Brian, love you videos! This is the right way to check a thermostat. However I have to tell you that the spring is not Bi-Metal, it is just a spring. The capsule in the middle is filled with a fluid that expands and contracts at a certain temperature. This is what actuates the thermostat. The spring is what closes it. Keep up the good work!
One very important thing on a Subaru is to ALWAYS use an OEM thermostat when replacing it, the aftermarket ones are a different design and can cause elevated temperatures and other issues. Also, just to add, symptoms of head gasket failure on the older DOHC engines is bubbles in the coolant reservoir from combustion gases (you can also run air into the cylinder in a leak down to check for bubbles) as these ones had internal leaks. The newer SOHC engines had external leaks.
My suburu is overheating after a few minutes of driving, i checked the therm and it works fine. Im not sure if it is a head gasket problem, because i figured if that were it it would have to burn off enough coolant to make it overheat, and it getting hot after just a couple miles when the radiator is full. So my question is do you think it could be a clogged up radiator?
Just got a 06 sti and it just temporarilly gets hot from 192-207. No leaking of rad fluid. Only when it's 100+ outside. Gonna try and "burp" and fill correctly, hardwire fans and then do the mishimoto therm and wrap my header... Dang corn fed big turboed subie. Thanks for showing me this
if took my 1995 subaru legacy to a garage,for overheating (temp gage goes to H after about 5-10 min + cold air only coming out of interior heater)can you tell me what I should expect for cost for replacement of thermastat vs head gasket failure. I really enjoyed your video as I know nothing about this and was able to get a fair idea how the heating system works. forgot to mention the interior air is quite cold-feels like a/c is on thank you
It's been a long time since you made this video so you probably already know what I'm fixing to say it's very simple to find out if you have a faulty thermostat in your Subaru 2.5 as you already know the thermostat is on the bottom of the engine .Start your car ,let it get hot, cut the car off, check your top radiator hose if it's hot check the bottom radiator hose it will be cold this shows that the water is not circulating and the thermostat is not working correctly.Also the little jiggle valve on the thermostat should be pointing at the radiator not the block. Thank you for your video
got a problem,i have a 2003 subaru outbback,replaced the head gaskets,thermostat,water pump,radiator,hoses,and it continues to over heat,the coolant builds up in resavoir tank and does not return to radiator.i am at my wits end,any suggestions (other than junk it as my friends say)
Man, you are a trooper! Thanks for the info. My car is overheating and I started to panic. Changed the oil (was well overdue), and found a loss of coolant. the only symptom that would match a blown head-gasket was the overheating. I figured that the Pressurized reservoir cap is a bust, or I accidentally introduced air in the coolant system the last time I saw it empty/ near empty, or there is a leaking hose somewhere I haven't seen yet. No visible leaks anywhere, and no coolant found during the oil change. I'm changing out the reservoir caps out for a new one. I'm also doing a super flush, and a proper burping, on the coolant system tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!
Brian, you are da bomb bro. Who knew that you could learn so much while being entertained at the same time? You are awesome. Even the simplest of devices are intriguing when you explain them. Peace brother!
Hey man. Not sure when you will see this but I have an 02 subaru forester, just bought it a couple weeks ago. Its constantly overheating. Ive changed the thermostat twice an checked both of them an they both worked. Yes I burped it an made sure all bubbles were done coming out. But the subaru keeps over heating. I am unsure if its a blown head gasket or a bad water pump. I do not have any leaks or white smoke coming from the tail pipe or the engine bay. The car will run fine but if i drive it just down the road (5min or so) it will start to overheat again. When I just have the car sitting and running for 30min or more it's fine, it wont over heat at all. Just a bit perpexled. I've thought maybe its the radiator but it doesn't show any signs of damage or leaking either. I also took the thermostat off completely an hooked the hose back up an the freaking car will drive fine and wont over heat at all. So i'm assuming the water pump is fine also. Not sure how else to diagnose this issue to figure out what exactly is going on with the car. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you in advance!
I have this problem! I went ahead and replaced the T stat and it still boils into the overflow tank after 10 mins. Both top and lower hoses are hot and the bottom one seems to bulge a little. Trapped gases? Poor rad? 2005 outback. Great videos thanks!!
On my mothers Forester she kept complaining she could smell somthing. And of course when I go over and look nothing. well after months of this, I was replacing a CV boot and saw a slight tell-tale sign of coolant ontop of the exaust right uncer the seam between the head and the block. Strange thing is there was no noticable loss in coolant. I guess on her long shopping excursions, it would heat and warp just slightly and allow coolant out-air in and form bubble on the termostat eventully.
