1995SubaruImpreza

The saga continues... The car is in at the mechanic and as everyone has been saying all along...internal headgasket leak. So my question now is, is there anything I can do to prolong the inevitable... Mechanic is quoting about 2300.00 (cdn) 1750.00 (usd), which at least sounds reasonable... The car also has a check engine light on (P0420) - from my recearch on here could quite possibly be an O2 sensor (?) Also thinking ball joints/tie rods and at least one wheel bearing will need to be done as well (mechnic will confirm tonight) So do I bite the bullet and fix the car, or do I let the poor thing go to rest? 155,000 miles on the car, body has some rust in the wheel wells but other than that it is in pretty decent condition.

***Update*** Brought it into the shop, they did a coolant system flush and said it was in pretty bad condition. Replaced the rad cap and thermostat and pressure tested the system. No leaks found and everything was fine...or so it seemed. On my drive into work today, I am noticing at idle the heat is going again. So far it has not started over heating, but if it anything like last time the drive home will be when I start overheating. I have not checked the coolant level in about a week, but will before I leave work.

As far as I know the head gaskets have never been replaced. Over flow tank was full to the top. I will monitor for any leaks under the car, but haven't noticed any spots under it. I will definitely get some of the Subaru coolant conditioner, and check for air. Thanks again, Denise Hughes.

Update, overflow tank is full, rad took about 1/3 a jug of coolant. Fan is kicking in... Any suggestions? Thank you, Denise

I will check the coolant level in the radiator, the overflow is full for sure. I am not with the car right now, but I will check and post back.

Sorry 2002 Subaru Forester

Hello, when driving home this even I would only have heat when driving and cool air when idling. About 5 minutes later in stop and go traffic I started over heating, as I drove temp would go back down. Coolant levels are fine, I did however notice over the last few days a faint coolant smell but was not too worried since my coolant level appear to be remaining at the same level Would this be a thermostat? It is a 2002 Subaru Forester Thank you, Denise.

Just another updated... Everything is great, power restored and exhaust doesn't sound any louder at higher Rpm's. Would definitely recommend if someone is looking for a less expensive fix. Thanks again everyone!

I will keep everyone posted, I took it out for a spin on the highway yesterday and no noticeable difference. I will check back in a few weeks and let you all know how it is doing. The shop was great and the cost was very reasonable as well, .7hrs and about 65.00 in parts!

Update The pipe is horribly rusted (he showed me) in a few locations and there is a leak at the hanger. He considered putting a piece of pipe into the cat flange (I think) and then into the rusted out pipe where he could get a good spot. He said it may hold out for a couple weeks. He priced a cheap pipe and flange assembly with gaskets (about 200.00) and he said about 45mins labour. Stainless steel option was about 275. I asked him about running a straight pipe and bypassing the resonator (as mentioned earlier in this post) He said he could do stainless steel that way for about 200.00, but I may hear some louder exhaust noise at high RPM's. Decided to go the straight pipe in stainless, will see how that goes... Seemed better than another crap pipe and if I can't stand the sound (doubtful, that is what the radio is for!) then when I have a little extra cash I can always switch it back out for a stainless steel with resonator. As for the cat, he showed it to me, said at least on visual inspection it looks great, although there are 2 cats and he can not see the first one without cutting into the pipe. Thanks so much for all of the advise, through the years everyone has always been super helpful. Denise 1995 Subaru Impreza 2001 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester

Have an appointment this afternoon with a local exhaust shop elite stainless steel. Just you said he thinks just a small piece or pipe welded in should do at the cat. He will look at the second spot after the reasonator and see what can be done there as well. Tried to look into the cat for any signs of damage, but to such luck. Will keep you posted on any updates, I am sure they will mention if there is any cat damage.

Great, thank you so much! I will see who is in the area! So you don't think that the Cat would need to be replaced? Is okay to drive it the way it is (to get it so a shop) or should I have it towed?

Here is a pic

Working on posting pics, for some reason they will not upload... I don't know enough about cars so it is hard to describe... It is broken right after a larger piece that is just before the drivers door. Then the pipe goes on to another larger almost pill capsule shaped piece... As soon as I can get pics up I will. Thanks for the help!

I have some pictures I took this morning... Definitely can tell where the exhaust leak is, just have not idea what it means for the wallet....