Year: 1992 Make: Subaru Model: Loyale Miles: 250,000 Transmission: Auto
Hello everyone
I need some help. I was driving this car today. Everything ran great. Whenever I use the AC the engine temp is good on the highway but in the city would rise a bit and I would shut it off. Been like that for a while (I guess the radiator cooling fins are dirty).
Came back home and saw smoke coming out of the left wheel well and heard a sizzling noise. Pop the hood open and noticed the coolant tank was a bit "inflated". The fluid level backed up to the top and build up enough pressure to leak past the coolant tank cap.
The worst part is the color of the coolant in the radiator and coolant tank went from green to brown. I think oil mixed with the coolant. I hope it's a blown head gasket and not a cracked cylinder. I think Old Bessie (the station wagon) is dying 🙁
My dad blames the thermostat building "too much pressure" but I do not think that's the case. Otherwise, the engine would overheat and not cool.
one more thing. I contacted a mechanic to have it looked at. Would it be best to change oil/filter, and coolant to make a 10-mile trip? Just to prevent any premature bearing damage.
Thanks in advance
Sure sounds like a blown head gasket. You can test for exhaust gases in the coolant. That will catch most (but not all) head gasket failures. I would not spend a lot of money repairing a three decade old Subaru.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U8Iyf0kk4
haha! I agree. The title of that wagon is under my dad name so it will be up to him whether he wants to fix it or not. It's a wagon with 4x4 so he might fix it since he admires that car.
Thank you!