Head gasket?

[boxerfan]

I own a 1994 legacy NA that I love and is part of the family, whenever I start it, it feels like its missing and shakes for about 30 or 40 seconds then runs fine. I fell like there is more water vapor coming from the exhaust than is normal but I'm not sure. About a week ago the upper radiator hose ruptured. That is when I started to pay attention to what seemed like to much water vapor in the exhaust. I replaced the spark plugs and the spark plug wires but it still seems like it's missing at idle. I drove it all day yesterday and it seemed fine, but then I saw the temp gauge spike and the overflow was boiling out from the radiator. Any ideas if I am dealing with a head gasket issue or maybe something else? I did a compression test before the spark plug change and the readings were, #1- 176, #2 - 160, #3 - 181, #4 - 181...so I guess I am wondering if anyone has had idle problems due to head gaskets leaking. THANKS!!!

[boxerfan]

The car never throws a check engine light while it's idling roughly/missing,if that helps.

[wtdash]

Hi,
Welcome aboard.

I'm seeing 2 issues:
1. Overheating due likely to air in the system - Did you 'burp it' after fixing the rad hose? Or was it overheating B4 that, too? Search on here for burping if it just started.

2. Idle issue. Did you use OEM/NGK plugs and wires? If not, I'd get the cheap NGK coppers, BKR6E-11, and try those. They are pre-gapped to the recommended .044. If you did, then you'll need to search on here for 'idle issues'- lots of possibilities.

RE: the HG, I'm not sure if the EJ22 fails internally or externally (or both!). But if there's oily residue or bubbles in the coolant overflow tank, the HG is suspect. You should also be able to tell by the coolant level dropping - once you burp it.

GL,
TD

[boxerfan]

I used theBKR6E-11 NGK'S, and I burped the radiator, it has never over heated before and the coolant in the overflow seems kinda sooty or dirty. After the radiator hose split there was still some coolant left in the radiator that was orange. After I replaced the hose I filled it up with some napa coolant that was green, both said they were approved for all cooling systems but now the coolant is kinda brownish which makes it harder to look for greasiness. I've searched around and can't find anyone who has had the same problem of missing for a short period every time I start it regardless of temperature, after that it runs fine in all rpms. I'm going to have my alternator checked and burp the radiator again and see what happens I guess.Thanks for the response, I suspected that it might be two problems but I was just hoping otherwise since they happened at about the same time.THANKS

[wtdash]

Something else to consider is the CTS (coolant temp sensor). They fail and can cause idle issues.

I have learned to burp it by putting the front wheels higher than the rear, filling the radiator and then filling it @ the upper rad hose by removing it from the radiator and pouring into the engine. Then I loosen the 'burp screw' on the pass. side of the radiator (if OEM), and let it warm up. When coolant - not steam/air-comes out it's burped.



Td

[evolutionmovement]

I'm thinking you might have a head gasket going. The usual failure mode is combustion gases getting into the coolant. They build up by the water pump impeller and reduce its efficiency until you get overheating. There's usually little other sign of a problem. Don't know what the idle issue is from, but I'd think coolant temp sensor as well because it goes away.

[gijonas]

Does the coolant smell like exhaust?