Hello. I have been a member since 2003. I still own a 2003 wrx. I had 214,000 miles on the engine and the head gasket blew. I am working with a mechanic that got me a used engine for $1000.00 with around 98k on it.
It was running superb but within a week i noticed much white smoke and then massive overheating. I brought it back and it turns out that the Head Gasket was BAD. He is trying to bill me for the repairs which I am disputing. I already
contacted consumer affairs and told them once the car is fixed I will file all complaints that I can. Today 1/11/20 after having the car over a month it is still overheating. He changed the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, head gaskets, and radiator.
HE believes it is a cracked engine block. I'm without a paddle for close to 2 months now. He tried running it without a thermostat and it still was over heating. Does anyone have any other ideas as to why it can be overheating.??? thank you for your time.
KEN

 

Oof, sorry to hear that man.

overheating causes that i can think of:
* leaking head gasket
* extreme off timing (e.g. skipped a tooth on timing belt, or loose/bad/failing timing belt tensioner -- use OEM tensioner)
* unsuccessful purge of coolant system (FYI, the EJ coolant system is tricky as hell to purge properly...not surprising if takes AT LEAST a couple of heat cycles to purge correctly [yes cool it off to ambient] and have the front of the engine/the Upper Turbo coolant reservoir (the one sitting above the turbo, not the one at front of engine bay) as the HIGHEST point during the purge cycles)
- see Lisle Air Funnel for recommended burping tool for Subaru Coolant system
- also hope the heater lever was on full HOT during the burping process
- to check this...does your heater work and stay working full hot when you put it to 'hot'...as in does it stay hot and not have spells of cold air blowing?
* bad/failing water pump (did you use OEM, as in SUBARU water pump, i personally do not recommend aftermarket standard ones like GATES, etc.)
* bad/failing Radiator cap. note that Subaru's have two caps, but if you're having problems here, make sure that BOTH caps are OEM (e.g. no hi-pressure caps) and fresh from dealer.
* clogged radiator
* cracked block

These are some thoughts, and i hope you acheive a cheaper solution to your overheating problem. Good Luck!