I have 2 Subaru Legacy's. Both have given me the same overheating problem at various times. The solution is ridiculously simple. Air gets trapped in the heater element, which sits under the dashboard and is higher than the radiator so that the air does not bleed out. There is no independent thermostat bypass in a Subaru. The hot water flowing through the heater element re-joins the main cooling system at the thermostat and acts as the thermostat bypass, heating up the thermostat so that it can open. The thermostat is at the bottom of the engine and receives cool water coming back from the radiator which causes it to close unless the bypass coming via the heater is flowing properly to keep the thermostat hot. So if you have an airlock in the heater element your car will overheat because the thermostat is not getting hot water to open it. This tends to occur more at low revs, like when driving in traffic. If you rev the engine this often pushes more coolant through the heater and opens the thermostat and suddenly the engine cools down again. The way to prove this is to bypass the heater element. Get or make a u-bend of 16mm metal pipe and disconnect the two heater hoses at the firewall behind the engine and join them together with the u-bend and two hose clamps. The overheating problem will go away for good. But of course, now you have no heater. The best solution if you want your heater to work is to cut both the heater hoses at a suitable spot next to each other and to fit a T-piece in each hose and join them together. (See photos). Then water can bypass the heater element keeping the thermostat functioning properly and enough hot water will still flow through the heater element to warm up the car's interior. This is the best solution, because every time you have work done on the cooling system, air gets in and it is almost impossible to get it out of the heater element again. You then get erratic overheating problems when you least expect them, and the symptoms mimic a blown head gasket, with water being blown out of the radiator and the expansion tank overflowing. Alternatively one can try to clear the airlock from the heater element by disconnecting the left heater hose and back flushing the element with a garden hose, then quickly reattaching the hose while trying not to let air in. But the above solution with the two T-pieces to bypass the heater element has worked better for me and provides a permanent solution, and getting air out of the cooling system after any future repairs will not be a problem again. I used a straight piece of hose to join across the T-pieces in the one car, and I used a U-shaped piece of hose in the other car. The U shape allows one to get away with not getting the T-pieces perfectly aligned, but can be hard to obtain. However a spare of the U-shaped rubber bypass hose that attaches the metal bypass hose to the thermostat housing is the right shape and diameter. see photos here: - www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t17159_ds614293
I bought my impreza with your configuration and thought that somebody in the workshop was falling asleep. I rejoined the hose as it were supposed to be and suddenly the car overheats like nobody's business. Now I understood why the coolant hose was bend and sent back to where it came from. Gosh, talk about poor design from Subaru...
I just jack the front of the car or put it oon car ramps. This way the the radiator cap will be higher than the heater exchanger thus allowing the air to escape. Good luck with the subarust.
Wow, I thought my 1999 Subaru Legacy was the only one who had that problem. No internet back then, no suggestions from mechanics either. It happened on a trip, the shop didn't have a thermostat available oh, so we just left it out. I forgot about that, drove another 60000 miles without one. Didn't have any problems at all. Heated well and cooled well. Crazy huh?
My 2002 subaru legacy 2.5 began overheating a year ago.Did the head gaskets.Still overheating,at least the temp gaige says so.The mechanic says it's a faulty gauge and wants me to get another instrument cluster.I say,when he pulled the motor out,he didn't get all the air out and he put a thermostat in that is deliberately stuck open.I want to put the right thermostat in the right way but don't know how,and I'm done with that mechanic.Is there a certain position for the thermostat to be placed so air won't get trapped?
Hi thanks very much for this. I drilled a few holes in my thermostat flange and that really help. Car no longer overheat. Still have to check coolant daily to ensure coolant not get blown out too much from the system as the HG's still leaking.
Classic head gasket failure symptoms. Do a compression gasses test at the coolant tank while it's bubbling. If the fluid goes from blue to yellow it's a head gasket. The combustion gasses collect around the thermostat and it stays closed. you can drill four to six holes in the thermostat plate to let the gasses through for a temporary fix to get by.
I changed out my thermostat and it seems like there in no fluid going into the line. My heat is not there and the outlet on top is hot. Do i have a clog somewhere? I did find cloth like material when i removed cap. Last owner used radiator stop leak I think?
Test it while it's out. If it's good drill three small holes equally spaced in the main plate of the thermostat where the bleeder hole and brass bobble are.
