It's amazing that you had a chance to make this video with a car that actually had a blown head gasket. It's the first video that logically explained to me what the symptoms of the head gasket failure are.
MrSubaru1387 - You are the best. Thx for all . My Baja begins to live a new life. Now i safe a lot of money for next steps of "renovation" ;) Thx for help once again.
Hi @mrsubaru1387 I've done the hydrocarbon test which appears to have come back negative. Not changed all the coolant pipes nor the radiator yet. Been getting coolant bubbling and initially thought it was just an airlock. Replaced the radiator cap and rebled the system to ensure all air locks have gone. Was still getting the bubbles. Checked the thermostat by removing and driving it hard. When the bubbling has been happening (almost all the time after a long run) the coolant from the overflow then just oveflows instead of returning to the radiator. Currently after a long run I just keep manually returning the excess coolant from the overflow. The car is a 3.0 H6 on 08 plates/model year. It has 133000 miles on the clock now and there is no apparent coolant inside the oil. Sadly I did resort to using the sealants like K-seal and Steel Seal. I've flushed them out the system using the Holts cleaning solution and then just used 2 bottles of the conditioner instead. Bubbles seem less but still getting the problem of water not returning to yhe radiator after a long run or being driven hard. When I say 'long run' I mean like 40 miles and 80 miles. Water pump (might be) too big a job for me to tackle as I don't want to interfere with the timing chain. But do you think I should replace the radiator and all the coolant pipes or is this looking like a HG issue. I did get quotes for HG from the independent Subaru tech who suggested to leave it well alone as it becomes a messy job once opened. I'm happy to replace the thermostat and radiator and pipes if you reckon it might definitely or potentially make a difference? Also the heater in the cabin doesn't blow hot on the passnger side anymore (maybe I've gummed up the heater matrix/core... Any help greatly appreciated as I'm a travelling agency intensive care nurse. Usually try to cover them shifts that are far and back of beyond where others find it hard to get to. Help really appreciated thanks... Lastly, with all the use of the sealants (then flushing them out etc to try and not gum everything up) and the problem getting worse. I notice when trying to burp the system or doing a coolant flush. The coolant in the funnel becoming violently hot and going all over.
Thanks, this is very helpful. Would you agree the block test is only a good test for blown gaskets, and that gaskets that are leaking and on on the way to failure might pass the block test and give false sense of security? Lot of Subaru experts say avoid the block test, and use electronic hydrocarbon meter.
Just did a 2008 Forester 2.5 non-turbo 45 minutes still a pretty blue friend of mine bought this car when she said Forrester I was like oh no🙄 but it looks pretty good very tight car very clean for a 2008 need the timing belt and valve cover gaskets and some spark plugs air conditioning systems completely empty and the pump is frozen so complete rebuild on this whole system. I think this will be a good car barring the head gaskets don't go out in the future they look like the stock gaskets. 143000 MI
Just did head gaskets on a 2006 Forester XT turbo and there was no exterior oil leaks or water in the oil. Head gaskets were blown out between the combustion chamber and coolant passage. Engine never overheated until the turbo went into boost cause the coolant to shoot out of the coolant recovery tank.
Hi Mr.Subaru, I am having an over heating issue with my 99 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. Replaced leaking radiator + new Tstat, worked for about a week and boom over heating AGAIN. Took tstat out and no over heating out a new one back in again and over reheating issue is back. White smoke from exhaust, cool air blowing in cabin, when idling/parked it doesn’t over heat, as soon as I take off to drive it over heats to the highest level in about 2-3 minutes. I will try this test to see if it’s the HG but we are also thinking it could be a water pump issue? If you have any additional advice please let me know. I will be trying this test, thanks for posting!
As soon as the bubble bath started.. I knew it was a blown head gasket, even after the milkshake blender 😂😂😂😂…. I just bump my coolant system and I don’t have this problem but I need to rebuild. Y engine.. has some leaks that I let them get out of hand 😂😂😂😂😂 thnx Mr Subaru for ur knowledge 😎😎😎😎👍👍👍👍
Hey there MR Subaru. Went and looked at my first sti. Engine oil looked dirty but not milky just dirty. No smoke/ no over heating, no coolant on the oil fill cap, no oil in the coolant as of the radiator cap sect. The coolant res looked really dirty though. 80k miles original coolant from the factory in it. Does a dirty coolant res mean bad head gasket?
No, but there could be an incorrect water being used. If you don’t used distilled water with your coolant concentrate, it will create that buildup in your coolant reservoir
The engine oil dipstick and cap looks clean. However, the coolant tank looks milky along with the radiator cap. Does it mean oil is entering the coolant tank from a blown head gasket? Thanks.
which video was it where you unscrew the oil cap and let it sit and see how much back blow pressure comes from inside making it "dance around" on the oil down stem... my FXT let it sit there there no interruption on warmup but after driving for 15 minutes i tried again and the oil filler cap was dancing around just like in the video... cant find it
Is it possible for a head gasket to be bad, even if the test kit doesn't indicate it? I have an unknown oil leak. I thought it was my cam seal, but then there was no leaking inside the case.
What about oil in the coolant? Just drained my system to change a few leaking/weeping hoses. Put coolant in a bucket with the intention of reusing it. It sat in the bucket for a few days and I notice oil coming to the top. Skimmed it with a white rag to make sure it was oil. It was. But never coolant in the oil. Just bought a tester kit but was wondering your opinion.
Just had a new radiator and thermostat put in 07, 2.5lt petrol non turbo subaru, I drove 200 kms the next day I drove for 10 minutes temp gauge went to 3/4 so I pulled over and stopped, trucked car back to radiator shop in which he said its done a water pump, then when I took it to get water pump and timing belt replaced tge mechanic called me and said its blown a head gasket, engine didnt get cooked from what I saw, mechanic said constant stream of bubbles in radiator water head gasket is blown... $4k for a replacement motor, is it worth getting a second opinion.?
Hi! Thanks for the video. In another video the mechanic uses the same test kit and notes he drains the radiator back to half. He says that much isn't necessary... but I'm wondering if you might know how much a person should drain the radiator before doing this test. I have a turkey baster and could take a few ounces out... but is that enough? I need to know as I can't at my high rise do much to a car in the parking lot and trying to tell as much as I can before I have to bring it to a mechanic shop. When I used Blue Devil sealant last winter I just drew out fluid with my below zero tester only now I'm afraid I might get the needle coated since the sealant is in the coolant now. Now I'll find my old turkey baster. Thanks for any input from anyone and thanks for this video!
Hi MrSubaru1387! Thanks for the input! In fact I just went to a parts store today and the clerk said the exact same thing. I have a turkey baster and will draw out about one cup he said. I don't know why that other mechanic on UA-cam said he drains half the radiator.... Thanks for taking the time to write!
Is there a variety root cause issues which caused these head gasket issues, for example degraded seals, stretched or stripped screws threaded holes, or always the same issue?
Mr. Subaru please help I have oil leaking from one head on the passenger side but no water also no water and oil leaking just a slight drip where the head meets the block on the bottom is that a head gasket..thanks. and also I love your videos
I talk to you before I have a 1996 out back . I have a steering problem . the steering tightening up on me some times than it works fine no noise no low fluid . Now the strange thing is I change the rack and the pump and return hose . and i still have the same problem I going nuts with this problem . I bleed the pump wheels off the ground cap off car off . the only thing i did not change is the cap on top.
Hello MrSubaru. Like your channel! I’ve learned a lot about my Subaru from you! Question: I have one of these block tester kits and I want to use it on my 2010 Forester. I’m worried though that using this tester could introduce a big bubble of air into the cooling system. Instructions say you have remove 2 to 3 inches of coolant from the radiator neck before doing the test. Is it OK to just top off the radiator with fresh coolant when you’re done testing, or do you also have to burp the cooling system? I’m not a mechanic so I’m not clear on this and haven’t found an answer anywhere. Really appreciate your help! Thank you!
MrSubaru1387 Thank you for responding! So does a person run the risk of getting air in the heater core when performing the block test? I’m confused. Thanks again for your help.
Service prolongs them, but the 2.5L HG will still fail due to a bad design of that gasket. Only the 2.5 N/A engines had HG issues. Once the new updated HG is installed you won't have any problems.
