Right somethings gone wrong and its confused me a bit so before ive had a look at it i thought id see if you guys had any ideas. Got an early import and recently i accidently broke the plastic header tanks little pipe coming out of the top. Ive replaced this with a late spec ally one now but when i came to fill up the coolant again after draining the system it didnt seem to take a lot of water on. I test drove it and it overheated right away, upon squeezing the big radiator pipes it felt like there was very little water in there. This makes me think water just isnt circulating as the car wont take any more in. Ideas i had were

Sticking thermostat - which subaru said wouldnt be the case
water pumps gone - though it was fine before
Air lock - but its one bloody big one

what do u guys think?

Hi,

What i did when i fitted my new shape header tank (alloy), was to squeeze the top radiator hose, keep doing this and eventually the water/coolant will fill properly..

It could be that your thermostat is knackered... two ways to test this either take it out and put in in some boiling water and if it opens its likely its ok, or take the car for a run and feel if the bottom radiator hose is cold, if its cold there is a citculation problem and cooled water is not getting back to the engine..

Dan:D:D

Isn't there a filler cap on the top near the inlet manifold (left, middle of engine bay)as well, sorry I dont have my car with me so I can't pop out for a look but I am sure there is another place to fill the coolant up from.

ill give that a go dan

siwrx,

When you are squeezing the top rad hose while trying to fill, make sure the cars is not hot.... and make sure you have the header tank rad cap 'off'..

Dan:D:D

yeah m8 got a few things im gonna try now gotta try n work out whats up, as it all worked prior to me breaking the header tank im hoping its just an airlock

When cold open the radiator cap and check if it's full. Turn your heater on to maximum heat and start the car. Keep topping up until it's full (radiator tank, not filler tank). Put radiator cap back on. May need to repeat once or twice but should ensure no air blocks.

Air locks can be a problem, and Id say it is most likely the case.

Can't help but I'm due to change my coolant on an early wrx so will be interested in any replies/fix you get. I have just got hold of the workshop manual on disc for the early cars so will have a look through tonight for you when I get home :)

[Edited by Charlie H - 2/3/2003 12:00:10 PM]