i'm replacing the thermostat on my '04 s tomorrow, but after doing a little research on nam, i've realized that i may possibly have a warped head. my car was overheating terribly and i believe switching the thermostat should work, but my question is how likely is it that i messed up the head? and if so, how much is it roughly? being a student doesn't help my bank account so i haven't been able to take it to a shop and my warranty is expired. i do admit that i was driving for a bit before i noticed the temp. was through the roof.. any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated! thanks!

 

I would say that you probally have a blown head gasket.
Why are you replaceing thermostat?
Do you see any water leaking by the thermo houseing?
R53's have a habit of a bad thermo gasket.
When you filled the radiator, did you bleed the air out of the system?
Just some questions and possible solutions.
It might be possible to retorque the head bolts to seal up head gasket.
Have a shop do a leak down test.
Have a shop do a compression test.

 

Before you go any further I suggest you replace the thermostat and bleed the cooling system. then drive the car, most of the time they are just fine. Start with that before you worry too much.

 

thanks for the responses. i'm going to replace the thermostat first and see what happens. i'd hate to think i messed up the head, so im going to hope for the best.