mjharper

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys, I recently noticed my engine temp getting very high on long journeys culminating in travelling home from the seaside yesterday with my heaters on full to keep it just out of the red.

I got home with the gauge just entering red, opened the bonnet and there was a small amount of steam and a plastic smell The only other thing I've noticed in general driving is a brief screech on start up and slow manoeuvres - Like a fan belt starting to wear - Could this cause overheating?

The car is 2007 with a full service history from Subaru (I know this doesn't make me immune!) I've taken the radiator cap off this morning and included a picture - the level was right up to the brim (pressurising?) and looks a rusty colour. Am I in trouble?

Any advice appreciated!

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

Another 2.5 hg failure.
what an engine ......

mjharper

iTrader: (1)

Forgot to mention my oil plummeted recently had to refill 4+ litres - Head then?, definitely? is there any point repairing without forging the engine to stop it happening again?

Ta

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

Oil usuage is not good either probably ringland failure.
forged rebuild and new bottom end bearings is the best route

tony de wonderful

4 liters is more than 'usage' but I know what you mean.

Hope OP has a fat wallet.

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

when you topped the oil up how long had it been since you checked it last ?
Where was the steam and smell when you opened the bonnet ?

mjharper

iTrader: (1)

Had the car 4 months (was serviced just before buying so oil change etc) that was the last time I physically checked, Oil light came on couple of weeks back and the dipstick was on pretty much nothing so I filled up immediately. The steam/smell was coming from somewhere to the left and below of the radiator tank (not the tank itself)- the odour was of very hot plastic/rubber (which is understandable!)

The engine/bay is immaculate can't see any signs of leaks/spills anywhere and like I say the car has been Subaru serviced every 10k from new - so I'll get her repaired even if I have to off road and save pennies!

Thanks

blackvenom

4 litres is a lot when they hold 4.5/ 5 on a normal service? Usually too late by the time the light comes on. I reckon it's the head gasket caused my low oil. Hold the bottom hose And get someone to rev the engine to boost. You should feel the pipes expanding if you have a pressurised system. Your steam leak I reckon would will be the pipe from the header tank to the rad rear the abs unit, expanding and letting out steam from the cliped end.

poolio74

Why on earth did you get rid of a problematic 2.0 wrx, only to replace it with a 2.5?

Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire!

Sorry if that sounds harsh mate but you must be a sucker for punishment

p1junkie

iTrader: (5)

not exactly helpfull to someone whos engine has just popped

MOTORS S GT

iTrader: (2)

If you don't check the oil for four months what do expect, shot himself in the foot, as if 2.5,s are well documented on here for oil consumption, even when healthy.
If its had the oil light on its got a shot bottom end, just a matter of time now, before the death rattle.

poolio74

Maybe not but honest all the same.

mjharper

iTrader: (1)

Always intended to forge within 12 months was not ignorant of 2.5 potential issues, I like the Hawk eye and prepared to take the risk! was just hoping it would last that long- oh well will get problem confirmed this week

p1junkie

iTrader: (5)

yep nothing like giving someone a kick in the bollocks when there down eh

poolio74

Look!, ive followed his previous threads on his blob wrx, and i am entitled to my opinion!
If the original op has not taken offence, then whats your problem. He had overheating issues with a 2.0, so I thought it a bit strange to then buy a 2.5. He has explained his reason for getting a 2.5 hawk, so best of look to him.

Get off your soapbox!

poolio74

Good luck with it pal

wms-racing

A very common tail i'm afraid, ive done a load this year. The HG and ringland goes hand in hand, I think the reason is the ringland passes oil into the cylinder and it cant be compressed so lifts the head. All the ones ive done have a had a full build, and even with one car only having 26K on it the shells were very worn!

thenewgalaxy

Seems that we've had a lot of 2.5 WRXs go recently, they are supposed to be less prone to this issue but anecdotally it would appear that they're eventually going to go all the same.

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

not recently, they have always been crap.

thenewgalaxy

Shame really because when it works it's a bloody fantastic engine.

It's all good and well saying that it can be forged and made into a monster build etc but thy really shouldn't go bang in the first place.

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

crap engine fobbed off on the uk market to get through emission rules.
thats why the japs still use 2.0.
granted its a good engine after a 3k rebuild but a 3k bill is not for everyone to get a reliable car.

mjharper

iTrader: (1)

She's getting looked after by API engines now, forged rebuild and remap - let's nip this in the bud!