I have a little bit of oil leaking from my drivers side head gasket(like half a qt per oil change the last 20k), on my 08 impreza with 160k. I cleaned the whole motor down and checked it every couple weeks just to make sure that it was coming from the head gasket and nowhere else, definitely is. I keep a close eye on my coolant and oil, no mixing at all. Also, no bubbles coming through the radiator. I have not checked using a combustion gas checker. Assuming my only symptom is a little oil leaking OUT from the gasket, no worrries yet yeah?
Did it ever end up going bad? Im at 180K on mine and its been leaking oil out of the head gasket since 160K and still no coolant issues but I fear im on borrowed time
if testing a turbo subaru like the 2006 FXT which radiator cap should you take off to test for bubbles? the near turbo one or the radiotor one? thanks again!
MrSubaru1387 thanks for prompt reply! My friend said she saw a white dump of smoke when I floored it the other day and oddly it was a time when my turbo didn’t boost all that well.. somethings going on. Usually it boosts good and hard but 20% of the time it’s lackluster. Checked all lines for leaks etc. Showing no other signs of head gasket failure which I was told is unheard of the turbo 2.5s. No leaks visible under the motor or on top. Replaces my PCV assembly the other day. Again thank you for all your content! I’m getting my friends into it
@@echosierraenroute could be a possibility of a HG issue. If it were grey smoke it could be a turbo on the way out. Since Subaru turbos are oil and coolant cooled, it could be the turbo dying and blow coolant at the same time.
Where does one get the handy tool and the liquid to check for exhaust..I followed you video on the timing belt and it went perfect. however the days followed and my niece kept telling me the car is always overheating and always adding fluid with no apparent leak. I am certain it a head gasket but I'm not able to pull motor, if I do the repair I need to leave the motor in the engine.
+Mike Reiber combustion tester can be bought many places. Local part stores like advance auto parts and Napa have them. The head gaskets can be done in car, but it is of course much easier to remove the engine.
I have a 2003 subaru outback with the 2.5. Today I found black sludge in my radiator, but no coolant on my dipstick. It hasn't overheated it doesn't smoke. Would this still be a head gasket?
Very helpful as always. Couple questions, do you use Subaru replacement HG’s or are you a fan of an aftermarket version? Second I need to pull the engine from my 97 Imprezas’ both seem to have a separator plate or rear main leak or both. Need to buy a cherry picker and stand to do the job. Is a one ton picker and half to stand enough for Subaru engines or do I need something with more capacity?
before you put that tube of block test,did you suck out some coolant?I just opened radiator cap,the coolant is full up.no any steam and bubble after I start my engine.
My 1999 outback recently overheated on me, I noticed my overflow tank was almost full and it had some oily residue. I replaced the radiator cap and coolant but the overflow tank still fills up and it overheats when idling to long. It this a sign of a bad headgasket?
Thank you for the response, I had doubts cuz it didn't had the milky residue in the oil dipstick, nor the white smoke. But thanks to your video, it confirmed my suspecions.
+yijiang gu I don't use snake oil in a bottle. I do the proper repair. I don't want that crap guming up the block, heater core, radiator, water pump, and coolant passages in the cylinder heads. I've never seen a HG repair in a bottle work for a Subaru. It always just causes more damage.
Is it possible to have bubbling if there's a hole in the radiator? Mine has bubbles but I can't get the fluid to change color and no bubbles when I crank the engine with fuel pump off.
+Dan D you might have a very small leak. Are you losing coolant? Having overheating? Are the bubbles large or small? Do they happen continuously or only after the thermostat opens?
MrSubaru1387... I just bought it so I'm unsure of coolant loss and there's no overheating.. I attached the spill free funnel and there were bubbles similar to the ones in your video AFTER the thermostat opened
+Dan D machine heads, always. New bolts, depends. Subaru says yes, always replace. But, as long as they aren't cracked, corroded, or distorted, I reuse them. Haven't had issues with reusing head bolts.
I am NOT having overheating issues, but with my "new" 3.0 engine install (64,xxx mile jdm), I did my best to get air out of the system only by squeezing hoses and the front in the air. I drove for 3 days and needed to top off the fluid with every day, drove home Friday for an hour drive and the upper hoses popped off. I figured that air would have made its way to the top of the system (ohio has lots of hills) and that the cap would have released it into the overflow. I rented the cooling system pressure tester, but really didn't have any results: needed to tighten the lower hose. BOTH my original Subaru cap and Beck Arnley brand new cap DID NOT release any pressure using the tester: 37psi I think.... I refilled the system with the car back up in the air, ran for a while, getting bubbles to escape... still needed to top off again these past two days, but definitely not as much. heat works fine, no overheating, I decided to drive it back to work today (over 1 hour drive each way). Does the hoses popping off still seem like air pockets instead of a head gasket? While running before, I was not having constant small bubbles like the previous engine had done (154,xxx definite bad hg). I am new to subarus, but used to have an 03 cobra and a 944 which BOTH were known for creating air pockets.WHY would the caps not relieve excess pressure?
Sounds like there's a HG issue to me. You can have a HG issue even without overheating. The fact that the hose blew off tells me the system is getting too pressurized. That, or you didn't have the hose clamps tight. I'd do a block test to see if there are hydrocarbons in the coolant. Or, a cylinder leak down test.
I think the hose clamps were tight enough: I had to retighten the lower clamp, but BOTH upper hoses had the problem>>>The passenger side (longer one) was the one that blew off, and the driver side hose had backed off about 1/4". I hooked the tester back up to check that the clamps were tight enough since I have never had that happen before. Hoping to get the tester today. Thank you again.
I did the hydrocarbon test. I think that I made a mistake and overlooked something when I was trying to get the air pockets out AFTER reinstalling my upper hoses and checking everything over..... I left the overflow tube pulled OUT of the overflow tank, but still inserted..... This meant that coolant kept making its way into the overflow, but never getting sucked back in.....I kept topping off the coolant and wondered why it was low with no visible signs of leaks. This is all with the ORIGINAL radiator cap BACK on.... The hoses popped off with the STANT brand cap. I am still confused by the testing, as they both did not relieve pressure. Thank you so much for the replies, suggestions, and the videos.
Extremely helpful video. Passed all the tests, but when I tried to run my engine without the radiator cap; coolant just poured out like no other. Didn't see any bubbling, but I thought it was supposed to stay relatively level without pressing on the throttle, thoughts? It's a 2003 Wrx
The WRX is different due to the secondary coolant reservoir above the turbo. That is where you check on a WRX. The rad cap is to remain in place on them. That's why the newer turbo car's rad cap is smooth/round without the tangs to open it easily.
I've got the weirdest issue with my H6. It goes really hot but not into the red at idle. But it drives cool all day long at over 2k revs??? At traffic lights I rev to 2k to keep the temp down!! Ever seen this??
Hello, I know this is an old video, but I have same issue, I did the block test and there is not head gasket leaks, my 09 forester start overheating when I put a thermostat on it, I tried to burp the cooling system but it starts to boiling coolant over the funnel, only with no thermostat the car runs fine, I saw a little cooling leak on the top pipe that connects with the upper radiator hose, I don't know if that little leak it's sucking air through the cooling system, causing bubbles inside the cooling system.. there is no oil on the cooling system, and there is no antifreeze on the Oil, my Forester burns maybe less than 200ml oil after 6k oil change, it's not leaking oil, it's not oil on the spark plugs. Just that little antifreeze leak over the top cooling pipe. Any idea what can I do? Thank you
I have a 2001 Forester, that I found out today may have this problem...luckily, I have not got to the knocking engine...my issue was loss of anti-freeze with no puddle...yet the oil is not milky yet...for about a month or two I had issue with car blowing cold air and overheating, so of course I add antifreeze...only to find that might be leaking to my engine...the car is otherwise great, and I bought it for a grand right over a year ago...is it worth fixing(assuming head gasket is issue), even though the price may outweigh what I paid for the car? almost 220, 000 and an otherwise smooth-running car
+Montage Matador If it were me, I'd fix it. If the engine isn't knocking, and oil isn't mixing, I'd buy the gasket kit from Subaru, pull the heads, have them machined, leak tested, a valve job done and throw it back together with a new water pump and timing belt kit and ride on. 👍
My ‘01 doesn’t have neither oil in the coolant, nor coolant in the oil, yet it still overheats. I did see however the coolant from overflow tank has bubbling. I haven’t yet done the gasses block test on the radiator itself, but bubbling in the coolant tank it’s still a sign of head gasket failure correct?
