Hi peeps

Can the header tank rad cap be removed(slowly) if the engine is up to normal working temp to check if its pressurised, suspect headgasket on the impreza?

I know this is not the definite way of testing but is it a quick test way?

I know there will be sum pressure in there.

I have herd this test done on dif cars in the past and just wondered if it could be done on the impreza?

Thanks in advance guys
Adrian

 

if the car is upto temp and you remove the header tank cap then you WILL spray hot water everywhere. This is normal. That is of course if it is topped up properly. The system is a pressurized type. So im not sure what you mean above.
A qucik test for failed gasket(s) would be to top the system up and then put the overflow pipe by the battery in a coke can. Take the car out and use lots of boost. If the coke can fills up then you have a problems.

 

You could if you want to be covered in boiling coolant I suppose....

Tony

 

MMM not Really a good idea as it will hurt and melt your skin, and wont prove a thing. As has already been said its meant to be presurised to a certain degree. You really need a sniffer test and a leak down test for HG failure testing.

 

Thanks guys,

Was thinking this was the case,
Just so you dont think i completely lost the plot, on my van i can open the header tank cap slowly when up to normal temp without it spraying everywhere under normal conds, but if did this with a blown headgasket then it would go off like a boiling kettle.

Just wondered if this was the same with the scoob but as thought not, always worth a post tho.

Cheers Adrian