Mosaic68

What's not IHG issues? overheated stumbling on start up for 15s as fluid is pumped from #3 hydrocarbons in reservoir thanks for the tip on the seal install, but even though I fed it back to the forum incorrectly, I read your post directly to the manager.

He's warrantying it 'cuz he wants the job. I told him I wanted a CCR b/c of warranty and just piece of mind - he told me he wanted to 'own the job'. If only I had a garage to do the swap, it would be shipped already.

problem?

I'll ask for more details. My own reasoning for HG issues: 1. Running with empty radiator 2. Rough start 3. First indi visit trying everything to remove #3 misfire and getting nowhere - trusted mechanic, I believe him. 4. Carbon in reservoir Why does one need more info? What else would cause the above. There's at least 1 internal head gasket leak, and with the engine being pegged, I think both heads should be leveled. As far as more damage is concerned, we'll see. As I said, the engine runs fine. I'll demand to see the block with the heads off for verification, at least I'll be able to see the sleeves and piston faces, and if they don't clean the block faces off I can see where possible leaks were.

Since explainations were through a friend and I was freaked out when explaining them here are the symptoms: Before any symptoms, radiator run dry, engine temp gauge pegged for ~1 block. 1. On startup, rough idle for ~15s and causes #3 cel misfire - the 15s has grown over last 2 weeks was intermittent, isn't anymore and is getting progressively worse. 2. Car runs fine otherwise - I cannot speak to power or response, though little I've ridden/driven doesn't seem to dog. 3. Eventually, w/in or less than 1 week the cel blinks. 4. Coolant reservoir has chunks of black soot in it. from the shop(s): I. first Indi mechanic: Both plugs and wires have been replaced and injector cleaner used to no avail. I'm guessing he found coolant in the cylinder by removing spark plug? Can't speak to it, just know he emptied all tricks to fix #3 misfire cel over a day and half. I. dealer: compression test shows likely IHG leak on all four cylinders II. Indi 2: relative compression test shows there is most likely integrity in rings and pistons (no holes and no sprung rings - unless they either all have holes or all have sprung rings), also based on how it runs there are no strange noises, slapping, diesel type noises or other leading him think there are any troubles with engine internals. As I witnessed, it runs smooth. We'll see when they open the engine up. I cannot speak to online forums experience at not hearing of all four having IHG failures, myself guessing it's not a frequent result but probably happens given a possibly uneducated woman and her daft idiot husband. Both Dealer and Indi were not surprised, and neither was a manager from this place: http://www.subaruguys.com/ This could be wrong, we'll know in the next day or two.

It actually runs pretty well. I mean that in terms of how it sounds. I can't speak to power since I haven't driven it myself.

Well, according to the dealer and my indi, IHG leaks on all four cylinders is NOT uncommon with subies that have been overheated... If something is wrong with the internals, we have 36,000 mi for it show.

Possible hydraulic lock was from a friend who is a lift truck maintenance manager, and as scott stated, his 'guess' can be thrown out. Doesn't an internal HG leak cause low compression? As far as the thread goes, I don't think we ever left the idea out that it was a Headgasket, did we?

OK. So with, I think he called it a 'relative compression check', they believe the short block to be OK. We're getting both HG's replaced, milling the heads flat. As the motor is removed, we're replacing water pump, front and rear seals, Timing belt, plugs, radiator flush, new set of coolant hoses... for $2900. Asked about the torque converter seal, manager is looking into it - asked them if they new how to install, they're getting back to me. Finish time of Friday evening, 3 yr/36,000mi warranty. Not surprised if you guys are going to tell me this is high... not feeling like I have many options here in G.R. MI. As far as doing all the components, like water pump, etc, I really don't have the facilities to do this stuff myself, and since the motor is removed, why not.

Excellent ideas all.

Me being the witness, as I said, it was only a block. Wife was driving it the previous week - as its her car. Wouldn't it go wrong over a couple of days? Say, if there are any air pockets in the water jacket? Would like to know why Subies don't have a reservoir sensor...

As far as I understand it's for external leaks ONLY. I'll get with the mechanic today and have him double check...

no puddles under the car... if that's what you mean. nothing obvious, no. Guess I learned something with HG failures here, didn't know they go bad so quickly. Either way, I will be monitoring both of our subies MUCH more frequently and regularly... I'll have to say, ya gotta love forums.

One question I'd like to educate myself on with CCR, how do I know which phase 2.5L I'm getting? Was phase 1 DOHC? or are there 2 different SOHC? I understand '01-'04 are phase II, is this right?

Good suggestion, it's an AT car, only 65k mi.