Excellent advice. I'm a 74 year old senior citizen and I understood everything that you described and I can do this. Thank you bcuz I love my 2000 Outback AWS. I always view a TH-cam before I take it to the mechanic.😉
So I am thinking it is air in the system or may have faulty bad factory thermostat and leaning towards just replacing it and drilling an extra hole to bleed the air? I have checked for oil in the the radiator and did an extra oil change to check for antifreeze mixed in with the oil and it is all clear? I have Hayes manual and in the trouble shooting section they also indicate that it could be a bad water pump or a block radiator core. What are your thoughts on this?
Very helpful video! I had my whole coolant system inspected and radiator replaced and still experiencing overheating. Thermostat is hopefully the cause!
Not sure if you realized just how much information,good and important information you actually spit in this video..ALOT. I literally took down some notes from things you said in this video..thank you.
This was the most helpful video, explanation, possibilities I could find! Thank you so much. I learned a ton in just that small time frame. Things no one has informed me of in a month of trying to figure out wtf is wrong with my car.😊
Sounds like an 03-04 EJ25 (2.5L) These are VERY HARD TO BLEED AIR OUT OF. You have to "heat cycle" bleed them. Air collects and gets trapped at the thermostat spring. It takes a while to accumulate there, but when it does it shuts the heat off and begins to raise the temp quickly. The best thing to do is drill three holes evenly spaced like a Benz symbol in the plate just inside the O-ring and run it till the heat comes on- shut it down and let it cool. Come back and top off. Repeat.
Usually that type of system is related to the ignition control module getting hot and there not being enough white heat conductive paste on it anymore so it burns up and cuts out when too much heat accumulates.
The right head was replaced 2000 miles ago with a felpro head gasket and a new head. Here we are again with the coolant pushing from radiator to the overflow tank. Do you think I'll have to have the head surfaced Or just replace the gasket? I've also heard to use 6 star head gaskets. Do you use these? I've heard they are very good.
I have a 2008 Subaru Forester Turbo, blue, tan leather interior. I know, awesome. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it, have had it for 3 years, put maybe 5,000 miles on it. It's my second Forester because the first one was awesome. 8 months ago, there was smoke coming out of the engine, coolant, overhearting, needle went red almost immediately, didn't even crawl up. Put in a new aftermarket radiator. Every two months it overheats out of nowhere. Dealers are stumped. Brainsmobile, prove yourself.
The spring is made of spring steel and does not cause the thermostat to open, the capsule in the middle opens the thermostat. The other thing to check during an overheating event is a plugged heater core not flowing enough coolant to the thermostat.
On the thought of the T stat. What are your thoughts of just putting a saf-Tstat. In my shop i have yet to see a return customer . (just to solve a problem OR prevent one
If your coolant is low, you need to find if you have a leak/ or if it's being pushed out by compression gasses. (head gasket failure). Once you top off the radiator the gurgling should desist. If it does come back you know you've got one of the for mentioned maladies.
question . . i got a 99 subaru legacy gt 2.5 dohc. . the head gaskets dont leak externally at all . . exhaust fumes smell like water vapors (clean), no leaks of coolant anywhere . . no coolant mixture in oil pan, oil cap or reservoir . . when i first start up the car cold and drive it around the block some coolant will shoot into the reservoir and almost overflow it . . temperature will go above half way when stopped and quickly go low again. fans work . any tips ? car drives awesome.
Thank you so much for the video. Is there a video where you talk about the coolant pushing into the overflow tank and pushing out the tube that goes into the radiator neck? If there is not evidence of coolant in the oil, no leaks other than from the overflow tank and no some, what should I check? It is an 03 Outback with 260K, headgaskets were replaced at about 190K or so.
Really appreciate this video and explaining done. My Tribeca keeps over heating we changed the radiator, fan and thermostat. But it keeps doing it. Last time we ran it without the Thermostat and it wasnt over heating. Is that a sign that its probably the head gaskets?
Hey Brian I'm currently working on my 2003 Subaru legacy wagon with an overheating problem. I've changed the radiator, coolant temp sensor,PCV valve ,and it still gets hot after 20 mins of driving. Do I change my thermostat next? Not a mechanic but learning fast because of your videos. Can't part with the car help
Hi Brian, My subbie is acting up a bit, when cruising on the freeway temp goes up to 208 and hovers around 205. When car is not moving and idling goes to 205 and then fans kick in temp goes down. Lately tho, fan kicks in stays at 200, turn the heater on and temp drops slowly...... Could this be a sign of bad thermostat? Or is it head gasket? Thanks in advance
Hey! I appreciate the video! I needed to know this! I got white smoke out of my hood. Never the back end. Now I am facing replacing an engine- even though I got it serviced before it blew. Keep posting! My suby is driving me nuts!!!
