I got a 98 Subi Forester L, stick, 130k mi. I posted a message awhile back about cooling system problems and with help and advice from some of you, I’ve pretty much determined the car has a blown hg. Even though it wasn’t good news, I still say thanks to those that helped - at least now I know where to start. The problem is, I can’t figure out how to start. She’s a great car and I don’t want to junk her.
I’ve been thinking about what gsragtop & tester mentioned about the silicate stuff and I’m ready to take the chance, but there’s one thing bothering me: If that stuff is supposed to be drawn in to the combustion chamber where the silicate comes in contact with the super hot temps that solidify it, thereby sealing the leak, that assumes coolant is going into the combustion chamber, right? Well, I’ve been driving this car with a blown hg for at least 2yrs maybe 3, (that in itself amazes me), and I’ve never seen any sign of coolant in the exhaust, no smoke, nor any rough starting issues to speak of.
So, my question is simply, HOW THE HECK DOES THAT HAPPEN!! How in the world can I lift the hood and watch exhaust gases bubbling up in the radiator, yet when I park on a hot, 95 degree August day with a fully pressurized cooling system, the next time it’s started there is no sign of coolant. The physics of that defy me! I mean, it says that the head gasket magically blew a “one-way” valve in itself? Huh?? What do you think? Am I missing something? Thanks guys.