Loyale heat issues.. bot only over 60

[Micahgc]

I have a 93 loyale that runs great, it idles smooth, has no issues around town, but when I get on the freeway it gradually runs hotter and hotter. It never goes above 1/2 on the temp gauge around town except rarely if its really hot and the ac is on, but its rare for it to even get warm then. However, anytime I drive on the freeway over about 60mph, it gradually warms up, and, in about 45 minutes gets up close to the red. Its done this since I bought it, and I can't figure it out. It now has a 185 t-stat, fan is grounded to run anytime the car is on, and the radiator and coolant system has been flushed a couple times with a hose--the fan helped, as I don't think it was even turning on before, but it still tries to overheat over 65.

 

The things that's really throwing me is that it NEVER overheats around town.. every cooling issue I've messed with has been the opposite, where its a bigger problem at idle.

 

its running about 3k rpm down the highway at 60 or 65, its a 5 speed manual as well.

 

Would it help to swap out the belt driven fan for the ac for a high cfm electric fan wired with a thermostat? Id then have dual fans pulling air thru when its warm, it seems like it should make up the difference. It also seems, though, that Subaru would design their car to be able to get up to speed..

 

I'm confused, if anyone has ideas on what might be causing it, I really would appreciate the help!

[markjw]

I have read several times on the board here,that the symptoms you are describing,heating up on the freeway but not around town or at idle,usually indicates a plugged radiator.

 

I do know that a "flush" with a garden hose will not unplug a radiator that is clogged with mineral deposits.So,even thou you have flushed your radiator,it may still be the problem.

 

Also,make sure you install a OEM thermostat. There is No substitute.

[zeke998]

I had the same issues with my 94 Loyale last summer. I did all the easy and cheap things first but it took a new radiator to fix the problem. and make sure you burp the system. My vote is a new radiator .

[Micahgc]

Thanks for the replies. I was a little concerned it might be the radiator. I understand that 'flushing' it with a garden hose isn't really that effective, but when I did it the water came thru clean. It seemed to run right through, so I didn't think it was plugged at all, although I don't know how the volume of a hose compares to a water pump throwing coolant through. Is there any good tricks or kits to flush it at home, or do I need some special thing to do it right? Id like to try flushing it before spending the money on a new radiator, but what's your experience with this?

[MilesFox]

Sounds like an inefficient radiator. It would be a good idea to consider replacing the water pump also, since they can eat away the impeller and not flow as effectively.

[donnieru]

Hello. To see if it is your radiator let the car get warm then shut the engine down. Once you make sure the fans aren't running feel the radiator. If your radiator is clogged it will have cold spots on it. My 91 Loyale had the same issues.

[john in KY]

After you install the new radiator, cut open the old one and you will see why the garden hose trick was a waste of time.