Hey i have a subaru legacy 97 2.5 gt i started it up this.morning and let it heat up n when i go in the car the heat was warm n gauge was good then i drove two blocks n the temp gauge went all the way up n the heat turned cold it only overheats when its driven when its running in the driveway it is fine n heat is hot. . . Im thinking it is the thermastat any ideas?
Hey Brian..my husband Barry commented about the Suburu thermostat and it saved us! I now would like to ask about the engine wants to stall when you have the air conditioning on and you come to a stop and, sometimes even when the air is not on the engine wants to miss at 40 to 50 miles per hour. Help, Sherri Hinkle
It is funny you mention that. It is a TURBO and a couple of years ago, there was a long plastic thing that covered the bottom of the car that came loose. The mechanic took it all off and since then I have had this issue. He said it had something to do with air flow.
If your head gasket is leaking and you've patched it up to make the car run without overheating as a short term fix by drilling the thermostat, you still have a compression loss that causes a weaker engine performance as a result.
Hi Brian, Can find this answer on google so Im hoping you can help. My 03 pathfinder overflows the overflow tank when Im towing a trailer with 2,500 pounds. I have towed 2k without a problem. I drive it daily with no issues. Cant figure it out! It is rated to tow 5k and the temperature needle is always reading normal. Any idea? Please?
do you happen to know what the sensor is that's right next to the coolant temp sensor on the back of the engine? it has one wire and it broke off . 1996 legacy 2.2 150,000 miles I've had the engine resealed and heads resurfaced, new rad, thermostat, hoses,working on the sensors now,,,,...still hot!
Hi Brian. How about drilling an extra hole (or two) in the flange of the thermostat? I was having overheating problems before but now everything seems to be ok... The temp gauge stays level now. I'm just worried that if I do have a head gasket issue, all I have done so far is take care of a symptom instead of the problem. Is there any danger of my motor blowing up even if its not overheating? 98 Legacy GT ej25 Your videos are great btw! Thank you for all of the well-structured information!!!
I have a 2008 subaru impreza basic model and i replaced thermostat, water pump, timing belt, pulleys, belts, upper lower hoses, radiator, bypass hose and i bled the coolant. Afterwards my coolant levels seemed low, and i would have to top it off every 2-3 days. Just wondering if i can get any help of what it might be. any answer or opinion is appreciated. thanks
2011 Outback only overheats when the A/C is not in use, radiator, thermostat, and water pump have been replaced. Water pump was replaced for regular maintenance, the overheating issue started after the water pump was replaced 2 months ago. The thermostat and radiator was replaced to try and fix the issue. Suggestions ?
hey Brian I know this is an old video but, I have a question regarding how to fill your system with coolant on these flat engines, since I'm about to change the oil cooler o ring and a new T stat. should I fill the radiator first and then keep pouring coolant on the top tank to fill the whole system and just bleed it out for a few minutes?
Is white smoke exhaust guaranteed to happen if a head gaskets blown on a Subaru? Is there a scenario a head gasket could be blown and you don't get white smoke?
Brian if the thermostat was tested and works, the bottom radiator hose is icy cold and the top hose is hot. I swapped out the thermostat and it still is the same result. Could this be a water pump issue?
I'm a VW Vanagon guy, the water cooled motors are notorious for bad head gaskets. A good tell is to hook a pressure gauge into the cooling system, with a bad gasket pressure will quickly (3 minutes) go to 15 lbs, normal is slowly (10 minutes) build to 7 lbs.. Might work for Subaru too.
I dint have any symptoms orher than running hot so ran a check to see if combustion gasses in the coolant and it took a while but there was sucked because no oil in coolant and no coolant in oul but i think i cought it really soon the water pump started leaking so changed tgat abd timing belt and it still ran hot but i was just trying to burb it and after a day of that i went and got the kit to check for combustion gasses now just waiting for parts well and i have to clean the heads and redeck them and clean the block deck but ups is screwing everything up!!!! Good info on your video!!!!!!!
