ThosL

Yes; but I did notice a range of compression readings.....Cyl closest to driver was weakest; is that where the head gaskets tend to leak?

I pulled one plug at a time, putting them back in afterwards. I started the engine several times on each cyl. and checked the compression each time.

I had a chance to just check the compression on my four cylinders in my 99 OB with the 2.2. Going passenger side to driver side back, results were around 120 for the first three and 100 for the last. Is that the one usually affected by bad head gaskets? Thanks.

I think those are plastic threads; you can get it out if it is stuck, check with local mechanics.

After it happened to me I was up crap creek without a paddle at Auto Zone and they had nothing that could help me, and I went to other auto parts stores same story. Home Depot had some loose bolts, and I found a match, right thread/fine, but it still leaked a little. Those plastic bleeder screws are specific and seem not to easily let air/steam out. And I was thinking if I could just get the system to belch the steam and not overheat with my blown head gasket it might be more driveable. If you bugger the thread good luck!

Right now my 99 Outback with the EJ22 and nearly 300K miles is manageable for short trips up to 45 minutes without steep hills. I have tried everything except the expensive major mechanical work, changed out the thermostat which looks light duty but OE, compared with the beefy one the Sub. experts put in, on a recommendation; I will probably put the beefy one back in. $2K would be quite a stretch for me. And if I bought one hours away, I would have to take a bus down to it with the paperwork, plates, etc. according to the laws and could have other problems, it is tough to see things getting worse.

Pay someone else? To the tune of $150 or so for a "tune-up" you wonder why--but I had the same problem, driver's side, let alone pulling them from time to time if you want to see if you are getting any fouling, blow by, etc.. As for special tools, that gets to be a problem, why not borrow from the friendly neighborhood mechanic?

How much of a low risk vehicle could you get for around $2K? I was looking around ebay today and this one popped up: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321845948174?forcerRptr=true&item=321845948174&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123 Donor vehicle, seller said he drove it 60 miles, over 200K miles. I have been looking through Bargain News, the CT area rag for private sales vehicles, the really great ones get snapped up cheap and flipped. I'm figuring my 99 Outback with blown head gaskets and around 300K miles is not worth sinking $1000 plus into.

Yeah, those plastic top bleeder screws are $10 from the dealer, when it ran I found it keeping company with the one that went there to hide late fall. I was figuring if you had to assemble a complete Subaru from dealer parts you would probably be set back $100K!

I'm probably one of the few health nuts on this site; I would rather drink water out of a toilet like a dog than eat the junk food put out by the usual places, especially 711 style processed junk; which goes double for day or two old junk. But I've heard the stuff is mummified and will not go bad.

Most lost bolts, nuts and screws never get recovered but end up in gravel or other hidden place.

It really sucks when you can't start a car or have mechanical problems many miles from home. AAA I guess is one option with high mileage vehicles like mine, but they are only limited to running out of gas, jump starting, and towing to your mechanic.

So I was bleeding the coolant system with the plastic bleeder screw on my 99 Outback and the screw ran away on me again, I searched all around for it and then loosened the brackets holding the radiator in place, and wouldn't you know, the new one was hiding under it with the old one that had scampered off there. How common is it that bolts and screws run away where you can't find them?

I bought a gallon of white vinegar for $3 and used it as a coolant flush. This is harmless right? I needed to get some of the head gasket seal gunk out of the system.

Have you done a recording of the chirp, it may be more clear what it is.

Probably the manager did some checking and did not want to support the unsupportable--probably both workers who directly handled the vehicle living at the homeless shelter with sketchy backgrounds. Some employers like to hire people who are unemployable elsewhere as it gives them more power over them.

I had the hearing this week; won by default; the judge just wanted my testimony. My claim plus costs were all awarded, I hope I don't have to go through a lot of trouble to get the money now.

I have had scurrying noises for quite a while when I turn the engine on; I don't know whether it is little animals like mice or actually the water flowing through the dashboard area and out.....

Or in any way impaired, coming off too much to drink the night before; be aware of manipulation, charm, or intimidation methods whether you are the buyer or seller. It doesn't hurt to do a background search on the seller to see if any red flags pop up or indications of their not being honest. Ebay requires car history reports with its VIN-based listings, I guess that's why they charge $50 just to list a vehicle....Asking if the seller used a head gasket seal solution would probably not turn up an honest reply, as I have heard people on car sites say they used Blue Devil and then unloaded the vehicle.

I had a leak with my 2.2 and used Lucas stop oil leak with good results.

One of the best or most energetic mechanics I have known is Ray Greene in the Brattleboro, Vt area. He could cut split and deliver three cords of firewood in a day and changed engines on Subarus outside in the winter in less than a day. There is a lot to be said for energy, vitality and raw ability and motivation.

What are the most important traits in good mechanics? I'm afraid with all the testing, licensing and gadgets that mechanics are required to have knowledge of and be in compliance on that the ordinary talents may not be properly developed. When I was running a full time tree and landscape service, getting the job done well and and the right price was the critical thing, not licensing and other nit-picking legal stuff. So what are the key features in quality mechanics and what are the best ones you have known?

I've never been that rigorous on doing checklists on used cars, and I assume most others decide quickly on their purchases. How many people here have had their mechanics check out prospective vehicle purchases or gone online to check Consumer Reports, etc.? https://www.lewrockwell.com/2015/08/no_author/buying-a-used-car/

What's in it? It smells like petroleum distillate.... Plus red dye. Too bad all these companies have their confidentiality rules so you can never find out what is in the product.

I got a call from Blue Devil this morning with the offer to refund the product when I go into Advance Auto with the receipt and empty bottle; thanks for the help on this thread.