It can definitely be. It can also be coolant boiling from too much heat. You could have a stuck closed thermostat or possibly a bad radiator cap that is no longer holding pressure.
MrSubaru1387 Thanks. Yeah.. I need to rule out those things you mentioned. Although when I first checked it, the car had been sitting and engine off for days and right after turning it on, the bubbling could be seen in the coolant tank. Not enough time with engine running to get the coolant so hot in such little time imo, reason why I also think it is the head gasket/s. Also, previous owner stated he changed the timing belt and put a brand new Gates water pump on it in an effort to eliminate overheating, but the issue remained. Anyways, I’m planning to do a complete engine overhaul once I finally receive the car. It’s 180 miles away, don’t want to risk driving it like that..
Mr. Subaru, is it possible to cause overheating problems by connecting the heater core hoses backwards? Also, how can you tell which hose is the inlet/outlet. My subaru has the heater core hoses in the horizontal orientation and the heater hoses are labeled "A" and "B". I don't think I hooked them up backwards, but I'm still overheating even though it passed the block test. Only 100k miles on it.
The heat works, but goes away when it overheats, also the radiator is stone cold when it overheats too. It's like the heater core is getting filled up with air, but I've burped the system a dozen times. I've back flushed everything and have confirmed that the there is flow in the radiator, the fans kick on when they are supposed to and I have tested the thermostat in a pot of hot water. I was thinking the head gasket was bad, but passed the block tester. Fluid is still blue after 5 min of pulling the bubbles (tried multiple times too)
I've had this issue before with air locked in the heater core. Usually I pull one heater hose off and the air will push itself out. Sometimes I've had to pour coolant into the heater hose with a funnel to get the air pocket out. Hopefully this will help.
@@MrSubaru1387 omg, why the company did that for YEARS though . I want to get subie WRX STI. Which version that not prone to this failure? I mean, at least not this weak
I made block test,result is ok,no color change,no bubbles,no visible leaking,but my coolant in the reservior tank is still geting loss,I filled almost l liter in last three months. did you make pressure test for system.
Do this test yourself I took my Subaru to a mechanic he supposedly did this test and said the engine is bad and it has a blown head gasket mind u my car has no signs of a head gasket problem I never had creamy anything my idle is on point under the 1 .. I went to the because I had a overheating issue they checked nothing and called it a head gasket showed me the test with blue liquid never showed me yellow .. they talking bout I have to junk it or do a engine swap I was really about to do a engine swap for $2000 ... but I went to a real mechanic and he worked on Subaru’s before and gave me the reason why my car was overheating I needed a radiator cap with the lever and I need a new hose going to my coolant to my radiator my overflow was stopped up and wasn’t doing the vacuuming coolant transfer which made my radiator coolant go empty and since none was going back in from my overflow caused my car to overheat ... mechanics are money hungry lying assholes I have a 2002 Subaru Outback h6 3.0 my Subaru never had a head gasket issue it’s Subaru’s that are 09 and higher that had head gasket problems my model never had a gasket problem most people never even seen my car they keep calling it limited umm limited don’t have h6 engine so that’s trash sum called my car a ll bean no tf it’s not the green forester is the ll bean so I knew mother fuckers didn’t know shxt about my car smh people piss me off with that I give them my model and they call it something else .. so basically they jumped out the window and see if they could get money from me for no reason or see if I was going to junk it so they can buy it smfh mechanics are liars learn about cars so they won’t tell u bullshxt
Back up there. There was an L.L.Bean Outback. My 2002 Outback 3.0L H6 is an L.L.Bean editition. Most 01-04 H6 equipped Outbacks were L.L.Bean editions or VDC models. There was a limited trim H6 Outback. Head gasket issues were on 97-12 DOHC and SOHC naturally aspirated 2.5L H4 engines. Correct, head gaskets were a common issue on the 3.0L or 3.6L H6 engines. That said, some do fail with high mileage and cooling system neglect. Glad you were able to find the proper diagnosis for your Outback's overheating issue, but be careful about stating incorrect information.
I was going up a hill behind this VW that going so slow, so i pushed passed him. I was in second gear and hung on that gear a bit longer than i should and switched to 3rd. I then smelled burning rubber from the engine bay while i was in the car. I think this might be as head gasket problem with carbon exhaust coming out or do you think its something else? I have a 2019 Toyota 86, as everyone knows that they have a Subaru engine.
@@MrSubaru1387 right now is about 985 miles. I smell it at times when i push the car but ill do these tests some time just in case and try to come back to you.
You do not have a head gasket problem at 985. You're most likely smelling the "new" burn off of all the materials in the engine bay as they're going through there first few hundred heat cycles.
@@MrSubaru1387 oh nice. Head gasket problems would only happen in the future huh? I just read from reddit, im probably just breaking in the new engine.
+Adam Zwagerman was simply saying that continuing to drive with a blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil to mix. This will break down the oil's ability to protect bearing surfaces and result in bearing failure. The car in the video was an example of this happening.
Sorry I thought it was the same motor, I was confused on why you would replace the head gasket on a rod knocking motor. Excited to same that head gasket video!
I have what might be a stupid question, the coolant overflow bottle gets filled over time, a shortish period of time. My first thought was the radiator cap? I'm looking at head gaskets as the vehicle in question is a 97 legacy with a 2.5. Any help would be appreciated!
+Daniel Giesel are you seeing bubbling in the coolant reservoir while the engine is running? If coolant it being pushed into the bottle and not being drawn back in, I'd guess radiator cap as well.
MrSubaru1387 no bubbles at the radiator cap, no noticably milky oil, visually there is one little spot by the oil filter that looks scary. Just put a new cap on it, let her roll? Thanks!
Great video. I have an oil leak on my 2009 Legacy. I used this test kit, the liquid didn't turn green/yellow. But I showed it to a local shop. They put UV dye, and now they say it's definitely the head gasket. They can fix it for $3000. Should I even bother trying to fix this thing, as my car's price is probably less then $4000? Just don't know what to do...
this is where I am at too. 2005 outback w 180,000 miles. Two mechanics have said it is a good engine and can go to 300,000 plus. Is it worth it to pay $2000 to have the head gasket replaced? It's value is $4500 IF I get the head gasket done. What criteria does one use to decide when to scrap it? only $1000 trade in value. I really love my subie.
Very good video. Let me know you should never get gases through the radiator and this fault is very common in subaru is that I am thinking of buying ouback 2004
P that that was very helpful I didn't know that about that how they do the tests on that stuff to me that's very helpful no I don't know much about mechanical work and I don't know much about engine and all that stuff so everybody has one that's actually a very good thing so I would very much recommend this video to people and the car the Subaru would like to see you is a very good car and me it's very reliable and mine's 21 years old and looks like almost like a new car except a couple of rust areas throughout on the outside like the down the corner of all the rear corner of the seat bottom seats there and on the outside you know the doors open stuff and just by the gas came to the little rough spot and that's about it me
how to tell if your subaru has a bad head gasket. Simple, just drive it about 80,000. It will have a head gasket problem. If it doesn't, sell the car right away, because it will.
My 2000 model outback has 210,000km's (130,00 Miles) with no signs of a head gasket issue. Lot's of information about this online and it seems the problem is more prevalent in North America. If it does happen I am prepared to fix it my self thanks to guys like MrSubaru1387 that publish stuff online to help others. Thanks and Well done MrSubrau1387!
Ken Stephens Headgaskets aren't a common issue on ones that are taken care of. My '99 was at 249k miles when I retired it. No headgasket issues, no transmission issues, simply rust issues. I just bought a new '99 with an EJ25D at 106k miles, no issues at all, passed all the headgasket tests.
