Help with leak onto exhaust - possible head gasket failure?

[sooby]

Hi guys,

After driving my WRX home tonight, I noticed a drip & sizzling sound.

I've checked under the car & there are no puddles, so I'm guessing the leak is small at this stage & is dropping onto the exhaust & burning off.

I've checked the wiper fluid reservoir & no leaks there. Checked the radiator level & it does seem lower, when I lifted the lid I heard a few drips.

My question is, is there anything else it could be besides a head-gasket? I'm guessing head-gasket, as cooling pipes don't really sit above the exhaust to drip down on.

Roughly how much would a head gasket replacement be?

[Munkvy]

All 4 pipes leading from the radiator could spray water onto the exhaust manifold, especially when the fans turn on. However there is also water lines running on both the top and bottom of the block, any of them could be leaking and dripping onto the headers. Your best to do a thorough search to find the leak, and failing that take it to a mechanic to look. Dont assume its a headgasket, as thats an expensive approach to take - check off the obvious things first.

As for telling if the headgasket is blown, do a search on here - theres plenty of details on what symptoms present when you blow one.

[sooby]

Thanks mate, appreciate that.

Guess I'll take it to the mechanic asap then.

Have had a radiator pipe burst earlier this year, so fingers crossed its a case of the same.

Besides the drip & sizzle sound, there's no other symptoms as the car drives fine & temp gauge is normal.

I've searched but couldn't see the symptoms listed anywhere - could anyone add some here please?

[Munkvy]

Sorry, was in a hurry hence the short reply.

Threads that have some info on headgasket signs:

http://www.clubsub.org.nz/forum/index.php/topic,4689.0.html

http://www.clubsub.org.nz/forum/index.php/topic,4565.0.html

http://www.clubsub.org.nz/forum/index.php/topic,2972.0.html

[Guest boostcut]

could be a waterpump leak too boss, that wold leak directly on to the exhaust...

[sooby]

cheers for that guys.

Is it still ok to drive it between now & when it goes to the mechanic as long as I keep an eye on the fluid levels, or not worth the risk at all?

[Guest boostcut]

not really as the level may appear to be fine but have an air leak somewhere in the system, your bill could go from 500 to 5000 in a few kms.. id advise not to but if you need it be carefull!!!!!

[sooby]

good news - at this stage it looks like just a leaking water pipe, phew!

Will find out more on Monday

[Guest]

PS thought leaking water and oil from a Subaru was a feature not a problem lol

[dubbedup]

lol, ;D not all subies...just the majority

[sooby]

Sweet, turns out it was just a water hose, whew!

This is the second waterpipe I've had leak over the last year - is it worth replacing them all if they are getting to the age where failure is likely to happen?

[pl0x]

i dont know, but my thinking - either replace them all at once and be worry free

or do them as they start to leak etc & keep checking water level to make sure your not losing water

i would rather the first

[nt_a_foz]

its advisable to replace all at once as from what iv heard if you replace one and hten replace new coolant through the rest of the old lines can kill them a bit as hteyr old and perishe.d

besides be better to be safe than sorry aint it ?

[funkytown]

 nt_a_foz said:

its advisable to replace all at once as from what iv heard if you replace one and hten replace new coolant through the rest of the old lines can kill them a bit as hteyr old and perishe.d

besides be better to be safe than sorry aint it ?

thinking the same thing.. anything spent on maintenance is money well spent