njstewart

Hi everyone,

I posted on here a while ago about an issue I was having with the temperature in my 1998 Impreza 2.0 Sport (non-turbo and no modifications).

Originally the problem was that when the car was stationary then the temp gauge would start to rise then as soon as you move off it went back down. I had the car serviced then the problem seemed to reverse itself as the temp gauge would go up when I was sitting around 70 then as soon as you slow down to around 55 it would go back down. I then noticed that the expansion tank for the coolant was filling up and leaving the radiator kind of dry. At that point I thought it was either the thermostat or the radiator itself. The radiator was taken out and checked etc. It did seem to have an air lock but eventually cleared. Everything was fine for a couple of days then the same thing started happening again. (Also the radiator was cold to touch even after a long journey). I was still getting hot air out the heater etc so was told it probably wasnt the thermostat.

That was the original problem then this started happening.....

Over the past 2 weeks when I start the car its quite hesitant. When it starts if I let it idle it will just cut out. I need to keep the revs up then after a few minutes its ok.

....then I checked the oil and it was quite low. I check it quite often and it seemed to have gone down quite quick. I put in a litre then checked it a couple of days later and it was gone. Put more back in, went for a drive noticed when I stopped that there was a little bit of steam coming from the bonnet. There seems to be oil leaking somewhere on the right hand side of the engine.

After speaking to a few mechanics who admitted they dont know much about subarus I took it to a specialist out of town. He phoned today to say the head gasket is on its way out (I originally thought thats what it was when the temp started messing around). He said it would be £600 inc parts and labour for head gasket to be done and also water pump and belts etc. He said another option is a second hand engine. He said it would be slightly cheaper but to be honest im not too bothered about the cost I just finally want it fixed.

My main question is...Is it better just to get the gasket done etc or would it be better with another engine?

Hope this all makes sense, any questions just let me know, any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

dooby-do

iTrader: (2)

I would say get the head gasket fixed at least you no were you stand
Then with the engine as you could fit another for the same problem or worse to happen later on down the line, that would be my route anyway at least you no it's been done

TeH_Jamie

I'd say if there were any early signs of your current engine needing a lot of repair i.e. bottom end rattle, unsuspecting leaks or it had a lot of miles, I would get another engine but from a specialist Subaru breaker with less miles for example. This what I did recently when I had a leak that I couldn't solve and the beginning of a bottom end rattle and *touch wood*, all is good. Came with a warranty from a specialist Subaru breaker for peace of mind all for just under £300. But then I guess you need to get it fitted which could be costly unless you do it yourself like I did.

But I'd say if your current engine has got good service history and is running nice and it definitely is the head gasket, then I'd be tempted to go for the repair because as dooby-do said, at least you know where you stand.