Hola MrSubaru1387. Escribo ya que tengo un dolor de cabeza con mi outback 2003 Ej251. Cuando lo compre no tenia termostato, entonces aproveche de cambiar el refrigerante y un termostato original nuevo. Pero al volver a conducir durante un media hora en cuidad comenzó a calentar y se tubo que sacar. El mecánico me dijo que mi radiador podría estar obstruido y tenia mal aspecto, así que compre otro radiador y se instalo el mismo termostato y se le hizo un orificio al termostato para que no queden burbujas en el sistema. 2 semanas conduciéndolo normal en la cuidad y ayer salí de paseo con mi familia y con bastante peso. Al subir cuestas bien pronunciadas comenzaba a calentarse por lo que tenia que detener. En cambio cuando conducía en rectas y a velocidad promedio de 90 km/hr trabajaba a temperatura normal. Durante el paseo busque un mecánico y saco el termostato para poder llegar a mi hogar sin inconvenientes y así fue. No se ve mezcla de aceite y refrigerante en el aceite y tapa de radiador. Tampoco se ven burbujas en el radiador y tampoco en el deposito. La tapa del aceite se ve con ese color marrón que muestras en el vídeo, pero sin nada mas. En el block veo que tengo fuga de aceite, no se si sera refrigerante. Como en mi país ya estamos en otoño y ya hay temperaturas un poco frías solo tira humo blanco hasta cuando llega a temperatura normal de trabajo. No tiene perdida de potencia. Estoy pensando en poner un limpia radiador y circuito de refrigeración , luego de ese proceso, instalar el termostato con 2 orificios mas, que va en una posición bajo la bomba y puede que ahí siempre quede una burbuja ( en las bombas del 2004 hacia adelante cambia la forma y termostato queda lateral) y llenar con un anticongelante/refrigerante de buena marca. Hice la prueba del termostato, al agregar agua caliente veo que se habré no mas de un centímetro. Disculpa lo largo de mi comentario pero estoy afligido, amo mi subaru y no quiero deshacerme de el. Solo quiero que los 2 estemos contento uno del otro. Saludos y espero tu buen consejo. Gracias
¿Has probado una prueba de bloque? ¿La prueba que se vuelve azul fluye de color amarillo cuando detecta exhasut en el refrigerante? Es posible que aún tenga una fuga en la culata. La bomba de agua también podría ser un problema. Es difícil saberlo sin consultar el auto. Espero que descubras una solución pronto.
MrSubaru1387 Si es verdad que es difícil dar un diagnóstico de esta manera....no he realizado esa prueba...voy buscar un mecánico que la realice. Saludos y gracias.
Hola Christopher, solucionaste el problema? hace dos semanas compre una Subaru Forester 09 y le.cambie el anticongelante y aproveché para cambiar el termostato, me di cuenta que no tenía, le puse el termostato y se empezó a calentar a los 10 minutos de empezar a conducir.. casi pienso que tiene dañados los empaques de la cabeza.. aunque también tiene una fuga de anticongelante en la pipa de agua que va por debajo del múltiple de admisión.. espero y se deba a esa diga lo del calentamiento.. apenas pedí los empaques que van ahí.
Hello all, well, Mrsubaru1387, I liked your video. You seem to be a very nice person and understand a lot of engines. Because you do not explain what you're doing, it would be very good. See you.
@@MrSubaru1387 so I checked it and the the the top house busted! It has a gash in it. Also noticed one of the fans isnt working. Best bet replace with a new radiator,thermostat, hosing ? Or look into it more ?
@@westcoaststeve7698 the top tank splitting is common, especially with age, and with only one fan working. Repair/replace fan, replace radiator, refill coolant. Check from there for further issues, if any.
@@MrSubaru1387 runs at normal temperature until you accelerate up hills then overheats. ive done a brand new thermostat this week and radiator done a little less than a year ago.
It's amazing that you had a chance to make this video with a car that actually had a blown head gasket. It's the first video that logically explained to me what the symptoms of the head gasket failure are.
+Translations Polish glad to help. 👍
female garage pm
Great vid. Simple, straight to the point with useful, accurate info.
Glad you enjoyed the video.
Video is very well done and contains good information. A "MUST" for Subaru owners.
100% facts
MrSubaru1387 - You are the best. Thx for all . My Baja begins to live a new life. Now i safe a lot of money for next steps of "renovation" ;) Thx for help once again.
You're welcome. 👍🏻
Thank you for taking the time to create this very informal video! Extremely helpful and VERY well done! You've earned my subscription! :D
I found this very well produced, informative, useful. Thanks for the work.
+David Cardillo glad to help!
Hi @mrsubaru1387 I've done the hydrocarbon test which appears to have come back negative. Not changed all the coolant pipes nor the radiator yet. Been getting coolant bubbling and initially thought it was just an airlock. Replaced the radiator cap and rebled the system to ensure all air locks have gone. Was still getting the bubbles. Checked the thermostat by removing and driving it hard.
When the bubbling has been happening (almost all the time after a long run) the coolant from the overflow then just oveflows instead of returning to the radiator. Currently after a long run I just keep manually returning the excess coolant from the overflow.
The car is a 3.0 H6 on 08 plates/model year. It has 133000 miles on the clock now and there is no apparent coolant inside the oil. Sadly I did resort to using the sealants like K-seal and Steel Seal. I've flushed them out the system using the Holts cleaning solution and then just used 2 bottles of the conditioner instead. Bubbles seem less but still getting the problem of water not returning to yhe radiator after a long run or being driven hard. When I say 'long run' I mean like 40 miles and 80 miles.
Water pump (might be) too big a job for me to tackle as I don't want to interfere with the timing chain. But do you think I should replace the radiator and all the coolant pipes or is this looking like a HG issue.
I did get quotes for HG from the independent Subaru tech who suggested to leave it well alone as it becomes a messy job once opened. I'm happy to replace the thermostat and radiator and pipes if you reckon it might definitely or potentially make a difference?
Also the heater in the cabin doesn't blow hot on the passnger side anymore (maybe I've gummed up the heater matrix/core...
Any help greatly appreciated as I'm a travelling agency intensive care nurse. Usually try to cover them shifts that are far and back of beyond where others find it hard to get to.
Help really appreciated thanks... Lastly, with all the use of the sealants (then flushing them out etc to try and not gum everything up) and the problem getting worse. I notice when trying to burp the system or doing a coolant flush. The coolant in the funnel becoming violently hot and going all over.
Best diagnosis video ever
Thanks for informative video. Going to look at 2010 with 180,000 miles on it. Great price if the gaskets are still good.
Thanks, this is very helpful. Would you agree the block test is only a good test for blown gaskets, and that gaskets that are leaking and on on the way to failure might pass the block test and give false sense of security? Lot of Subaru experts say avoid the block test, and use electronic hydrocarbon meter.
I'm inspecting an '03 Outback to maybe buy. This is very helpful!
You're welcome 👍🏻
did you buy it
Just did a 2008 Forester 2.5 non-turbo 45 minutes still a pretty blue friend of mine bought this car when she said Forrester I was like oh no🙄 but it looks pretty good very tight car very clean for a 2008 need the timing belt and valve cover gaskets and some spark plugs air conditioning systems completely empty and the pump is frozen so complete rebuild on this whole system. I think this will be a good car barring the head gaskets don't go out in the future they look like the stock gaskets. 143000 MI
Legitimately good video
Just did head gaskets on a 2006 Forester XT turbo and there was no exterior oil leaks or water in the oil. Head gaskets were blown out between the combustion chamber and coolant passage. Engine never overheated until the turbo went into boost cause the coolant to shoot out of the coolant recovery tank.
did you get oem gaskets or aftermarket?
@@Ryuuuamigo OEM.
I have a 2006 Subaru Legacy with 176,000 MILES!!!!!! It has a oil leak, transmission leak, power steering leak AND a rear differential leak!!!!
Now I am here 11 months later PRAYING I DO NOT HAVE A LEAK
Hi Mr.Subaru, I am having an over heating issue with my 99 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. Replaced leaking radiator + new Tstat, worked for about a week and boom over heating AGAIN. Took tstat out and no over heating out a new one back in again and over reheating issue is back. White smoke from exhaust, cool air blowing in cabin, when idling/parked it doesn’t over heat, as soon as I take off to drive it over heats to the highest level in about 2-3 minutes. I will try this test to see if it’s the HG but we are also thinking it could be a water pump issue? If you have any additional advice please let me know. I will be trying this test, thanks for posting!
Put*
I do not see a milk substance though but I will double check. Along with the other things mentioned in this video.
