markb5888

Hi there been a long time since Ive been on here. I am looking at getting a scooby again tomorrow. But chap says it is running cold on long journeys??

Should I buy this car or pass it off. Its a 98 impreza wrx

Could this be a simple faulty thermostate. He says its a new one??
Or could this possible be somethink alot worse? Headgasket failure.

Can anyone answere quick before I go to view tomorrow. Thanks

piehole1983

iTrader: (7)

Running cold as in no heat from the blower inside? Could be as simple as an air lock or a coolant leak from the radiator or a hose somewhere. HG is a possibility indeed, especially now he's been driving it on long journeys potentially without coolant. You could be taking a chance buying it. Have a search for HG failure symptoms on here, there's plenty of posts about it. Also search for filling the coolant properly.

markb5888

cheers piehole I may of worded that wrong, he said its the actuall temp gauge on car just reads cold on long journeys. The blowers are hot as they should be, he says it had new thermostate, but am I right in thinking non oe parts can be faulty. (Maybe just this)

I know they usually blow coolant out of expansion overflows when head gaskets fail, he says this is not happing, and car runs perfect no leaks ect..

piehole1983

iTrader: (7)

The thermostat would have the opposite effect if it was stuck closed. If he means that the engine temp drops a bit when driving at higher speeds then the thermostat could actually be stuck open or not fitted at all. I know my temperature drops a fair bit at speed even though my thermostat is fine (I think lol). Might be normal behaviour!

Sounds like you already know what to look for regarding the HG, they usually spew up everywhere like you say. Check for excessive pressure in the coolant hoses when it's running.

markb5888

Thanks piehole, yes this will be my 5th impreza. And done many engine swaps a general tinkering, but not for a long time so trying to remember, he says it doesnt overheat and everythink is fine, just this issue with temp gauge reading cool. Maybe I will take a risk on it. Thanks for speedy replies, hopefully car is a good one?

piehole1983

iTrader: (7)

You'll be fine I'm sure. Thankfully these things are easy enough to work on!

markb5888

Thank bud I wil post up on here if I get it, thanks again