98 Forester S, weird HVAC issues. Input appreciated (pretty desperate)

[elkaboom]

Car is a 98 Forester S. Here's the skinny: Car generally runs very well. However, I've lately noticed some "odd" issues with the heater and loss of coolant (as well as a unusually high level of fluid in the overflow reservoir).

To wit: I have the sound of rushing water behind the firewall, limited heat capacity -as in: when the car is at idle, my heater blows cool or cold air. When the car is in drive or under load, the heater blows warmish (but not hot) air). Also, my overflow tank will stay "overfull" -to the point of overflow.

Finally, I'm not seeing any water in the oil whatsoever. I changed the oil a few days ago, and the oil was nice and clean, no contamination.

I am, however, seeing some bubbles in the overflow, and I have burped the system twice now... *shudders*

So what is it? Head gasket, like I'm afraid it is? Or could it be a bad/clogged radiator? Thermostat not activating properly? Heater core? Or all of the above, God forbid.

If it's a head gasket (which I'm beginning to fear sadly), I'm going to be seriously pissed, as I can't afford the cost to farm this out and I have no place to do the work myself -it's NE Ohio, and it's cold outside.

I've also learned that in order to do the HG's, the engine needs to come out of the car on these 2.5's, and that's yet another procedure that I, basically, cannot perform by myself.

Should I replace the radiator and t-stat, burp it again and hope for the best? New radiator cap as well? Or just drive the car until it explodes?

Sadly, I really like this car (but not nearly as much as I like my 2.2 Legacies), and it's in pretty darn shape.

I'm in need of a miracle USMB... is there any hope or am I doomed to drive another Subaru time bomb?!?!

 

Disheartend (Bob) in NE Ohio

[davebugs]

Sounding like HG's. Classic really.

 

Only other thought is that it wasn't burped properly.

 

 

I have a friend looking for one of these Foresters (and an extra 2.2 and 2.5 laying around). So if you wanna sell it PM me for an email to send pics to.

 

Also what are the miles? The HG's seem to go 110-180k. Know any history - or look to see if HG's were replaced?

[lmdew]

Head Gaskets!

[Mike104]

As the others have mentioned Head Gaskets is most likely cause (2.5L Phase I). I wouldn't waste the money on a radiator. You could try a new rad cap but I would suggest to do a coolant test for combustion gases. You can buy a kit from NAPA or online for about $50 to do the test yourself. That will confirm the HGs and you know whats involved with that.

[Rooster2]

Head gaskets, prolly the most classic description of a bad head gasket ever written, short of saying the motor is over heating.

 

Years ago, I lived in Strongsville, OH.........just up the road from Medina. I have lots of good Cleveland area memories that I carry with me. I remember how nice Mediana is.

 

You might loosen the burping screw/bolt on the opposite end of the radiator cap. This reduces pressure in the radiator, and will let some of the exhaust gas that is mixing with the coolant to escape from the radiator. Your heater won't work well, but it can buy you some extra driving time before the motor starts to over heat. Just be sure to keep enough coolant in the radiator, as it may boil out a little.

[elkaboom]

Hey Davebugs, I just wanted to send you a quick reply in regards to your earlier inquiry about the Forester that I mentioned in the forums (specifically, that you have a friend who may be interested in a Forester).

The vehicle is (obviously) a 98 Forester S. It's got 195000 miles, and as far as I know, the HG's have never been done. In spite of the miles, it runs very well, strong. It's an auto, but the tranny shifts very crisp and precisely, and there is no slop in the rest of the drivetrain. As far as the rest of the car goes, there is damage to the right front fender and passenger side door (result of a pickup backing into the seem between the fender and door); it's not terrible, and the passenger window still goes down most of the way. Additionally, the damage doesn't/hasn't affected the wheel or strut/suspension -it was purely cosmetic. The rest of the body has numerous dings and dents. Inside, the car is clean, free of funky smells and completely intact. There are a few very small cigarette burns in a couple of places (presumably from ash fall or some such), but on the whole, the interior is in very, very good condition.

Beyond that, the car has not been overheated, and hasn't overheated while I've been driving it. The oil is free of coolant contamination, and clean. I am driving it occasionally, but I tend to baby it (keeping the revs below 3500 for the most part), and only drive it long enough to warm up the oil (generally speaking, 15-20 mile round trips). There isn't much else to tell; it's a good car but it does have a few issues.

If you're friend is still interested, I have a bunch of photos that I snapped earlier in the week -I can forward those if he want to take a look. I'm contemplating picking up new sheet metal for the fender, and possibly pulling the dent/s in the door, but I've decided that it's not worth it to repair the HG at present -I'm in NE Ohio, have no garage facilities, or suitable tools to complete the work necessary (engine hoist/jacks, quality tools, etc) -so it would be easier to sell it and look for another, more user-friendly Subaru (read: 2.2 liter. lol).