As soon as the bubble bath started.. I knew it was a blown head gasket, even after the milkshake blender 😂😂😂😂…. I just bump my coolant system and I don’t have this problem but I need to rebuild. Y engine.. has some leaks that I let them get out of hand 😂😂😂😂😂 thnx Mr Subaru for ur knowledge 😎😎😎😎👍👍👍👍
Hey there MR Subaru. Went and looked at my first sti. Engine oil looked dirty but not milky just dirty. No smoke/ no over heating, no coolant on the oil fill cap, no oil in the coolant as of the radiator cap sect. The coolant res looked really dirty though. 80k miles original coolant from the factory in it. Does a dirty coolant res mean bad head gasket?
No, but there could be an incorrect water being used. If you don’t used distilled water with your coolant concentrate, it will create that buildup in your coolant reservoir
The engine oil dipstick and cap looks clean.
However, the coolant tank looks milky along with the radiator cap. Does it mean oil is entering the coolant tank from a blown head gasket? Thanks.
which video was it where you unscrew the oil cap and let it sit and see how much back blow pressure comes from inside making it "dance around" on the oil down stem... my FXT let it sit there there no interruption on warmup but after driving for 15 minutes i tried again and the oil filler cap was dancing around just like in the video... cant find it
I believe that was in the used Subaru buyer's guide vid. You said you recently replaced the PCV, right?
Is it possible for a head gasket to be bad, even if the test kit doesn't indicate it? I have an unknown oil leak. I thought it was my cam seal, but then there was no leaking inside the case.
Yes. This isn't the one and only infallible way to check/test them.
Thanks for nice video and show all details i need. Have wonderful day
+cuong do you're welcome. 👍
My 99 was basically the same condition as this. Learned my lesson. Now I'm looking at a very clean 97 still worried tho.
What about oil in the coolant? Just drained my system to change a few leaking/weeping hoses. Put coolant in a bucket with the intention of reusing it. It sat in the bucket for a few days and I notice oil coming to the top. Skimmed it with a white rag to make sure it was oil. It was. But never coolant in the oil. Just bought a tester kit but was wondering your opinion.
what does grass growing in your engine bay mean?
+Matthew Armour means it's time to fix and drive it. 👌
Where should I place the tester unit, if my Forester doesn't have a cap on the radiator. I only have cap on the reservoir and the overflow tank.
I believe you can use the reservoir too.
My stock 05 WRX makes the same noise, but only when the engine is cold. When the engine is warm, you cannot hear anything. Should I be concerned?
Basically what year models are affected? My wife has a 2005 forester 2.5 and I'm looking at a 2007 2.5 forester with manual trans.
Both are susceptible to head gasket issues. External leaks.
You cut a few times during the test. About how long did you run/throttle/squeeze the bulb before it became very yellow and evident of a HG failure?
Just had a new radiator and thermostat put in 07, 2.5lt petrol non turbo subaru, I drove 200 kms the next day I drove for 10 minutes temp gauge went to 3/4 so I pulled over and stopped, trucked car back to radiator shop in which he said its done a water pump, then when I took it to get water pump and timing belt replaced tge mechanic called me and said its blown a head gasket, engine didnt get cooked from what I saw, mechanic said constant stream of bubbles in radiator water head gasket is blown...
$4k for a replacement motor, is it worth getting a second opinion.?
Hi! Thanks for the video. In another video the mechanic uses the same test kit and notes he drains the radiator back to half. He says that much isn't necessary... but I'm wondering if you might know how much a person should drain the radiator before doing this test. I have a turkey baster and could take a few ounces out... but is that enough? I need to know as I can't at my high rise do much to a car in the parking lot and trying to tell as much as I can before I have to bring it to a mechanic shop. When I used Blue Devil sealant last winter I just drew out fluid with my below zero tester only now I'm afraid I might get the needle coated since the sealant is in the coolant now. Now I'll find my old turkey baster. Thanks for any input from anyone and thanks for this video!
+mwj5368 just drop the coolant level enough that you won't suck it up in the tester.
Hi MrSubaru1387! Thanks for the input! In fact I just went to a parts store today and the clerk said the exact same thing. I have a turkey baster and will draw out about one cup he said. I don't know why that other mechanic on UA-cam said he drains half the radiator.... Thanks for taking the time to write!
+mwj5368 you're welcome. Glad to help.
Thanks for the video, and God bless you!
Is there a variety root cause issues which caused these head gasket issues, for example degraded seals, stretched or stripped screws threaded holes, or always the same issue?
Radiator hose hard after 5 minutes cold start means gasket scorch or head warp
Mr. Subaru please help I have oil leaking from one head on the passenger side but no water also no water and oil leaking just a slight drip where the head meets the block on the bottom is that a head gasket..thanks. and also I love your videos
EJ251 or EJ253? If so, external head gasket leak is likely the issues.
will the exhaust in the cooling system test always show in a head gasket failure?
Not always. Cylinder leakage test is the most effective.
@@MrSubaru1387 👍
The fluid that turns yellow is indicating CO2 in the cooling system not HC. If the plug in the bad cylinder is not firing no CO2 will be generated.
Great video bro. Where did you get that Liquid clear tester bottle at? I never seen that ever.
Why do the 2.5 motor head gaskets,go quicker,then 2.2
Flawed design of the 2.5L head gaskets.
Can you test all subarus like that?
Yes. This method works for most cars. The blue fluid changes to green if there are hydrocarbons (oil) in your coolant fluid.
If there's a rod knock, can you let it be if head gaskets are replaced, or is it worth replacing the bearings too?
I talk to you before I have a 1996 out back . I have a steering problem . the steering tightening up on me some times than it works fine no noise no low fluid . Now the strange thing is I change the rack and the pump and return hose . and i still have the same problem I going nuts with this problem . I bleed the pump wheels off the ground cap off car off . the only thing i did not change is the cap on top.
+Christopher Ohara sounds like a mechanical issue. There is something wrong in the steering column or linkage to the rack sounds like.
I changed the joint too
I think air is getting in some how
Christopher Ohara Is it tightening in the same exact spot? It's possibly that the rack is set too tight. If it tightens at random, that's not it.
Hello MrSubaru. Like your channel! I’ve learned a lot about my Subaru from you! Question: I have one of these block tester kits and I want to use it on my 2010 Forester. I’m worried though that using this tester could introduce a big bubble of air into the cooling system. Instructions say you have remove 2 to 3 inches of coolant from the radiator neck before doing the test. Is it OK to just top off the radiator with fresh coolant when you’re done testing, or do you also have to burp the cooling system? I’m not a mechanic so I’m not clear on this and haven’t found an answer anywhere. Really appreciate your help! Thank you!
You don't have to worry about bleeding/burping the cooling system from the test. Issue comes from getting air in the heater core.
MrSubaru1387 Thank you for responding! So does a person run the risk of getting air in the heater core when performing the block test? I’m confused. Thanks again for your help.
will servicing your subaru regulary prevent head gasket failure or are they destined to crapout anyways
Service prolongs them, but the 2.5L HG will still fail due to a bad design of that gasket. Only the 2.5 N/A engines had HG issues. Once the new updated HG is installed you won't have any problems.
I have a little bit of oil leaking from my drivers side head gasket(like half a qt per oil change the last 20k), on my 08 impreza with 160k. I cleaned the whole motor down and checked it every couple weeks just to make sure that it was coming from the head gasket and nowhere else, definitely is. I keep a close eye on my coolant and oil, no mixing at all. Also, no bubbles coming through the radiator. I have not checked using a combustion gas checker. Assuming my only symptom is a little oil leaking OUT from the gasket, no worrries yet yeah?
Did it ever end up going bad? Im at 180K on mine and its been leaking oil out of the head gasket since 160K and still no coolant issues but I fear im on borrowed time
Good info, thanks!
if testing a turbo subaru like the 2006 FXT which radiator cap should you take off to test for bubbles? the near turbo one or the radiotor one?
thanks again!
The cap for the turbo reservoir. The cap on the rad is lower than the reservoir and will cause coolant to overflow from the rad once removed.
MrSubaru1387 thanks for prompt reply! My friend said she saw a white dump of smoke when I floored it the other day and oddly it was a time when my turbo didn’t boost all that well.. somethings going on. Usually it boosts good and hard but 20% of the time it’s lackluster. Checked all lines for leaks etc.
Showing no other signs of head gasket failure which I was told is unheard of the turbo 2.5s. No leaks visible under the motor or on top. Replaces my PCV assembly the other day.
Again thank you for all your content! I’m getting my friends into it
@@echosierraenroute you're welcome.
