I have been reading the forum and finding a lot of issues similar to mine, having to deal with the dreaded head gasket. When I got home the other day my coolant had blown all over my engine from what looked like the air release hole on the radiator, and I had oil residue in my coolant overflow tank. Obviously the head gasket. I need to know if at this point my only option is to tow it to the mechanic, or can I baby it there? I'm hoping I don't have to eat the towing bill.

air release hole in radiator? are we talking about the "air bleed" plug on the top of the radiator for purging air after a coolant drain and refill? If so I would check, the plastic ones can crack and leak like mine did-I replaced with a metal oil drain plug.

 

Did your car overheat? FYI I did see yesterday at Autobone an additive to detect combustion gases(meaning blown HG) in your collant.

 

Let us know what you find out.

I have been reading the forum and finding a lot of issues similar to mine, having to deal with the dreaded head gasket. When I got home the other day my coolant had blown all over my engine from what looked like the air release hole on the radiator, and I had oil residue in my coolant overflow tank. Obviously the head gasket. I need to know if at this point my only option is to tow it to the mechanic, or can I baby it there? I'm hoping I don't have to eat the towing bill.

 

I Emailed you about my head gasket research. Our '00 Outback repair is $1250 at the dealer, curious about what yours is costing. Also, a friend just bought a '97 Legacy, wondering qbout what % of '97s are having this problem? His has 139k miles. Thanks, Marty