steved

I'm having similar problems - '97 outback -118k - with the 2.5L engine; overheats after being on road for 15-20 mins. Thermostat has been replaced, mechanic "burped" the cooling system today - still overheats. Is hydrocarbon test next step to verify that it has joined the infamous ranks of subarus with headgasket problems? The water pump and radiator check out ok; I did test the old t-stat and it was functioning properly. The new t-stat I put in doesn't have the little bleeder valve. Is this critical? SHould I stick the old (genuine Subaru) back in? Also - can someone give me a quick overview of how to properly bleed air out of the cooling system? Steve

97 outback - 118000 miles 2.5L engine. I'm having almost identical problems to kidwon - car overheats - sudden spike in temp. to H (or maxes out), coolant boil over into the reservoir. Mechanic tried to "burp" it today - said a big air pocket in coolant system - but still overheats. Thermostat checked; water pump was replaced. I did have a problem w/ a timing belt repair (at 106k miles). The tensioner pully (not replaced) broke, belt nearly sheared through the cover. Mechanic replaced belt and said vehicle "did not go out of time". But perhaps this caused valve damage? The car runs ok local for short trips,but any highway driving and its overheat city. Do I try to sell it at an auction and cut my losses, or try to fix this problem?