MrSubaru1387 any thoughts on that context? Could white smoke be anything else other than coolant?
@@echosierraenroute could be a possibility of a HG issue. If it were grey smoke it could be a turbo on the way out. Since Subaru turbos are oil and coolant cooled, it could be the turbo dying and blow coolant at the same time.
Where does one get the handy tool and the liquid to check for exhaust..I followed you video on the timing belt and it went perfect. however the days followed and my niece kept telling me the car is always overheating and always adding fluid with no apparent leak. I am certain it a head gasket but I'm not able to pull motor, if I do the repair I need to leave the motor in the engine.
+Mike Reiber combustion tester can be bought many places. Local part stores like advance auto parts and Napa have them. The head gaskets can be done in car, but it is of course much easier to remove the engine.
I have a 2003 subaru outback with the 2.5. Today I found black sludge in my radiator, but no coolant on my dipstick. It hasn't overheated it doesn't smoke. Would this still be a head gasket?
+James michalek you'd need to do a cylinder leakage test or a block test to be positive.
Very helpful as always. Couple questions, do you use Subaru replacement HG’s or are you a fan of an aftermarket version? Second I need to pull the engine from my 97 Imprezas’ both seem to have a separator plate or rear main leak or both. Need to buy a cherry picker and stand to do the job. Is a one ton picker and half to stand enough for Subaru engines or do I need something with more capacity?
+Robert F only use OEM subaru MLS headgaskets. Nothing else holds up. That stand and hoist should be fine. Subaru 4 cylinders are fairly lightweight.
before you put that tube of block test,did you suck out some coolant?I just opened radiator cap,the coolant is full up.no any steam and bubble after I start my engine.
+yijiang gu yes, you need to remove some coolant from the radiator to use the block tester.
My 1999 outback recently overheated on me, I noticed my overflow tank was almost full and it had some oily residue. I replaced the radiator cap and coolant but the overflow tank still fills up and it overheats when idling to long. It this a sign of a bad headgasket?
Yes. Sounds like it's time to pull the engine and replace them.
Thank you for the response, I had doubts cuz it didn't had the milky residue in the oil dipstick, nor the white smoke. But thanks to your video, it confirmed my suspecions.
It is little bit late but it can be bad raidator cap.
And I keep learning everyday
have you tried blue devil sealant which can fix the brown head gasket?Does it work?
+yijiang gu I don't use snake oil in a bottle. I do the proper repair. I don't want that crap guming up the block, heater core, radiator, water pump, and coolant passages in the cylinder heads. I've never seen a HG repair in a bottle work for a Subaru. It always just causes more damage.
Is it possible to have bubbling if there's a hole in the radiator? Mine has bubbles but I can't get the fluid to change color and no bubbles when I crank the engine with fuel pump off.
+Dan D you might have a very small leak. Are you losing coolant? Having overheating? Are the bubbles large or small? Do they happen continuously or only after the thermostat opens?
MrSubaru1387... I just bought it so I'm unsure of coolant loss and there's no overheating.. I attached the spill free funnel and there were bubbles similar to the ones in your video AFTER the thermostat opened
+Dan D I'd say there's about a 90% chance that you've got a HG leak then.
MrSubaru1387 ...ok thank you. it's not the first head gasket replacement on this 05. Do you machine your head's every time? New bolts every time?
+Dan D machine heads, always. New bolts, depends. Subaru says yes, always replace. But, as long as they aren't cracked, corroded, or distorted, I reuse them. Haven't had issues with reusing head bolts.
I am NOT having overheating issues, but with my "new" 3.0 engine install (64,xxx mile jdm), I did my best to get air out of the system only by squeezing hoses and the front in the air. I drove for 3 days and needed to top off the fluid with every day, drove home Friday for an hour drive and the upper hoses popped off. I figured that air would have made its way to the top of the system (ohio has lots of hills) and that the cap would have released it into the overflow.
I rented the cooling system pressure tester, but really didn't have any results: needed to tighten the lower hose. BOTH my original Subaru cap and Beck Arnley brand new cap DID NOT release any pressure using the tester: 37psi I think.... I refilled the system with the car back up in the air, ran for a while, getting bubbles to escape... still needed to top off again these past two days, but definitely not as much. heat works fine, no overheating, I decided to drive it back to work today (over 1 hour drive each way).
Does the hoses popping off still seem like air pockets instead of a head gasket? While running before, I was not having constant small bubbles like the previous engine had done (154,xxx definite bad hg).
I am new to subarus, but used to have an 03 cobra and a 944 which BOTH were known for creating air pockets.WHY would the caps not relieve excess pressure?
Sounds like there's a HG issue to me. You can have a HG issue even without overheating. The fact that the hose blew off tells me the system is getting too pressurized. That, or you didn't have the hose clamps tight. I'd do a block test to see if there are hydrocarbons in the coolant. Or, a cylinder leak down test.
I think the hose clamps were tight enough:
I had to retighten the lower clamp, but BOTH upper hoses had the problem>>>The passenger side (longer one) was the one that blew off, and the driver side hose had backed off about 1/4".
I hooked the tester back up to check that the clamps were tight enough since I have never had that happen before.
Hoping to get the tester today.
Thank you again.
I did the hydrocarbon test.
I think that I made a mistake and overlooked something when I was trying to get the air pockets out AFTER reinstalling my upper hoses and checking everything over..... I left the overflow tube pulled OUT of the overflow tank, but still inserted..... This meant that coolant kept making its way into the overflow, but never getting sucked back in.....I kept topping off the coolant and wondered why it was low with no visible signs of leaks.
This is all with the ORIGINAL radiator cap BACK on.... The hoses popped off with the STANT brand cap. I am still confused by the testing, as they both did not relieve pressure.
Thank you so much for the replies, suggestions, and the videos.
You're welcome. I'd run the Subaru cap. Never had any luck with aftermarket ones.
Extremely helpful video. Passed all the tests, but when I tried to run my engine without the radiator cap; coolant just poured out like no other. Didn't see any bubbling, but I thought it was supposed to stay relatively level without pressing on the throttle, thoughts? It's a 2003 Wrx
The WRX is different due to the secondary coolant reservoir above the turbo. That is where you check on a WRX. The rad cap is to remain in place on them. That's why the newer turbo car's rad cap is smooth/round without the tangs to open it easily.
MrSubaru1387 Awesome, appreciate it
You're welcome. 👍
Could try loosening the oil cap. If its flopping around. Need change them.
No... That has nothing to do with head gaskets... The oil cap dancing is caused by piston ring blow by.
I've got the weirdest issue with my H6. It goes really hot but not into the red at idle. But it drives cool all day long at over 2k revs??? At traffic lights I rev to 2k to keep the temp down!! Ever seen this??
Any recommendations for replacement gaskets over OEM?
+gavin sutherland no. Use OEM gaskets only. All aftermarket gaskets fail prematurely.
Roger that. Thanks
@@MrSubaru1387 is it true the turbo model gaskets don't fail as easy
Correct.
How long should it take to start bubbleling?
Can I take the radiator cap off, while the car is running ? Do you mean when the car is cold ?
You can, as long as you take it off right after starting the engine cold.
it is very helpful,thank you
Hello, I know this is an old video, but I have same issue, I did the block test and there is not head gasket leaks, my 09 forester start overheating when I put a thermostat on it, I tried to burp the cooling system but it starts to boiling coolant over the funnel, only with no thermostat the car runs fine, I saw a little cooling leak on the top pipe that connects with the upper radiator hose, I don't know if that little leak it's sucking air through the cooling system, causing bubbles inside the cooling system.. there is no oil on the cooling system, and there is no antifreeze on the Oil, my Forester burns maybe less than 200ml oil after 6k oil change, it's not leaking oil, it's not oil on the spark plugs. Just that little antifreeze leak over the top cooling pipe. Any idea what can I do? Thank you
I have a 2002 WRX Turbo automatic does it matter where you put the tester either at the radiator itself or at the main tank on the passenger side
For turbo cars, you have to use the turbo coolant reservoir.
@@MrSubaru1387 thank you so much for your fast response. If you don't mind can you just tell me where that is located
Beside the intercooler. Radiator cap.
