please note- add a little more detail section please.
What is your question?
bought a impreza with high temp gauge. owner said needs thermastat. drove car home temp settled down below mid level. have put multiple miles on car no change or problem, except overflow keeps losing fluid. mechanic said ( VALVE COVER GASKET). no overheating,no white film on dip stick or oil fill cap. radiator stays full.do you think valve cover gasket? oxford NY 13830. Has turbo.
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Hello,
If the coolant gauge is reading below midline, the thermostat is probably not installed, or is stuck open. You may have heat in the vehicle, but the operating temperature needs to remain at specification in order operate properly and efficiently.
If the turbo is liquid cooled by engine coolant, there is a good change that the coolant is being devoured by the turbo, which would create white, sweet smelling smoke coming from the tail pipe.
The RS and STI are pretty much bullet proof, and it really does take quite a bit of abuse to ruin one, but the history of the vehicle is unknown in this case.
I would compression test the engine, check the turbo for signs of coolant leakage, which will leave charred coolant on the turbo housing, and smell around the front and back of the car for coolant after the vehicle is warmed.
Lastly, you can put UV dye in the coolant, and shine a UV flashlight around the engine bay for signs of leakage.
You may even have a cracked coolant reservior (overflow) bottle, or a bad seal.
Lastly, I promise, you can purchase a test kit from most auto parts stores that will allow you to test your coolant for combustion gases. This will let you know if the head gasket/head/block has failed.
