Daughter was driving it back from school, reported "smoking and lost all power." I arrived on the scene to find all water gone from radiator, apparent leak in radiator core. Cranked it over to see if engine seized or noise...Sounds like zero compression, vapor comes out of radiator filler neck in pulses though. Oil level and appearance normal (no milkshake)..got it towed to the house. Will inspect this week and let you know what I find. Hoping just head gasket, but might be worse.

I've had a new radiator sitting in the garage for over 6 months now...I've been putting off installing it. Looks like I'll finally get a round to it.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

My daughter did the same on the way to her brother's wedding. New heads and it still drives today. That way on a Subie XT6...

Procrastination will bite your butt every time... Sorry...

I bet it's' just head gaskets and warped head(s). Make her help fix it - penance for not checking the temp gauge...

Got the passenger side head off, everything looks fine, head gasket definitely blown. Head gasket is MLS? Two layers of steel with no visible sealing material anywhere...does anyone know if this style gasket is oem? appears to have been leaking a while mostly oil seeping onto exhaust manifold. Cylinder walls look good, no scratches, no ridge. Head looks good to the naked eye valves look fine, will have to inspect further once I get the driver's side off. I'll post some pics once I get some good lighting.

i think i have a new head gasket set for a sohc 3.5

Fel pro? OEM? how much? thanks..

check rock auto, they some head gasket kits that include some other handy seals as well.


If you haven't done valve stem seals, do that while the heads are off, MUCH easier. might also want to think about hydraulic lash adjusters. My '99 with 125 on the clock had a couple of busted adjusters (you have to take the cams off to do the valve seals).

It isn't too expensive to buy a new set of the adjusters. Use the service manual for install. It's pretty easy to do.

Heads were warped big time...could have used a Popsicle for a feeler gauge. Decided not to try and machine, those and got a set of reman heads. Still cleaning block deck. Quite a bit of stain or etch from coolant but surface is smooth to the touch. Its a bit worriesome, but I dont want to use an abrasive as I think it will do more harm than good..

Just to note, Beck Arney thermostat from rock auto is OEM. Nice piece. Got a new timing belt set and water pump as well.

New radiator will go in

Got a set of fel-pro head bolts Victor R headgasket set..Wish me luck.

Thought on the deck block?

Image test...Pic of old head



"new" Head



More updates later...

i will have to look i think it is a green something i have used them with great success its a new head set $65.00 shipped

Hey guys, is the 1997 and the 1999 SOHC the same? If so I need the casting numbers off the head Justice. Can you snap a picture of it for me please?