jeffdpia

Leaking HGs will usually wreak havoc on the O2 sensors. Mine does the same thing after a HG, TB job, just an older 96 obw. After replacing the upstream O2, idle and drive-ability really improved. Idle now somewhat smoother, but still low with vibration @500, have to replace downstream next.

Maybe in an emergency sit you would go unpressurized, but the engine would get smokin' hot, with the coolant sprayin out like the Bellagio fountains. I've got one overheat, maybe just due to the original 13 year old thermostat and cap. 50 miles later, after new parts, no smells, leaks or level loss. The HG's are gonna get replaced anyway, like I said, the stars are aligned to getr'done this month. An early Subaru Christmas present...

So last nite, I changed the thermostat and cap (rubber was definitely old), rad fluid, cleaned out the reservoir (not terribly oily or sooty, 13 years accumulation), refilled, burped, drove , cooled, burped gain, changed oil. Drove to work this morning, 12 miles, stop n' go, up to 45, AC on, temp gauge steady. I know what you're thinking...fool, it's just gonna happen again. Hey Mdjdc, my wife agreed to follow me down so she could go museum hopping, while you and I rip up the OB. I feel the HG's will go anyway, any one hear of them lasting??? If I read any more bad news, I'm switching to the DisneyFantasySubaruLovers board...Thanks all

Ya know, I might just take you up on that offer, but first let me compression test it this weekend. Also noticed while I was under that I need to replace a front drive shaft. So I'll probably do that this wknd, nope...scratch that... I have to replace some ceiling drywall due to a minor kitchen flood (yikes). When it rains, it pours, literally at my place. Thanks for everyone's help here, great board, great people!

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll do the compression check anyway, then enlist a friend of mine who is a engine mech. to help out. I have to do the heads in the car, no hoist or extra garage space. Since its open, I'll replace timing belt, tensioner,water pump, other seals I can get to. What about gasket kits, which one is best?

Over on wrxnet, someone steps through the HG replacement process with pics on a 98 2.5 Forester. Is this possible on a 96 ej25 OB? History;Just had one overheat at 119k, filled rad, burped, went 25 miles home with steady temp gauge, no problem. Negative hydrocarbon radiator test, negative pressure test. Will do compression test this weekend after thermo replacement. Mech says he knows its the thermo... after 25 years blah blah blah, not the HG. BTW:Can thermostats fail by closing, and then revert to the stuck open position? Thanks all