly be a stat problem as this would not allow the water through but would water could be forced out through other areas.

I also have no sludge, no oily water, no white smoke, but have noticed water at points on the floor. Rad may have a slight split.

Keep me informed if you possibly find the problem.

Dread