I have been getting alot of input on my overheating 96 OBW with 167K miles. I have no doubt that it is a blown heat gasket. I have been adding coolant very few days. The needle runs up to "H" and drops down to the 8:30 position. What can I expect if I continue adding coolant and doing nothing else? How long can the engine last? Will it slow things down if I change the thermostat to a lower temp one? Thanks.
Last question about overheating 96 OBW
Apr 24, 2004
3 Replies
Hi, Could be gasket but there is other ways you can lose coolant. You have good rad cap? Any pin hole leak on hose(s)? Can see steam at the tail pipe or sweet smell? If indeed gasket is blown, the sooner the better fixing it. Good luck, Tony
Tony's right, you can also look at youy plugs. Often the cylinder pumping coolant will have a different 'look' to it's plug. Subies can also entrap air creating hot spots. Try elevating the front of the car as much as safely possible and run it til hot(fans come on) with the heat selector on high. (make sure the o'flow bottle is full.) Then let it cool. It should draw quite a lot from the o'flow bottle. (if not you may have a bad rad. cap or clogged hose). Refill the o'flow bottle and monitor it closely for a few drive cycles.
Carl
1 Lucky TexanT>
Can see steam at the tail pipe or sweet smell?
Yes I do.
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