hi Brian.. I live in Brazil and have a WRX 2002 turbo (all stock). three months ago it had two singular event.. after one week whitout use, on starting the engine I heard that sound like connecting rod noise but after few minutes it get normal again ..I completed the engine oil a little bit more..some day after I hit a speed bumper ..and tem . the gas pedal has now an annoying vibration ...could it be related to CRANCK BEARING DAMAGE or ENGINE MOUNT DAMAGES ( the mine are the soft OEM mounts
brian, i need help on this one. so the car overheated. i put in a new water pump, thermostat, both head gaskets, all the belts and many other little mods. after two hours of testing in 30° temp i have some assumptions. the top hose is always hot and bottom is always cold. i drilled two more holes in thermostat in case of air or combustion gases. when the hot air is on and driving, it cools properly but the air turns cold and instant overheat. mostly turns cold when i accelerate or drive for ....
I have another question. How hot is to hot. 1980 Trans Am after about 30 minutes of driving it reaches 214 degrees, its the original 301 non-turbo. thoughts? Love your channel..
brian, i have discovered a hole in the radiator i believe. it steams from a certain location all the time. do you think that is the problem or the reason air is getting into the system? thanks
I am also hearing water trickling when I first start to drive my 08 Outback. I posted a question on another video about why my car keeps overheating. It's been more frequent lately. The engine just sounds rough when I accelerate too. If I am doing alot of uphill driving I will notice the coolant level goes down also. What does all of this add up to? I had the radiator flushed and checked for leaks, I had the compression test for gases done, I changed thermstat housing. my mechanic not sure
I've got a 2000 legacy outback, I've changed the thermostat, put new spark plugs, changed oil and filter, and top off engine coolant, and it's still over heating, It doesn't show any signs that the head gasket is bad but when I was putting coolant in it, the radiator kinda geysered. Heaters and defroster don't work so I think I need a new heater core but I don't think that has anything to do with the overheating. My engine fans work as well fyi. Anyone have any thoughts? Have not tried the burping thing yet, but will soon.
@briansmobile1 Its a new water heater, timing chain, motor oil after driving her for 2,000 miles look clean as it could be. new preasure cap on radiator too. Radiator is also new and does not leak. I am so lost..lol
Brian, How about leaving the factory thermostat out, and using an aftermarket inline hose thermostat, installed in the upper hose. Wouldn't that allow a good burp, eliminating the problem? Thanks for great videos. Example: JEGS 53260K1 In-Line Thermostat Housing Kit
Hi thanks for your videos, I just made a video of my 97' Outback having some cooling issues. Would you mind taking a look at it and giving me your input? I dont want to change the head gasket unless i really have to. Thanks again
Hi mate I got a ford transit van ( I'm from the uk) it starts first time but when it gets to running temperature it cuts out and I'm confused and I don't no what it can be have you any idea?
Hi Brian, I've got a 2001 2.5 RS and received a P0128 code that indicates coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature. Should a new thermostat take care of this?
hi, my GC8 WRX GT ver 5 coolant leaks when im driving rough or when i rev high.. i sent to workshop and they removed my thermostat. it was ok but after a month the coolant leaks again..i couldn't fine where the leaks came from..all of the hoses looking fine and no damage..coolant leaking from below..not from the radiator hose or radiator coolant tank but below the coolant tank..
well what if your driving with a faulty radiator and your only driving for a few seconds with the temp gauge in the hot range but after like a mintue or so you shut it off to help it cool? the plastic fitting on the radiator that the upper hose connects to completely discintigrated and I was trying to get it home...would that kill my head gasket?
Brian , my 98 subi e20 would be dead without your , amazing ,guidance, it has 375 klm's , still going strong ,!st model of Forrester in Australia , Thanks my friend ,
I JUST BOUGHT 2006 LL BEAN H6.I CHANGED THERMOSTATE AND TEMP SENSOR..I STILL HAVE TEMP GUAGE THAT GOES UP TO 3/4 THEN DROPS BACK DOWN TO HALF AFTER DRIVIN 10 MINUTES....IT JUST KEEPS FLUCTUATING BASICALLY..WOULD DRILLING SOME HOLES IN THAT THERMOSTATE HELP WITH TRAPPED AIR PASSING THROUGH IT BETTER? ..DOES DRILLING THEM ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL WORK DO YOU KNOW?
IT DOES WORK. LESS IS MORE IF ITS OPENING UP ON IT'S OWN THOUGH. ONE HOLE HIGH SHOULD DO IT IF AT ALL. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE THERMOSTAT THAT'S IN IT IS STICKING A LITTLE. I RECOMMEND REPLACING IT WITH A DEALERSHIP ONE.
