1998 Subaru Legacy Logo
gene glenn Posted on May 26, 2014
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Can't figure out why my car is overheating

Replaced the thermostat and replaced the radiator. when you let it warm up for about 30 minutes the temp gauge starts to climb up to hot and the upper radiator hose is very hot and the lower hose is clod. also the two heater hoses are cold and the cooling fans and no hot air

1 Answer

Michael Gutwein

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  • Expert 104 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 03, 2014
Michael Gutwein
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
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You may have an air pocket and not allowing the engine to cycle coolant. Bleed the coolant system. You also might have a water pump that is starting to fail as in rotting fins that push coolant. Rare, but possible.
Most likely Air pocket in coolant system if it has never over heated.
Also something else can cause air pockets......
A very common problem on Subaru's are their head gaskets fail due to aged engine coolant that damages these gaskets. External coolant from head gasket leaks are going to need to get checked. Check out images on a search to see how it would look. but look along the head and engine block mating surface for wetness. Should be dry. Check to verify the difference from oil black or brown or gold, VS coolant which is green usually. Coolant has a sweet smell as well.

To check for an internal head gasket leaks, check spark plugs for the typical steamed cleaned spark plug. Again google an image of spark plug burning coolant. Very distinct look to it.

5 Related Answers

Barry Treadwell

  • 9 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 06, 2008

SOURCE: Running Hot

Sounds like the water pump.Check if you see coolant or coolant residue behind the water pump pulley.

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Anonymous

  • 120 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 15, 2008

SOURCE: overheating

Yes, you re correct! thats a thermostat issue.

Anonymous

  • 17 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 21, 2008

SOURCE: Overheating 93 Subaru Legacy

water pump could be bad again. if the seal is out lets air in around pump propeller and it won't move water and it over heats. its a lot of work but you can fix it your self

Curt Downs

  • 1779 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 24, 2009

SOURCE: '90 Subaru Legacy overheating....

cool air and overheating point to low coolant level. Do you have a bleeder valve near the thermostat? You may have air trapped in the system. If no air trapped, the radiator may be plugged up not allowing proper circulation of coolant.

jwtbagger

  • 258 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 08, 2010

SOURCE: My cars temp gauge always stays on cold and even

this happens quit a bit the thermostat is stuck open replace good luck

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