Last question about overheating 96 OBW

[RAJP53]

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.

 

[Tony Hwang]

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.

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

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

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 Texan

 

[RAJP53]

Can see steam at the tail pipe or sweet smell?

Yes I do.