overheating

[Killswitch057]

So I had to sell the LGT because i was broke and needed some money. I ended up getting a 99 limited outback for a pretty good price. the first two days i had it no problems. then today it has started to overheat when im stopped for more than 30 seconds. once i get moving again it goes down really quickly. i dont see any oil in the coolant so im really hoping it isnt my head gaskets. also the coolant tank was at normal levels and is now completely full with occasional bubbles coming up? any ideas whats going on?

[Garrison]

Thermostat could be going bad, or air in the system. Head gaskets are still a possibility though so don't discount that just yet

[Killswitch057]

well i bled the cooling system so that seems to have worked so far. hopefully that was all that needed to be done

[unsullied_spy]

Posting to subscribe. Having the exact same issue right now with everything new(ish) except for the radiator, heater core, and bypass hoses.

[Killswitch057]

Well for me it was definitely air in the cooling system. I did a coolant flush and it hasnt had an issue since.

[unsullied_spy]

Cool. Mine ended up being head gaskets again.

[brianl]

Similar boat with mine....

97 Legacy Outback.

New radiator, thermostat, radiator cap. Cap was aftermarket, not certain about tstat (shop installed) but was definitely "OEM style" if not a Subaru part, had bypass valve ("jiggle valve").

EVERY time I drive it (normally 16 miles), overflow tank goes from bottom mark to nearly full. if I drive it further it overheats.

Every time I drive it, after it cools i move coolant back to radiator from overflow tank. Even 3 hours after driving it, radiator (though cold) is pressurized; if I crack cap just a tiny bit I hear bubbling through into the overflow tank.

This is NOT just bleeding. WAY too much air/gas coming out, EVERY TRIP.

And if I catch it at that point, it never overheats...gauge is rock steady until coolant gets too low.

Any ideas that might NOT be head gasket????

Anybody know a good non-dealer Suby specialist in southeastern PA/northeastern MD? (Located midway between Bel Air MD and York PA, in Delta PA.)

Any good cost data on what HG's should cost to have done? Timing belt and water pump were supposedly done at Suby dealer for prior owner, in June, just a couple thousand miles ago.

Thanks,
B

[unsullied_spy]

If you have bubbles in your overflow tank and especially if it smells of exhaust then it's head gaskets. Sh*tty news, I know, but especially on a 97 it sounds like bad news. Verify with a local mechanic but it doesn't sound good. I don't have any ideas as to what else it may be.

I've got a guy here that does head gaskets for $350 plus machining cost and parts, but that's a special local deal. My computer at work lists 10.1 hours. Most mechanics where I live charge at least $70/hr plus parts. You'll need head gaskets, might as well have the oil pump re-sealed, rear main, cam seals, water pipe o-rings, intake gaskets will be needed, and possibly exhaust gaskets and valve cover gaskets. If the plugs haven't been changed recently this is a good time to do it, those are a pita to do in the car. I'm sure I'm missing something but that should give you a pretty good idea. It's a pretty big job but it's best to fix everything while it's apart.