Can someone point me in the direction of where to buy a sniffer test? One that works and is genuinely good, I don’t want to buy one that’s pish.

 

I'm sure I've seen a snap on one used at my local independent.
I can't find anything by googling snap on sniff test or hydro carbon test.
This sealy unit looks ok...

 

Maybe a tad expensive but I suppose you pay for what you get. It does look the part though.

 

I used one of these, got it off ebay tho as it was cheaper, seemed to work fine. I did stick it up the exhaust at the end just to check it worked.

 

I’m guessing it changed colour when you tried it at the exhaust?

 

Yes it did. Couple of squeezes and when yellow

 

Similar to my kit that Amazon one. My 2.5 gaskets were pretty bad but eventually....eventually got a greenish / yellow(ish) result from the overflow tank next to the radiator whilst idling at running temp.


I had loads of bubbles after a run and still took many attempts to get a result. Yes, two puffs in the exhaust tip and she was as yellow as a lemon lol, so they do work.


It's that typical thing though where if the engine isn't under load, it can be tricky to detect.....

 

I’ve ordered some so I can put my mind at ease. Or know for sure.

 

I don't trust those things at all. Too much risk of contamination and I'd venture there will be a trace found in any Impreza. If you're pushing water into the expansion tank, so that it keeps filling up and overflowing, and you have to keep topping it up and there's no leaks, you have a head gasket seal issue.

 

These arent the best for the Impreza, as we use the header tank we have fluid that does rise a little under revs, so the ones with the bigger sight glass, or the cheaper ones that look like the Sealey are better, the fluid is held higher up, away from the water,
The Sealey copies even have the caps to fit, making them even better, and better seal(where most testers fail),

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/32251065521...7338527&crdt=0

is what Id ask Santa for , if I was buying another.

 

Here's hoping you've wasted your money and never have to use it again...

 

Do you not just drain the radiator until there's 2-3" clear at the top, then use it?

 

Did the test today, drained some coolant from the radiator and performed the test at the neck of the radiator, I also tried it at the header tank and the results were no change in colour.

I'm happy with that.