I tried a quick search but didn't see anything, but I was losing a small amount of coolant and started looking for leaks then two days later it overheated on me at my parents house. I couldn't find where it was coming from but on my other Z's everything I had an issue with coolant leaks it was the thermostat so I put a new one in and started gettin the air out and my friend noticed it blowin out the exhaust after it warmed up. I'm guessing the head gasket but I didn't want to tear into it until I had more opinions. Anyone know of somethin less of a pain it could be that I could check out?

 

Head gasket, cracked head, cracked block - pick your poison. Hopefully, it's just a head gasket.

 

Do a compression test that will help send you in the right direction if it were engine related. If you have a leak like you previous z pressure test the coolant system and it will push coolant out where your leak is

 

I'll try that out when I can get back to it, I just really hope it ain't the head gasket or it being cracked or something but it looks like it is.

 

Definately sounds like a head gasket. When mine was spitting some coolant out of the exhaust, that was the problem. I replaced the head gasket and had a pressure test on the block done with no issues found with the block. Hope its just the head gasket for you. They are not to bad to replace.

 

OK, guess I'll give it a shot. How hard for someone who's never been that deep before?

 

I would strongly recommend you go to a shop if it's head gasket

 

I don't have the money now, I'm still payin for it and goin thru a divorce and lost my job. My life has actually turned into a country song lol

 

I will guess the head gasket. You should have this repaired ASAP since it will result in additional damage to your engine. --Spike

 

Yea, I haven't driven it since it overheated. It's been parked at my mom's for around a week.

 

Dang, thats a lot going on. Sorry to hear.....

 

If you havent been that far into an engine before it might be a bit of a PITA. If you are mechanically inclined and have the tools and required parts such as new head gasket and since your taking everything off might as well replace all the gaskets up top. You can get a kit from nissan or Autozone. Also since you have not done a head gasket before I hight recommend a repair manual, you can get a Haynes at Autozone, they are not the greatest but will work. Read over the process before attempting and make sure you feel confident that you can complete the job. Dont want to start a job and leave it half done. If you do attempt, remember to keep all bolts and parts organized and labeled. Organization is key.

 

Damn head gaskets can be such a pain. Trust me I've owned a couple Subarus.

i never knew our engines had issues with them? Could it be just isolated problem or luck of the draw?

My guess it could've been an existing issue from the previous owner if you bought the car recently.

 

Seems this guy has terrible luck. Sorry guy. Iv had my life as low if not lower and I'm on top of the world. Stay positive buddy.

 

Guys, just a question. I've done everything short of removing heads in my engine bay. If I would like to mess with my heads (send them out to get ported/cams/etc) do I need to remove the engine or can I do it in place?

Thank you.

 

you gotta take the timing cover off.

So short answer is no, you cannot do it in your car.

 

Darn, lol. There goes my winter project.

 

It'll be aight, I still got a place to stay and food and beer lol. But I did get confused today. I got back out to it today and did a compression test and they were all good. All of them around 135. But my buddy told me that he saw water spraying out Pretty good from the exhaust. I'm kinda confused now, could I have good compression and still a bad head gasket? Thanks for all the help guys.

 

^^ Yes. The compression tests individual cylinders. The head gasket seals the cover over the top part of your engine. --Spike

 

OK, just wanted to double check before I really tore into it. Thanks.