billtom

I had the same overheating problem on my '90 Legacy wagon. I thought for sure that the heads were leaking. I figured that I had nothing to loose by tearing down the front section of the engine and taking a look at the water pump. Turns out the pump was worn completely out. I replaced the pump, thermostat, timing belts and pulleys. The car runs great now. I certainly can't guarantee that that 's your problem but spending a couple of hours checking the pump sure beats an engine or head change. Good Luck!

I disassembled the Timing belt and water pump assembly. I hoped that maybe it could be the water pump as suggested in some of the posts. Found that the water pump had a lot of play in the impeller shaft. I replaced the pump along with the timing belt and idlers. I held my breath and took a drive on the highway. The car ran great without any overheating problem. It looks like this old subie has some miles left on it yet. Yipeee! Thanks to all of the people that replied with their posts. It helped me a LOT!

I have considered rebuilding this motor. If I pull it, what the heck, I may as well throw in a crankshaft kit, cam bearings, and a complete set of seals. What is the comparison to buying a factory rebuilt engine vs. doing the rebuild myself, or maybe getting a junkyard motor. I'm a little skeptical about a used motor since there is no way to tell how it was run or maintained.

Replacing a few parts isn't too bad. I drive 40 miles each way to work so this Legacy performs well for a work car. It keeps me from piling up miles on my 2010 Forester and isn't bad on gas. I'd be happy if I could get 3 or so years out of it. I appreciate all of the advice, it's a huge help to hear from other subie enthusiests. I guess it's time for me to get the tool box out and get busy.

The car has 112,000 miles on it. I got the car about 1 1/2 years ago. I'm not sure if it matters but the car would sit for months at a time and was barely driven for 8 years before I got it. I'll look at the coolant and see if there are bubbles. I am sure that this is the original water pump so I wouldn't be surprised if it has some corrosion.

Thanks for the information. I was sure hoping it was something minor. I can't complain though, I got the car for free from my Mother in law. Putting some work into it will be worth it. The car is in good shape other than this problem.

Type of Wrenching: Shadetree What: From 60's hot rods to my wife's 97 Acura, my 2010 Forester, and my 90 Legacy L wagon. I love to work on cars or almost anything that needs fixing. I've saved loads of money over the years, but I do know when to call a pro. How long: I have been wrenching for forty years. Built, loved, and raced hot rods years ago and now just love to do my own repairs and maintainance.

My 90' Legacy is overheating sporadically. The problem starts once the car is good and warmed up for a while. The temp gauge suddenly climbs to high, during this time the heater blows cold air. All of a sudden the temp gauge will start dropping, then the heater will start blowing hot again. It will do this on and off during trips without any sort of time pattern. The problem is getting worse with longer hot periods. I installed a new thermostat. This didn't help. The fans both work. Coolant is full but I can smell that anti-freeze odor. The system doesn't seem to build up pressure. I can't find any leaks. I'm stumped! Billtom, North Carolina