pop-pop

Thanks... I did look thru that sub-forum and didn't see any links to basic how-to info.

I need to replace the stock stereo in my 2005 Legacy. I know that I need to get a single DIN unit. And i know how to remove the relevant dash/trim parts. But not sure what sort of kit or parts to get... eg face plate, wiring harness. And not sure how to separate the stereo from the climate controls, etc. Any good resources online? Thanks.

I thought block testers were usually $40-50. Thx, do need to get one and test for myself.

Agree, 5000 miles and no probs is meaningful evidence. My radiator cap looks go be in good shape, think it was replaced along with radiator 3yrs ago, but not certain.

I'm not losing coolant. Might be smelling it in the exhaust a little. Not sure.

That's what i meant... the temp gauge has not gone into the red zone at all. Once at normal operating temp it stays there, very steady. But losing coolant and seeing buildup under the radiator cap, those symptoms will not always be present. Depends where the HG is failing correct? Yea I should have cleaned the overflow out a while ago and then monitored it. The fact that the shop did not recommend that right away suggests stupidity or dishonesty but dunno.

Also... have driven the car about 5k miles since my shop originally recommended the HG replacement. The temp gauge has not run hot once. Coolant level has been good. At latest sched maintenance visit a few wks ago, the shop again recommended HG replacement, and described the coolant contamination as "severe".

Thanks for all the feedback. Did not see bubbles in the overflow, even after some freeway driving and a short hi RPM hill climb. I did get a 2nd opinion... subaru dealer did HC test and it was negative. Agree that if the coolant is contaminated enough to produce a smell, does seem the HC test would be positive. No sludge on inside of radiator cap or overflow cap. There is some grime lining the overflow bottle, and my shop is saying that is also potential evidence. See attached pic. I honestly dont know how long the bottle has had that crud in it.

As i said above, dealer did the block test/hydrocarbon test. They said it was negative. But according to some, this test might not detect anything but totally blown HG.

Thanks for the reply. My local Sub dealer did the block test and said it was negative. Main knock against block test I have seen is that it only catches truly blown HGs, not those that are starting to fail. I might have that backwards about the coolant smell... i think he said it SHOULD smell sweet but he detects fouled smell like exhaust.

'05 non-GT wagon Subaru shop says coolant gives off telltale sweet odor indicating combustion gasses contaminating coolant due to failing head gasket. There are no symptoms other than that. In this scenario, what is the definitive diagnostic? Wouldn't a block test/CO2 test be definitive, since CO2 in the coolant means combustion and coolant channels are mixing. Has only been 35k miles since HGs were replaced previously.