@@MrSubaru1387 thank you have a great weekend and I definitely enjoy your videos
I have a 2001 Forester, that I found out today may have this problem...luckily, I have not got to the knocking engine...my issue was loss of anti-freeze with no puddle...yet the oil is not milky yet...for about a month or two I had issue with car blowing cold air and overheating, so of course I add antifreeze...only to find that might be leaking to my engine...the car is otherwise great, and I bought it for a grand right over a year ago...is it worth fixing(assuming head gasket is issue), even though the price may outweigh what I paid for the car? almost 220, 000 and an otherwise smooth-running car
+Montage Matador If it were me, I'd fix it. If the engine isn't knocking, and oil isn't mixing, I'd buy the gasket kit from Subaru, pull the heads, have them machined, leak tested, a valve job done and throw it back together with a new water pump and timing belt kit and ride on. 👍
MrSubaru1387 since I posted this I found out it is in fact a head gasket...should start repair tomorrow
+Montage Matador best of luck to you. Hope everything goes smoothly.
MrSubaru1387 expensive to get fixed but a car worth saving
My ‘01 doesn’t have neither oil in the coolant, nor coolant in the oil, yet it still overheats. I did see however the coolant from overflow tank has bubbling. I haven’t yet done the gasses block test on the radiator itself, but bubbling in the coolant tank it’s still a sign of head gasket failure correct?
It can definitely be. It can also be coolant boiling from too much heat. You could have a stuck closed thermostat or possibly a bad radiator cap that is no longer holding pressure.
MrSubaru1387 Thanks. Yeah.. I need to rule out those things you mentioned. Although when I first checked it, the car had been sitting and engine off for days and right after turning it on, the bubbling could be seen in the coolant tank. Not enough time with engine running to get the coolant so hot in such little time imo, reason why I also think it is the head gasket/s. Also, previous owner stated he changed the timing belt and put a brand new Gates water pump on it in an effort to eliminate overheating, but the issue remained. Anyways, I’m planning to do a complete engine overhaul once I finally receive the car. It’s 180 miles away, don’t want to risk driving it like that..
Yeah, in that case, definitely would say HG issue.
Is the 2012-2017 STI afected by this problem?
The engine of this Impreza is the EJ257
No. Only. N/A 2.5L had head gasket issues.
@@MrSubaru1387 So we can trust with that MLS gasket,right?
@@MrSubaru1387 How come it was only a N/A problem?
Weren't these cars also made in Japan? Engine too?
How about 2.5 Xt turbo's? Mine is a 2007...
Turbo had MLS gasket. N/A had single layer graphite coated. Gasket was the issue.
@@MrSubaru1387
Thanks for the answer, didn't know that...
Mr. Subaru, is it possible to cause overheating problems by connecting the heater core hoses backwards? Also, how can you tell which hose is the inlet/outlet. My subaru has the heater core hoses in the horizontal orientation and the heater hoses are labeled "A" and "B". I don't think I hooked them up backwards, but I'm still overheating even though it passed the block test. Only 100k miles on it.
Reversed heater hoses shouldn't cause overheating, as far as I know. Is the heat working in the car?
The heat works, but goes away when it overheats, also the radiator is stone cold when it overheats too. It's like the heater core is getting filled up with air, but I've burped the system a dozen times. I've back flushed everything and have confirmed that the there is flow in the radiator, the fans kick on when they are supposed to and I have tested the thermostat in a pot of hot water. I was thinking the head gasket was bad, but passed the block tester. Fluid is still blue after 5 min of pulling the bubbles (tried multiple times too)
I've had this issue before with air locked in the heater core. Usually I pull one heater hose off and the air will push itself out. Sometimes I've had to pour coolant into the heater hose with a funnel to get the air pocket out. Hopefully this will help.
It does, thanks
You're welcome 👍
I mean. What causes Subaru's prone to this kind of failure? Im no mechanic
Check latest videos. I explain it.
@@MrSubaru1387 omg, why the company did that for YEARS though . I want to get subie WRX STI. Which version that not prone to this failure? I mean, at least not this weak
WRX/STi didn't have head gasket issues.
@@MrSubaru1387 i checked and newer model uses FA engine code instead of EJ is that right? Thanks for your help tho. Means much
my radiator doesnt have a cap lol...suggestions?
WRX or other turbo model?
@@MrSubaru1387 04 forester xt, aftermarket radiator, not sure of make but no typical cap, just the reservoir.
You'll check at the pressure cap on the turbo coolant reservoir.
@@MrSubaru1387 Makes sense, thank you!
@@nickp4084 you're welcome 👍🏻
I made block test,result is ok,no color change,no bubbles,no visible leaking,but my coolant in the reservior tank is still geting loss,I filled almost l liter in last three months.
did you make pressure test for system.
+yijiang gu are you losing coolant in the radiator too or just in the reservoir?
just reservoir tank,
+yijiang gu and you've found no leaks at all?
I checked it when engine is fully cold.I assume that if I had not refilled the reservoir tank,the radiator would have lost as well.
no,I have not seen any leaks.should I do pressure test,Is it effective?and during test ,Should I start engine to let themostat open?
My coolant spills all over the tank area and I refill it every drive because it’s always low 😑 . Any thoughts or preventions ? #Noobaru
Do this test yourself I took my Subaru to a mechanic he supposedly did this test and said the engine is bad and it has a blown head gasket mind u my car has no signs of a head gasket problem I never had creamy anything my idle is on point under the 1 .. I went to the because I had a overheating issue they checked nothing and called it a head gasket showed me the test with blue liquid never showed me yellow .. they talking bout I have to junk it or do a engine swap I was really about to do a engine swap for $2000 ... but I went to a real mechanic and he worked on Subaru’s before and gave me the reason why my car was overheating I needed a radiator cap with the lever and I need a new hose going to my coolant to my radiator my overflow was stopped up and wasn’t doing the vacuuming coolant transfer which made my radiator coolant go empty and since none was going back in from my overflow caused my car to overheat ... mechanics are money hungry lying assholes I have a 2002 Subaru Outback h6 3.0 my Subaru never had a head gasket issue it’s Subaru’s that are 09 and higher that had head gasket problems my model never had a gasket problem most people never even seen my car they keep calling it limited umm limited don’t have h6 engine so that’s trash sum called my car a ll bean no tf it’s not the green forester is the ll bean so I knew mother fuckers didn’t know shxt about my car smh people piss me off with that I give them my model and they call it something else .. so basically they jumped out the window and see if they could get money from me for no reason or see if I was going to junk it so they can buy it smfh mechanics are liars learn about cars so they won’t tell u bullshxt
Back up there. There was an L.L.Bean Outback. My 2002 Outback 3.0L H6 is an L.L.Bean editition. Most 01-04 H6 equipped Outbacks were L.L.Bean editions or VDC models. There was a limited trim H6 Outback. Head gasket issues were on 97-12 DOHC and SOHC naturally aspirated 2.5L H4 engines. Correct, head gaskets were a common issue on the 3.0L or 3.6L H6 engines. That said, some do fail with high mileage and cooling system neglect.
Glad you were able to find the proper diagnosis for your Outback's overheating issue, but be careful about stating incorrect information.
I was going up a hill behind this VW that going so slow, so i pushed passed him. I was in second gear and hung on that gear a bit longer than i should and switched to 3rd. I then smelled burning rubber from the engine bay while i was in the car. I think this might be as head gasket problem with carbon exhaust coming out or do you think its something else? I have a 2019 Toyota 86, as everyone knows that they have a Subaru engine.
I highly doubt that you have any issue at all. What's the mileage on the car?
@@MrSubaru1387 right now is about 985 miles. I smell it at times when i push the car but ill do these tests some time just in case and try to come back to you.
You do not have a head gasket problem at 985. You're most likely smelling the "new" burn off of all the materials in the engine bay as they're going through there first few hundred heat cycles.
@@MrSubaru1387 oh nice. Head gasket problems would only happen in the future huh? I just read from reddit, im probably just breaking in the new engine.
@@MrSubaru1387 thanks for replying, i extremely appreciate it for my assurance. Since ill be having this 86, im definitely subscribing.
What about the rod knock?
+Adam Zwagerman was simply saying that continuing to drive with a blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil to mix. This will break down the oil's ability to protect bearing surfaces and result in bearing failure. The car in the video was an example of this happening.
Sorry I thought it was the same motor, I was confused on why you would replace the head gasket on a rod knocking motor. Excited to same that head gasket video!
