nipper99

Hi there,

This is my first ever post on here and I'm looking for a little support please.

I recently purchased a Subaru STI 2017 with 31k on the clock and it has been very well looked after with FSH etc.

At the weekend I managed to get my first real good run on the back roads. Pre checks were complete on the oil and coolant levels and were all good to go and the engine was properly warmed up. After about half an hour after the first real good run, a warning message appeared with "High Coolant Temperature" and I noticed the temperature gauge was near the high level. Thankfully I was round the corner from my house and got it home.

I checked the following morning and found the coolant in the top header tank to be slightly low and it took around 350ml to get it full again. Expansion tank and radiator levels were fine. I took it out for another run and the temperature gauge remained centred with giving the car good boost as well. I thought, I'll do one last good boost run and then I know it was just a low coolant issue, however, as I arrived home again the temperature gauge shot up, then quickly centred again and was back to normal level. I checked the engine bay and my expansion tank had overflowed. Hoses did feel slightly pressurised and the lower hose was hot as well, indicating that the thermostat had surely opened. Also the fans were running to. I have checked the oil and coolant and there appears to be no mixing in either department and no milky residual or mayonnaise like substance present and no white smoke blowing from the exhaust.

I contacted a Subaru specialist up in Aberdeen and he seems to think it may be the head gasket. I am thinking this as well and unfortunately will just have to stump up the cash.

My question is has anybody experienced this before? Also if it was the head gasket that has gone, would the engine not just instantly overheat instead or correcting itself like what happened to me?

Any advice and support will be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Callum

hedgecutter

iTrader: (5)

Read the sticky on 2.5l engine failure, unfortunately 100's of owners have experienced these exact symptoms. The bad news is that it is generally considered a false economy to just replace the gasket, as many have experienced main bearing failures within a year of doing this.
If it is a recent trade purchase, I would be contacting the seller .

johno01

How long have you owned the car mate? People on here may be able to advise you best but if it’s a private seller your fckd, if it was bought from a dealership maybe there’s something you can do.

nipper99

Hi.

Thanks for the reply.

I have done my research and everything seems to lead to the head gasket but I appreciate your the heads up about main bearing failures.
I purchased the car the Emerald House of Cars and I have been in contact with them but the warranty only covers up to £500. If it is the head gasket that has gone I have had a ball park figure of £2000 including a new timing belt from the Subaru specialist the car is currently at. Fingers crossed it is just air in the system but that is just wishful thinking.

nipper99

Hi.

Thanks for your reply.

I have owned the car for only 2 weeks and I purchased the vehicle from Emerald House of Cars but the warranty only covers up to £500 and I have been quoted £2000 for new uprated gaskets, resurfacing and new timing belt from the Subaru specialist that has it right now, if that is the issue. Here's hoping it was an air lock.

Still waiting on the diagnostic report but I will keep you posted.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

Don't just get the headgaskets done,have a full rebuild by a well known and trusted specialist.
fit and forget ......

Rusti

iTrader: (4)

Completely agree with Shrek,its a big bill to swallow but it beats paying almost twice.

nipper99

Hi guys.

Cheers for the replies.

Got the dreaded news today that the head gaskets have failed.

Just in planning now of the next steps to bullet proofing the engine 😁.

Will keep you guys posted.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

Who diagnosed it? More importantly who will be rebuilding it?

nipper99

Brian Downie located in Aberdeenshire diagnosed the issue and will be rebuilding the engine.