Mine 2008 Subaru Impreza has the same overheating problem + coolant leaking. The inter cooler is ok and changed the thermostat but still haven’t figured out what it could be cuz recently 15k km ago water pump was also changed. Help me please
Awesome videos! So I have made my life extra challenging when taking off my thermostat housing, I broke off a bolt. It isn't flush with the block, but being that it is under the block I'm not sure any WD40 or PB blaster will get into the threads. Any ideas on how to get the bolt out or have I just killed made my car?
the thermostat housing bolts onto the water pump. The water pump bolts onto the engine block under the timing belt covers. At the very worst case scenario, you change the water pump. And while you're at it..change the timing belt and idlers ..they sell them in a kit that includes the water pump ..then you're good to go for another 100K miles..providing the head gaskets weren't the problem!
I have a 97 legacy L wagon, and a few weeks ago I followed your channel because the car was overheating I replaced the thermostat. It's been running good since. Until today it overheated again so I popped the hood and there was no radiator cap, so I found and put it back on, but it kept overheating. I filled with water, and replaced the cap. It's not overheating, but the needle is just above the center mark on the meter. I am not a mechanic, and glad to have found you. What do you suggest is next for me to do with my car?
Question: If I had a possible bad thermostat and had to drive about 300 miles to get home to change it, first, is that possible? If so, how would I do so safely without overheating or causing damage to my engine?
I have a subaru legacy 2006. My subaru overheats when climbing hills or when on fast speed on a highway or when I go long distances. The engine heats up so fast when I accelerate. Also the coolant is consumed super fast. What might be the problem, I changed the gaskets and had the block realigned, but the problem still persists.
Mugambi Alois Having the same problem, suspecting the thermostat. Going to buy an OEM thermostat and praying it fixes it. Will comment again if it resolves the overheating. GL to you!
Thermostat always sticks shut. They put a small hole in them but not enough to keep it from overheating. I always change emm and drill a 1/8 inch hole in mine to keep it from ever being a problem again. Just my 2cents.
Mugambi Alois Hi, where did you get the fan switch? ..and radiator have good pressure and is not leaking..should i go ahead and changed it anyway? Please answer me back and i do appreciate it, thanks
@briansmobile1 Its basically an overhead cam version of the VW boxer engine On blown head gaskets/cracked head/cracked block - You forgot the 'mayonnaise' on the oil fill cap, and bubbles on your dipstick, along with an oil level that constantly goes up to the point it overflows out the dipstick tube
How would one go about fixing the head gaskets on the Subarus. I know for sure mine are not good and need replaced, I was told it's very hard to do but I'd like to try.
+Jerry Addison That sucks, but there's alot to be done and tested before you tear down the engine. For example, it is death serious that your radiator caps are sitting on the right places, not being mixed up.
+Jerry Addison First of all you can replace your radiator caps with two brand new as they can start to malfunction when getting older. Its two different caps, not just the pressure you read upon them. I would also like to know when and how the car is acting when it overheats, is it when you drive slow or fast or doesn't it matter what speed you're travelling in? Do your two fans run properly?
+Jerry Addison Is it wet under the car? Well, the leak can anywhere, if there's a leak it will probably be the radiator or and old hose. If it's the radiator you could probably seal it yourself by using an soldering iron. If a hose is leaking you simply buy a new one. :)
@odewepe 195-198 is PERFECT! At 220 F gaskets and seals start going melt face.
Nice - in the last 5 minutes I learned more about cars than I have from all my time working on cars. Cool and thanks for the info.
Brian, love you videos! This is the right way to check a thermostat. However I have to tell you that the spring is not Bi-Metal, it is just a spring. The capsule in the middle is filled with a fluid that expands and contracts at a certain temperature. This is what actuates the thermostat. The spring is what closes it. Keep up the good work!
@odewepe Is the water pump impeller rusted away? If not it's time for a compression gasses check at the radiator filler neck.
One very important thing on a Subaru is to ALWAYS use an OEM thermostat when replacing it, the aftermarket ones are a different design and can cause elevated temperatures and other issues. Also, just to add, symptoms of head gasket failure on the older DOHC engines is bubbles in the coolant reservoir from combustion gases (you can also run air into the cylinder in a leak down to check for bubbles) as these ones had internal leaks. The newer SOHC engines had external leaks.
@odewepe How is the radiator on it? Is it full of cat hair, corrosion, stop leak?
