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head gasket?
Posted:
Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:27 amby harv
Hi there,
I got No. 205 and have been thoroughly happy for 18 months and 30,000miles!!
Had full service recently, last 3 days now noticed steam from engine, notice more when hammer it.
Usual mechanic says its presure in the header tank, also radiator was low, he says carry water and keep an eye out for a few days, but could be cylinder head gasket - expensive.
Question - what is it? what will it/ should it cost and are there any really good subaru mechanics in Leeds?
As always thanks
Harv
Posted:
Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:53 amby WR1 Bro
No idea about Leeds. The best independent specialist in my opinion is Autecnica in Buxton.
Posted:
Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:42 amby WUZ
If it was your head gasket then your Expansion Tank (Clear plastic tank on the RHS of the Radiator would be filling up.
If you get steam in the engine bay but the Expansion Tank is not filling up then it is NOT the head gasket, more likely a split in a coolant hose.
Make sure the expansion tank is at the right level (you'll see the full/HOT mark on the side of the tank, about 4" from the bottom) an the black hose from the Radiator cap is in the Tank - then go for a blast and report back.
Posted:
Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:55 pmby harv
thx wuz will try that tomorrow.
KT Green subaru technician in leeds says it could be an air lock from the servicing. He says, like you, to check levels, only when cold though, and watch radiator level.
ta
harv
Posted:
Thu Dec 10, 2009 11:02 amby CAVEMAN
Always felt KT Green were very helpful and knew there stuff.
I am sure Mega and John McDogging will back this up and let you know if they have had issues.
Sounds like good advice...TBH
another tip would be to check oil dipstick and sparkplugs if you can get to them DIY stylee, if it is head gasket then oil and water mixing at those pressures and temps will lead to a white creamy substance on the end of your stick!!
Posted:
Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:53 pmby John Mc
Yeah, agree with Andy - KT Green have been excellent with me. I've taken my car to Adam since but this is because of the standard charges at main dealers, nothing to do with the service at KT, they are first class... just expensive as dealers are with their overheads.
Adam (Autotechnica) provides a quality service at a much more reasonable price and you can get underneath and have a look which you won't be able to do at main dealers. You can admire the views and go for a coffee at the pikey cafe
Posted:
Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:08 pmby WR1 Bro
John Mc Tiddler (Dogging Expert) wrote:You can admire the views....
Are you saying Adam is a pretty boy?
Posted:
Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:33 pmby John Mc
WR1 Bro wrote:John Mc Tiddler (Dogging Expert) wrote:You can admire the views....
Are you saying Adam is a pretty boy?
Of course she is
Posted:
Thu Dec 10, 2009 9:17 pmby WR1 Bro
John Mc Tiddler (Dogging Expert) wrote:WR1 Bro wrote:John Mc Tiddler (Dogging Expert) wrote:You can admire the views....
Are you saying Adam is a pretty boy?
Of course she is
That will explain why I find it hard not to expose myself in his presence!