I think my head gaskets or one of them is on it way out on my98 import wrx wagon, but im unsure, im forever topping up the header tank because fluid keeps pumping out of the overflow, its brown and dirty too, ive burped the cooling system and change the header cap, also the heater blower is blowing cold and only warms when im putting power(rev) the engine, steamy exhaust when driving too.All the water pissed out the other night and the temp needle went through the roof, lifted the bonnet and steam was pouring out of the overflow bottle like a steam train !!
Any Advice.

 

no advice then

 

Advice?

OK, 1. Get a sniff test done.
2. Stop driving it NOW.

 

1. tk test
2.check for hydrocarbons?

 

dik

 

^^^^^^^^^



you won`t get any help with that attitude.

 

ok tubbs then go away

 

if you got gas coming through your header tank and a pressurised cooling system then yes, its pretty much a sure thing your HG is gone. Id get a compression test done to ascertain which head is gone, altho u might as well do both while the engine is out.

 

thanks djandyg , but the steam/gas was coming out of the overflow not the header' is this a open or stuck thermostat?

 

sounds like ur head gasket just dont drive it or you could warp ur heads then you will be in the sh$$ ..

 

Was that aimed at me? If so, I'd be interested in why?

 

 

I thought the OP was joking. Listing all the classic signs of HG failure & then asking what to do.

Either the others missed the joke or you have more problems than just HG failure.

 

makes no difference really mate. A sniff test will confirm that theyre exhuast gases, but I wouldnt need any more convincing really tbh. Get a compression test done if anything.

 

The description you've given point to head gasket failer im afraid.

Would advise you not to drive it mate because it dosent take much to warp the heads.

I would'nt bother with a comp test, maybe you could do a snofter test, but i'd say your gaskets are gone.
I'd just start removing the engine as soon as possible and get them done or take it to a scoob specialist, depending where in the country you are, dont use someone whos not used to scoobs and try and do it on the cheap, It usually ends up with you having to do it twice.

 

Thanks' Im now convinced its the heads' I did drive it on sunday when the fluid had all pissed out and the temp gauge hit the top !! Do you suppose ive warped the head cylinders??

 

because it was smoking some black smoke ' which smelt like burning plastic, coming up from below were the turbo is housed?