CFab Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 My 1998 Forester (manual trans) runs great, but began OVERHEATING a few months ago. the heater wouldn't work either. I replaced the thermostat (seriously! that's not the best placement for a part that should be an easy fix). It was working fine for a couple of months and it has suddenly began to overheat again. It will be fine, then suddenly start to climb to the RED zone and beyond. Heater won't put out heat generally when this happens. It rectified itself a couple of times, but then would begin to overheat again. it seems like the coolant is not circulating when this happens as the radiator is not very hot and the upper radiator hose is soft and not very hot either. the engine doesn't feel particularly hot when I hold my hand over it either, and it smells pretty normal. no fluid leaks noticeable. the fans are running fine. It seems it cools down pretty quick when I stop for a bit. What is up? is the water pump going out? was the thermostat i bought defective? please give me constructive suggestions how to troubleshoot this so I don't go replacing parts I don't have to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 aIR POCKET IN COOLING SYSTEM. maY BE A HEAD GASKET ISSUE. bURP AND REFILL, AND do this often. Best use OWM thermos as it is twice as large as an aftermarket unit. Especially due to the location at the bottom of the radiator o the water pump. Not sure of all the air out of the system? Fill via the upper hose. Cool heat is an indication of an air pocket, low coolant, burp and add as neccessary. Avoid overheating the block. The 2.5 does have its inherent problem with HG failing between the fire ring and the water jacket. A new gasket superseded the old one and is a permanent fix. All of that old timer wisdome does not apply with subarus, So any of grandpa's tricks won't work or are not recommended. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivans imports Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 head gaskets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
later, Peter Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 head gaskets or plugged radiator.... & if not refilled with coolant PROPERLY, you'll create more air pockets & the cycle starts again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanaugh23 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I'm having the same issue however I have noticed that the coolant level in the reservoir is at the top. Also, when it runs hot, the heat is hot and not cool. The radiator is about 2 years old and I replaced the thermostat (purchased through RockAuto) about 3 months ago. I'm I also experiencing a problem with the HG? Should I replace the thermostat again (purchased through my local Subaru dealer)? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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