Overheating Problems

[Smithers475]

Hello, I have an 02 WRX STi and am having overheating problems. The temp gauge sits fine for almost 1km and then just goes straight up to the red. When I open the bonnet I have some water spraying up through the overflow and have lost some water but theres no leaking. My uncle has been helping me and hes gotten rid of the air pockets but its still doing that, hes thinking it may be the head gasket, what do you guys reckon? And how can I check the head gasket? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[T0rque]

You need to pressure test the system, check the oil see if it has coolant contamination, check the coolant for oil
Contamination. If there is no obvious leaks, the system holds pressure then it is time to check the tstat/water pump/fan/sensors.

[Smithers475]

Thanks for the suggestions, how do i pressure test it? The oil and coolant look fine (although the oil is a fair bit overfull :s) how do i check the tstat, water pump and sensors?

[jd92677]

To check for a head gasket, buy or rent a block tester. it's a 2 part chamber that you put fluid in that changes color in the presence of hydrocarbons in your cooling system. I would guess that if you've bleed the system of all air, the head gasket is your problem. Try starting the car cold and see if the hoses build pressure before the system is warm, that could be an indication of a head gasket as well.

[CNTCM3]

maybe you should try a Gasket Repair Kit