I completed replacing my head gaskets on my 98 Legacy Outback one hour ago.

Started the 2.5 EJ25D right up, and it idled nicely. Breathed a sigh of relief. Watched as thermostat went right to the top, with engine idling (within 10 minutes). The car is overheating faster than before I began the repair.

 

This was my first car repair project. I bought the Haynes, read Skip's head gasket repair page, and dove in.

 

Had the heads machined (and a valve job done) professionally.

Bought a AJUSA gasket kit, containing head gaskets and many others.

 

Did not service water pump, but it turned very easily while I had the timing belt off. My upper radiator hose is nice and hot. My coolant levels are good.

 

Had bubbling in the overflow tank the first time the temperature went up.

 

Any suggestions? Am I missing an obvious thing, that will be an easy fix? Or, did I screw up the head gaskets, and so earn another opportunity to tear my engine apart?

 

The Red.

Did you get all the air out of the system? My EJ22 was airlocked badly the first time I started it up and it took a while to get all the air out.

COuld just be an air pocket in the water pump. Search the board for "coolant replacement" and look for without the bubbles.

 

The big secret is filling the system via the upper hose.

Slept on it, and found your replies this morning.

 

I will certainly try to get the air out! Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep you posted.

 

TheRed

Thanks to Snowman and Setright. You were right on the money - airlock.

 

I read the post recommended, burped as recommended, worked like a charm -

My Outback is running great, and at the right temp.

Again, Thanks!

 

TheRed

Hi,

 

I would like to congratulate you on a job well done. More to the point, if this was your first car repair project, you sure picked a doozy! Most folks start with something simple, like brake pads or equivalent.

 

Keep it up!

 

Regards,

Adnan