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Subaru outback overheating.
Car: Subaru, Outback, 1999 - Back to Fix-It - Subaru Repair Manuals
Q.Subaru outback overheating. Took to mechanic, did pressure check and found "hoses need replacing, radiator crack and thermostat replacement" Got work done.
Yes, they did add Subaru special additive. Drove away- car overheated to two line below redline.
Stopped car, small amount of leaking. Let car cool down, started up again and car didn't go past mid point.
Because afraid I could blow head gasket, left car at shop and had mechanic look at it again today.
They drove it, said it was fine. I left and again less than a mile away, gauge crept up to over midpoint but two lines below redline. Let car cool down, restarted and drove home with heater on high. car never went past midpoint on this trip.
No white smoke, no leaking, hoses didn't feel hot, heard fan kick on, no scum in water or on radiator cap. (Cap does appear to be old one) My mom says let car sit and have another shop look at it monday. Any ideas on why car is still doing this? Mom says maybe needs new cap or temp sensor.
I already checked/done: Aware of problems with this model but does not appear to be cracked block. Replaced radiator But does look like they used the old cap), hoses, coolent and had subaru recommended additive added, thermostat and gasket.
Driving home with heater full on car did not overheat or go above midpoint.
Answer HI there! It sounds like you may have the beginning of a head gasket problem.
The Subarus don;t actually leak coolant into the engine, rather the exhaust leaks into the cooling chamber.
This causes the coolant to become super hot in a big hurry. Usually 3 - 5 miles.
Take it to the new shop and ask them to test for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. I have done a bunch of these and it always starts this way. The best way to be sure is to check for hydro carbons. A pressure test dosn't normally show any problems. I have just seen this happen enough to let you know how to approach it.
Hope this helps!
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