Anyway, I'm looking to get about 2500.00 out of it -which STILL wont cover what I put into it, but oh well... =/ However, I'm reasonable and willing to negotiate for the right offer.

 

 

Bob in Ohio

[SubaruAlliance]

you might buy yourself some more time on those gaskets if you invest in a can of block seal depending on the severity of the HG this might seal it up and you will be good for a while or it won't work and your out something like 10-15 bucks. i would try that first.

 

i HAD a HG issue on my 03 baja with 113K on it, sealed it up with a thing of alumaseal and haven't had any issues since, that was about 6 months and 4k miles ago.

[davebugs]

Hey Davebugs, I just wanted to send you a quick reply in regards to your earlier inquiry about the Forester that I mentioned in the forums (specifically, that you have a friend who may be interested in a Forester).

The vehicle is (obviously) a 98 Forester S. It's got 195000 miles, and as far as I know, the HG's have never been done. In spite of the miles, it runs very well, strong. It's an auto, but the tranny shifts very crisp and precisely, and there is no slop in the rest of the drivetrain. As far as the rest of the car goes, there is damage to the right front fender and passenger side door (result of a pickup backing into the seem between the fender and door); it's not terrible, and the passenger window still goes down most of the way. Additionally, the damage doesn't/hasn't affected the wheel or strut/suspension -it was purely cosmetic. The rest of the body has numerous dings and dents. Inside, the car is clean, free of funky smells and completely intact. There are a few very small cigarette burns in a couple of places (presumably from ash fall or some such), but on the whole, the interior is in very, very good condition.

Beyond that, the car has not been overheated, and hasn't overheated while I've been driving it. The oil is free of coolant contamination, and clean. I am driving it occasionally, but I tend to baby it (keeping the revs below 3500 for the most part), and only drive it long enough to warm up the oil (generally speaking, 15-20 mile round trips). There isn't much else to tell; it's a good car but it does have a few issues.

If you're friend is still interested, I have a bunch of photos that I snapped earlier in the week -I can forward those if he want to take a look. I'm contemplating picking up new sheet metal for the fender, and possibly pulling the dent/s in the door, but I've decided that it's not worth it to repair the HG at present -I'm in NE Ohio, have no garage facilities, or suitable tools to complete the work necessary (engine hoist/jacks, quality tools, etc) -so it would be easier to sell it and look for another, more user-friendly Subaru (read: 2.2 liter. lol).

Anyway, I'm looking to get about 2500.00 out of it -which STILL wont cover what I put into it, but oh well... =/ However, I'm reasonable and willing to negotiate for the right offer.

 

 

Bob in Ohio

 

Bob,

 

My friend with the most need - we found a car on friday.

 

An 01 GT Limited w/138k for 2k that had the HG's done already on recall.

 

One usual rust spot, some easily corrected electrical issues (WHY do folks use aftermarket plug wires on a 2.5?) and associated problems (cat effeciency).

 

So I'm still in the market but no urgency and if buying one that needs fixed (like I buy most of them) significantly cheaper that what you're looking to get.

 

FYI I usually fix them up to 180k or so, and typically pay between scrap and 1k. That's for Outbacks. Foresters are worth less - just like Impreza's.

 

Good luck with the sale.

[elkaboom]

Interesting. Just a shot in the dark here, but would you or anyone you might be an associate of be willing to consider doing the repair work my vehicle is in need of? Or are you do work strictly on your own vehicles?

At this point, I'm considering all of the available options.

Just a thought.

 

Bob

[elkaboom]

@SubaruAlliance: Hmm.. I've considered using those gasket/block repair chemicals before, but I've never actually had the guts to do it -I'm always terrified that they'll do more harm than good. However, if you've actually had some success with these products, I might give it a shot just to see what happens. Presently, I have no external leaks from the heads, so this is pretty definitely internal.

I did, however, switch to a slightly lower pressure radiator cap with an external pressure relief valve (14psi as opposed the stock 19psi cap) in hopes that it might help to relieve a teensy little bit of strain on the cooling system.

Will that make an appreciable difference? Who knows. Doubtful probably, but until the weather warms up, I come into an extra $1500.00, or I suddenly inherit a fully functional garage, I'm going to try and squeeze all of the extra mileage out of this thing as I can.

Like I said, it's not a bad vehicle: comfortable, clean, nice looking, and (for the most part) mechanically sound.

If I have no choice but to keep it, I will. We'll see what happens! haha

[davebugs]

Interesting. Just a shot in the dark here, but would you or anyone you might be an associate of be willing to consider doing the repair work my vehicle is in need of? Or are you do work strictly on your own vehicles?

At this point, I'm considering all of the available options.

Just a thought.

 

Bob

 

I have someone local that does my "overflow work" I only work on my own cars that I buy, fix, sell. He's pretty good and fairly priced. I also have him do friends Subaru's.

 

PM me if you'd like more info. But you should be able to find someone closer I'd think.