+Adam Zwagerman nah. Just an example of why you want to fix it asap.
during this test,Should we wait until thermostat open
+yijiang gu pressure test you do without the engine running.
without the engine running,how can presure go to the engine?
+yijiang gu through the coolant.. And the radiator hoses.
OK,thank you,I think it goes through the upper hose.
I have what might be a stupid question, the coolant overflow bottle gets filled over time, a shortish period of time. My first thought was the radiator cap? I'm looking at head gaskets as the vehicle in question is a 97 legacy with a 2.5.
Any help would be appreciated!
+Daniel Giesel are you seeing bubbling in the coolant reservoir while the engine is running? If coolant it being pushed into the bottle and not being drawn back in, I'd guess radiator cap as well.
MrSubaru1387 no bubbles at the radiator cap, no noticably milky oil, visually there is one little spot by the oil filter that looks scary. Just put a new cap on it, let her roll? Thanks!
+Daniel Giesel is it overheating on you?
MrSubaru1387 not exactly, the thermostat pegged when there was no coolant left in the system, as of now with the new cap it holds it's temp
+Daniel Giesel ok. Well looks like the old cap was faulty. Just keep an eye on the temp and coolant level.
Great video. I have an oil leak on my 2009 Legacy. I used this test kit, the liquid didn't turn green/yellow. But I showed it to a local shop. They put UV dye, and now they say it's definitely the head gasket. They can fix it for $3000. Should I even bother trying to fix this thing, as my car's price is probably less then $4000? Just don't know what to do...
just junk it.im about to do the same
this is where I am at too. 2005 outback w 180,000 miles. Two mechanics have said it is a good engine and can go to 300,000 plus. Is it worth it to pay $2000 to have the head gasket replaced? It's value is $4500 IF I get the head gasket done. What criteria does one use to decide when to scrap it? only $1000 trade in value. I really love my subie.
Very good video. Let me know you should never get gases through the radiator and this fault is very common in subaru is that I am thinking of buying ouback 2004
+osmani enriquez no bubbles in coolant, yes very common. Factory gaskets were flawed.
I live in NY and the awd system is the best for the rain, snow and I think to buy subaru of 2 hand that advice you to recommend me
P that that was very helpful I didn't know that about that how they do the tests on that stuff to me that's very helpful no I don't know much about mechanical work and I don't know much about engine and all that stuff so everybody has one that's actually a very good thing so I would very much recommend this video to people and the car the Subaru would like to see you is a very good car and me it's very reliable and mine's 21 years old and looks like almost like a new car except a couple of rust areas throughout on the outside like the down the corner of all the rear corner of the seat bottom seats there and on the outside you know the doors open stuff and just by the gas came to the little rough spot and that's about it me
how to tell if your subaru has a bad head gasket. Simple, just drive it about 80,000. It will have a head gasket problem. If it doesn't, sell the car right away, because it will.
My 2000 model outback has 210,000km's (130,00 Miles) with no signs of a head gasket issue. Lot's of information about this online and it seems the problem is more prevalent in North America.
If it does happen I am prepared to fix it my self thanks to guys like MrSubaru1387 that publish stuff online to help others. Thanks and Well done MrSubrau1387!
Ken Stephens Headgaskets aren't a common issue on ones that are taken care of. My '99 was at 249k miles when I retired it. No headgasket issues, no transmission issues, simply rust issues.
I just bought a new '99 with an EJ25D at 106k miles, no issues at all, passed all the headgasket tests.
I just get under the vehicle. Look up at the head gaskets. :)
Cant look for an internal head gasket leak genius.
good motoring
Protip. Never tighten oil cap all the way on Suburu. It will cause .....headgasket failure
How could the oil cap cause this? They're two completely separate systems. Coolant vs oil
Troll comment I assume..
Hola MrSubaru1387. Escribo ya que tengo un dolor de cabeza con mi outback 2003 Ej251. Cuando lo compre no tenia termostato, entonces aproveche de cambiar el refrigerante y un termostato original nuevo. Pero al volver a conducir durante un media hora en cuidad comenzó a calentar y se tubo que sacar. El mecánico me dijo que mi radiador podría estar obstruido y tenia mal aspecto, así que compre otro radiador y se instalo el mismo termostato y se le hizo un orificio al termostato para que no queden burbujas en el sistema. 2 semanas conduciéndolo normal en la cuidad y ayer salí de paseo con mi familia y con bastante peso. Al subir cuestas bien pronunciadas comenzaba a calentarse por lo que tenia que detener. En cambio cuando conducía en rectas y a velocidad promedio de 90 km/hr trabajaba a temperatura normal. Durante el paseo busque un mecánico y saco el termostato para poder llegar a mi hogar sin inconvenientes y así fue. No se ve mezcla de aceite y refrigerante en el aceite y tapa de radiador. Tampoco se ven burbujas en el radiador y tampoco en el deposito. La tapa del aceite se ve con ese color marrón que muestras en el vídeo, pero sin nada mas. En el block veo que tengo fuga de aceite, no se si sera refrigerante. Como en mi país ya estamos en otoño y ya hay temperaturas un poco frías solo tira humo blanco hasta cuando llega a temperatura normal de trabajo. No tiene perdida de potencia. Estoy pensando en poner un limpia radiador y circuito de refrigeración , luego de ese proceso, instalar el termostato con 2 orificios mas, que va en una posición bajo la bomba y puede que ahí siempre quede una burbuja ( en las bombas del 2004 hacia adelante cambia la forma y termostato queda lateral) y llenar con un anticongelante/refrigerante de buena marca. Hice la prueba del termostato, al agregar agua caliente veo que se habré no mas de un centímetro. Disculpa lo largo de mi comentario pero estoy afligido, amo mi subaru y no quiero deshacerme de el. Solo quiero que los 2 estemos contento uno del otro. Saludos y espero tu buen consejo. Gracias
¿Has probado una prueba de bloque? ¿La prueba que se vuelve azul fluye de color amarillo cuando detecta exhasut en el refrigerante? Es posible que aún tenga una fuga en la culata. La bomba de agua también podría ser un problema. Es difícil saberlo sin consultar el auto. Espero que descubras una solución pronto.
MrSubaru1387 Si es verdad que es difícil dar un diagnóstico de esta manera....no he realizado esa prueba...voy buscar un mecánico que la realice. Saludos y gracias.
De nada. 👍
Hola Christopher, solucionaste el problema? hace dos semanas compre una Subaru Forester 09 y le.cambie el anticongelante y aproveché para cambiar el termostato, me di cuenta que no tenía, le puse el termostato y se empezó a calentar a los 10 minutos de empezar a conducir.. casi pienso que tiene dañados los empaques de la cabeza.. aunque también tiene una fuga de anticongelante en la pipa de agua que va por debajo del múltiple de admisión.. espero y se deba a esa diga lo del calentamiento.. apenas pedí los empaques que van ahí.
Hello all, well, Mrsubaru1387, I liked your video. You seem to be a very nice person and understand a lot of engines. Because you do not explain what you're doing, it would be very good. See you.
Yeah I definitely have blown head gasket my 2001 Subaru outback legacy if anyone is interested in the vehicle or parts contact me .
Lol or if it's bad enough it just blows compression out of the radiator!
+josh tattrie yup. That'd be the bubbling. I've seen radiator hoses and radiators blow up before.
@@MrSubaru1387 I think my radiator blew up. Is this a result of blown head gasket?
@@westcoaststeve7698 it can be. They also can just fail from age.
@@MrSubaru1387 so I checked it and the the the top house busted! It has a gash in it. Also noticed one of the fans isnt working. Best bet replace with a new radiator,thermostat, hosing ? Or look into it more ?
@@westcoaststeve7698 the top tank splitting is common, especially with age, and with only one fan working. Repair/replace fan, replace radiator, refill coolant. Check from there for further issues, if any.
Just don't buy a Subaru; buy a Toyota or Honda instead.
😂 😂 😂
Why would a 2006 tribeca overheat when driving up hill.
Failing water pump, partially clogged rad, failing thermostat, failing rad cap, failing head gaskets. Lots of different things can cause overheating.
@@MrSubaru1387 runs at normal temperature until you accelerate up hills then overheats. ive done a brand new thermostat this week and radiator done a little less than a year ago.
I'd go ahead and skip ahead to a cylinder leakage test.