My suburu is overheating after a few minutes of driving, i checked the therm and it works fine. Im not sure if it is a head gasket problem, because i figured if that were it it would have to burn off enough coolant to make it overheat, and it getting hot after just a couple miles when the radiator is full. So my question is do you think it could be a clogged up radiator?
You are a good "explainer", Brian. Thanks.
Just got a 06 sti and it just temporarilly gets hot from 192-207. No leaking of rad fluid. Only when it's 100+ outside. Gonna try and "burp" and fill correctly, hardwire fans and then do the mishimoto therm and wrap my header... Dang corn fed big turboed subie. Thanks for showing me this
if took my 1995 subaru legacy to a garage,for overheating (temp gage goes to H after about 5-10 min + cold air only coming out of interior heater)can you tell me what I should expect for cost for replacement of thermastat vs head gasket failure. I really enjoyed your video as I know nothing about this and was able to get a fair idea how the heating system works.
forgot to mention the interior air is quite cold-feels like a/c is on
thank you
It's been a long time since you made this video so you probably already know what I'm fixing to say it's very simple to find out if you have a faulty thermostat in your Subaru 2.5 as you already know the thermostat is on the bottom of the engine .Start your car ,let it get hot, cut the car off, check your top radiator hose if it's hot check the bottom radiator hose it will be cold this shows that the water is not circulating and the thermostat is not working correctly.Also the little jiggle valve on the thermostat should be pointing at the radiator not the block. Thank you for your video
Wouldn't a dead water pump produce the same symptoms?
Ive had Subaru people tell me the bottom hose should be cool as the hot fluid is at the top coming in so it should be cool coming out.
got a problem,i have a 2003 subaru outbback,replaced the head gaskets,thermostat,water pump,radiator,hoses,and it continues to over heat,the coolant builds up in resavoir tank and does not return to radiator.i am at my wits end,any suggestions (other than junk it as my friends say)
Man, you are a trooper!
Thanks for the info. My car is overheating and I started to panic. Changed the oil (was well overdue), and found a loss of coolant. the only symptom that would match a blown head-gasket was the overheating. I figured that the Pressurized reservoir cap is a bust, or I accidentally introduced air in the coolant system the last time I saw it empty/ near empty, or there is a leaking hose somewhere I haven't seen yet. No visible leaks anywhere, and no coolant found during the oil change. I'm changing out the reservoir caps out for a new one. I'm also doing a super flush, and a proper burping, on the coolant system tomorrow morning.
Wish me luck!
How'd it go?
Brian, you are da bomb bro. Who knew that you could learn so much while being entertained at the same time? You are awesome. Even the simplest of devices are intriguing when you explain them. Peace brother!
Hey man. Not sure when you will see this but I have an 02 subaru forester, just bought it a couple weeks ago. Its constantly overheating. Ive changed the thermostat twice an checked both of them an they both worked. Yes I burped it an made sure all bubbles were done coming out. But the subaru keeps over heating. I am unsure if its a blown head gasket or a bad water pump. I do not have any leaks or white smoke coming from the tail pipe or the engine bay. The car will run fine but if i drive it just down the road (5min or so) it will start to overheat again. When I just have the car sitting and running for 30min or more it's fine, it wont over heat at all. Just a bit perpexled. I've thought maybe its the radiator but it doesn't show any signs of damage or leaking either. I also took the thermostat off completely an hooked the hose back up an the freaking car will drive fine and wont over heat at all. So i'm assuming the water pump is fine also. Not sure how else to diagnose this issue to figure out what exactly is going on with the car. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you in advance!
@easydoz1 Keep an eye on that. If a fan dies and stops it can do that and then free up again.
This one helped me repair the grandson's wife Subi, head gasket malfunction. Thank you very much.
Thank you Brian for posting on youtube, your advice saved me from buying an engine. Thank you,thank you, thank you!
I have this problem!
I went ahead and replaced the T stat and it still boils into the overflow tank after 10 mins. Both top and lower hoses are hot and the bottom one seems to bulge a little.
Trapped gases? Poor rad?
2005 outback.
Great videos thanks!!
On my mothers Forester she kept complaining she could smell somthing. And of course when I go over and look nothing. well after months of this, I was replacing a CV boot and saw a slight tell-tale sign of coolant ontop of the exaust right uncer the seam between the head and the block. Strange thing is there was no noticable loss in coolant. I guess on her long shopping excursions, it would heat and warp just slightly and allow coolant out-air in and form bubble on the termostat eventully.
