Overheating 1992 Legacy 2.2

[mrmarsha]

Hi, my 1992 Legacy temperature gauge is showing that the engine is overheating, though it seems to be intermittent. I drive for about 20mins and temp is normal, then it suddenly jumps up to 3/4 hot and stays there. Sometimes it will then drop back to normal suddenly. The engine doesn't appear to be overhot when physically checking under the hood. Radiator is full and not leaking, fan seems to be coming on at appropriate time, heater is working fine. Any suggestions for what is going on here??

Thanks!

[markjw]

Check for bubbles in the over flow tank. If you see bubbles,thats an indication that you have a leaky headgasket.

 

Also,reach under the car and feel the lower radiator hose. If it's significantly cooler than the top hose,that's another indication of HG problems.

 

Of course,it could be that you need a new radiator cap and/or themostat.

 

Search and you'll find lotsa info on the subject.

[SubieDaddy80]

I agree with Mark. I would lean more towards the thermostat being the issue with what it sounds like.

[Fairtax4me]

Sounds like a thermostat issue. I've read quite a few posts suggesting the use of only Subaru thermostats rather than an after market part.

[JT95]

From memory of other people's past comments, head gasket issues with the 2.2 are rare.

 

Replace your thermostat. I had a very similar issue with my 95 2.2 Legacy. I replaced the thermostat...twice in the same week, and the issue still was happening. Then someone here suggested I "burp" the radiator, and I drove the car another 4 years without another overheating issue. Apparently, when refilling the radiator in the car, it is possible to get air pockets in the coolant system. I squeezed (like milking it) the radiator hose as i topped off the radiator and "burped" out the air pockets.

 

It doesn't cost anything to try, so why not.