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#2 of 5 Re: 1997 Legacy - Hope it's not the head gasket [katielady22] by xwesx

Dec 09, 2009 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 3:36 pm)

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• katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 5:02 pm)
  • katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 6:03 pm)
    • xwesx (Dec 10, 2009 3:07 pm)

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#3 of 5 Re: 1997 Legacy - Hope it's not the head gasket [xwesx] by katielady22

Dec 09, 2009 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 09, 2009 4:37 pm)

Hi!
 
No, I'm not positive they were both on...clearly this would affect the airflow through the radiator? And wouldn't likely be as much as an issue on the freeway as it is in stop-and-go-traffic?
 
Thank you for your response

Replies to this message:

• katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 6:03 pm)
  • xwesx (Dec 10, 2009 3:07 pm)

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#4 of 5 Re: 1997 Legacy - Hope it's not the head gasket [katielady22] by katielady22

Dec 09, 2009 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 5:02 pm)

I've confirmed that both fans are coming on when the temperature gauge is rising.
 
Thanks

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• xwesx (Dec 10, 2009 3:07 pm)

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#5 of 5 Re: 1997 Legacy - Hope it's not the head gasket [katielady22] by xwesx

Dec 10, 2009 (3:07 pm)

Replying to: katielady22 (Dec 09, 2009 6:03 pm)

Well, then it is probably time to look into more serious possibilities. The issue could be radiator corrosion that is causing reduced heat exchange or, as you fear, head gaskets, but I am leaning more toward the radiator at this point simply because the head gasket problem tends to cause sudden overheating, often just after having driven highway speeds for prolonged periods. You can perform a compression test and look for black gunk in the radiator overflow bottle. Low compression may indicate a blown gasket, as will combustion byproducts in the bottle. I think there is something called a "leak down" test that can also be performed, but I am unfamiliar with that.
 
I will be clear though; gasket failure on the late '90s 2.5L engines are not a matter of "if," but "when." I replaced mine at 192,500 miles, which I think was pretty good. I was getting combustion byproducts in the coolant, but was not having any overheating problems. I certainly will not hold it against the car for needing some repair work at that mileage.