DIYGUY

I replaced the thermostat and had the radiator checked for exhaust gas at the local subu dealer. The dealer said I don't have a blown head gasket. The coolant level has been good in the car for a few days now. I'm waiting for it to be driven more than a half hour at a time before I'm fully satisfied it's ok, however, it doesn't seem to be losing coolant anymore.

I changed the thermostat, and had the radiator checked for exhaust gases at the Subaru dealer. The dealer told me that I don't have a blown head gasket. For now everything seems to be working properly, haven't had to add any coolant for a few days, but the car hasn't been driven for more than 20 miles at a time. Later in the week the car goes our 80 miles or so, so I'll see what happens then. I have the impression that it can be really difficult to get all of the air out of the system. I noticed, when looking at pressure testing equipment there are special tools to make sure you get all of the air out of the cooling system when refilling it. Funny, I never had these kinds of problems before, and I pulled the engine our of our 81 subaru a couple of times.

Thanks Dr. Rx. I didn't tell you that the car has a new radiator. I replaced the thermostat today and if that doesn't fix it I'm going to get the raidiator coolant analysed for exhaust gas on Thursday. I appreciate the fact that I need to get a good diagnosis before proceeding with expensive repairs.

Good idea to check the thermostat. I'll do that. The car did overheat at least once when it was low on coolant. Thanks for the suggestion.

Replacing the radiator cap was one of the first things I did and it didn't seem to change anything.

When I start the engine with the radiator cap off (cap is new) coolant is slowly pushed out the top of the radiator and bubbles emerge intermittantly. The overflow tank is original, with the hose connected to the bottom of it. I've checked out the tank and hose to make sure nothing is plugged and there are no leaks. I will run the car some more with the cap on to see if bubbles come out in the overflow tank and if they do, I'll see if I can smell exhaust gas in the tank. Thanks for the replies.

This car has about 180,000 miles on it, has a carb, manual transmission. Right now it is pushing coolant into the coolant recovery tank, and not sucking it back up. Every day the radiator is a little low on coolant (more or less depending on drive time) and needs to be topped up with the excess coolant in the recovery tank. I am guessing I have a blown head gasket. Whatever the problem is, I would like to diagnose and repair it myself. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks....