Hi guy's - Where should i be checking my coolant level via.

Is it the little black tank that says "do no open when hot"
or is it the small bottle with the yellow cap on it at the front,
it has a small pipe running from the black tank.

It's a my94 WRX.

Also around the top of the small bottle with the yellow cap, it
had what looked like a greyish gunk, any idea's?

Cheers
Rob

 

Come on guy's - 6 viewings and no reply, someone must be able to help.

 

The coolant level is checked/filled etc via the small tall tube just in front of the Battery.
The colour is not good news.
When the engine is off and cold, remove the cap off the header tank (just in front of the turbo) and check the fluid is free from foreign bodies/goop and suchlike.

Relax if it is

Graham.

 

Hi mate, you may find that the "gunk" is remnants of radweld leak repair solution or such like materials.

You'll also find that when topping up at the overflow bottle it takes alot more than you'd think............IT'S LIKE A BLOODY TARDIS..........!

Si.

 

I hope so Si, as i'm thinking the worst (as you do).
Just hoping the head gasket isn't about to give up !!

Chers for the reply's lad's.

Rob

 

Right - I checked the header tank and that's got no foreign bodies in it

iv'e checked the oil and that's clear.

I have got bubbles in the expansion bottle when it's running.

Could it be the head gasket guy's

Rob

 

What info are you looking for matey as you havn't offered any symptoms with which to diagnose although you've told us what you havn't got.

My wagon is booked in for a head gasket change as I am losing coolant although not power at the mo, after a coolant compression system check and no external leaks we've concluded head gasket especially as I lost 80% of my coolant after a spirited run to a meet after the internal seal on thermostat decided to split and stop it from operating........bloody lucky though as it was a SPIRITED run out.

Do you have any other symptoms to suggest head gasket?

Froth or bubbles in the overflow bottle is not a good sign IMO.

The more info you can offer, the more likely you are to receive a diagnostic response.

Good Luck.

Si.

 

Si - There's no loss of power or steam from the exhaust.

I filled the expansion bottle last night and have been for a run this morning.
I gave it a bit of welly and checked the fluid level on return.

It seemed to have spat a bit of coolant out via the overflow pipe, but i don't know if that's because i put a little too much in,the level is still at the "F" mark on the little bottle behind the nearside headlamp.

I'll keep my eye on the level over the next few day's to see if it falls.

There's no external leaks so if it has gone it's between a jacket i guess!

Rob

 

Exactly the same as mine matey.

Been quoted a decent price to buy gaskets needed by David At APi engines, although I don't need them all as I had my rockers and camseal changed recently.

Also got a price of about 300 quid to do the work from Ian at Talbot Garage in Market Drayton, Shropshire, reckons it's engine out job and about 1.5-2 days work......he's a spot on mechanic so I'm not too despondant.

Down side........having to commute in car until work on commences on 16th May totally OFF BOOST. Also pretty brased off with checking fluid 4 timer per day but it could've been alot worse I spose.

Si.

 

What happens if the fluid has foreign bodies? Just curious as I noticed that mine has like metal flakes in it - A local garage said they were not anything to worry about!!!!! but I was not convinced. The expension pipe also looks like it has had rad weld in it. I am worried now - Dont have any symptoms though. The coolant does not go down.

 

Taking the car to API on Saturday for a pressure check.

Fingers crossed !

Rob

 

Well just returned from API engines (Nice bloke David) and it's the head gasket.

Iv'e also got a bit of piston slap which would be sorted with a new piston and ring, that's as long as the bore is'nt too badly scored, which would mean a rebuild.

So i'm not decided on what to do yet.

£700 +vat for the Gasket change, includes all gaskets, oil, oil filter, coolant & new cam belt.

£1000 + vat for the piston change + the above.

And £1750 + vat for a complete rebuild which includes a rebore, oversize rings pistons and a stronger competition crank.

I'm not exactly flush at the moment so the last option is a no goer but the second is a possible, would be silly not to as the engine will be out anyway.

Rob

 

where can you find api engines at

 

Their in Harbury in Warwickshire.

www.apiengines.com

Ask for David, top bloke and won't bull**** you, he gives you it straight.

Rob