turbo it

iTrader: (-1)

hi all, just got back from the ring, and my weekend was spoiled by a strange problem, the car was fine until i went out , then near the end started to get warm on inspection it had put most of my water into expansion tank, then half hourish later it drew it back into the engine, minus prob half litre, the car has had a new rad which hasnt got a pressure cap(it is an 03 sti) i tried a diffrent cap on header tank and no diffrence, i then took the thermostat out and it got hotter quicker, oil level no change, no smoking either, any help greatly appreciate Cheers Rob

REDBULL2

are your heaters blowing hot air
you could have a air lock

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

I really hope I'm wrong, but iirc when coolant gets blown into overflow tank (ie the one between n/s headlight and rad) it's a classic sign of a head gasket blowing..!?

Otherwise, it's hopefully just an air lock (air expands when heated), which hopefully it is. Try squeezing the rad hose a few times- the one that comes off the o/s top of rad, as that can help to purge air out.

You didn't do any sustained high speed runs on the way to the ring by any chance..?

turbo it

iTrader: (-1)

hi thanks for replys, yep i did all the normal bleed ups, pouring water into top hose etc and the car was fine, temp level never moved and no high speed running as we had a friend towing a trailer though on the return home when we stopped the expansion tank had filled but when u put it back in header it hadnt used any water, when u smell header with cap off it does smell petrol/fumie, i do think head gasket but obviously hope not, Cheers Rob

Steve Gibbins

iTrader: (1)

You've got me worrying now. Just put new turbo, headers, exhaust and injectors on over the past few weeks, had it mapped and have been running about over the weekend testing things out. I have the same car, an 03 STI and now the same problem. Be interested if you find the cause especially as I'm booked on the MLR trackday at Spa on May 4th!

Steve

turbo it

iTrader: (-1)

sure its going to be head gasket, getting it sniff tested tomoro, Cheers Rob

turbo it

iTrader: (-1)

any more ideas ? Cheers Rob