I have 2 Subaru Legacy's. Both have given me the same overheating problem at various times. The solution is ridiculously simple. Air gets trapped in the heater element, which sits under the dashboard and is higher than the radiator so that the air does not bleed out. There is no independent thermostat bypass in a Subaru. The hot water flowing through the heater element re-joins the main cooling system at the thermostat and acts as the thermostat bypass, heating up the thermostat so that it can open. The thermostat is at the bottom of the engine and receives cool water coming back from the radiator which causes it to close unless the bypass coming via the heater is flowing properly to keep the thermostat hot. So if you have an airlock in the heater element your car will overheat because the thermostat is not getting hot water to open it. This tends to occur more at low revs, like when driving in traffic. If you rev the engine this often pushes more coolant through the heater and opens the thermostat and suddenly the engine cools down again.
The way to prove this is to bypass the heater element. Get or make a u-bend of 16mm metal pipe and disconnect the two heater hoses at the firewall behind the engine and join them together with the u-bend and two hose clamps. The overheating problem will go away for good. But of course, now you have no heater. The best solution if you want your heater to work is to cut both the heater hoses at a suitable spot next to each other and to fit a T-piece in each hose and join them together. (See photos). Then water can bypass the heater element keeping the thermostat functioning properly and enough hot water will still flow through the heater element to warm up the car's interior. This is the best solution, because every time you have work done on the cooling system, air gets in and it is almost impossible to get it out of the heater element again. You then get erratic overheating problems when you least expect them, and the symptoms mimic a blown head gasket, with water being blown out of the radiator and the expansion tank overflowing. Alternatively one can try to clear the airlock from the heater element by disconnecting the left heater hose and back flushing the element with a garden hose, then quickly reattaching the hose while trying not to let air in. But the above solution with the two T-pieces to bypass the heater element has worked better for me and provides a permanent solution, and getting air out of the cooling system after any future repairs will not be a problem
again.
I used a straight piece of hose to join across the T-pieces in the one car, and I used a U-shaped piece of hose in the other car. The U shape allows one to get away with not getting the T-pieces perfectly aligned, but can be hard to obtain. However a spare of the U-shaped rubber bypass hose that attaches the metal bypass hose to the thermostat housing is the right shape and diameter.
see photos here: - www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t17159_ds614293
I bought my impreza with your configuration and thought that somebody in the workshop was falling asleep. I rejoined the hose as it were supposed to be and suddenly the car overheats like nobody's business. Now I understood why the coolant hose was bend and sent back to where it came from. Gosh, talk about poor design from Subaru...
I just jack the front of the car or put it oon car ramps. This way the the radiator cap will be higher than the heater exchanger thus allowing the air to escape. Good luck with the subarust.
I'm having all the symptoms that you describe, than you for sharing!
Anthony van Tonder THANK YOU!
Wow, I thought my 1999 Subaru Legacy was the only one who had that problem. No internet back then, no suggestions from mechanics either. It happened on a trip, the shop didn't have a thermostat available oh, so we just left it out. I forgot about that, drove another 60000 miles without one. Didn't have any problems at all. Heated well and cooled well. Crazy huh?
My 2002 subaru legacy 2.5 began overheating a year ago.Did the head gaskets.Still overheating,at least the temp gaige says so.The mechanic says it's a faulty gauge and wants me to get another instrument cluster.I say,when he pulled the motor out,he didn't get all the air out and he put a thermostat in that is deliberately stuck open.I want to put the right thermostat in the right way but don't know how,and I'm done with that mechanic.Is there a certain position for the thermostat to be placed so air won't get trapped?
Hi thanks very much for this. I drilled a few holes in my thermostat flange and that really help. Car no longer overheat. Still have to check coolant daily to ensure coolant not get blown out too much from the system as the HG's still leaking.
Classic head gasket failure symptoms. Do a compression gasses test at the coolant tank while it's bubbling. If the fluid goes from blue to yellow it's a head gasket. The combustion gasses collect around the thermostat and it stays closed. you can drill four to six holes in the thermostat plate to let the gasses through for a temporary fix to get by.
I changed out my thermostat and it seems like there in no fluid going into the line. My heat is not there and the outlet on top is hot. Do i have a clog somewhere? I did find cloth like material when i removed cap. Last owner used radiator stop leak I think?
Test it while it's out. If it's good drill three small holes equally spaced in the main plate of the thermostat where the bleeder hole and brass bobble are.
Excellent advice. I'm a 74 year old senior citizen and I understood everything that you described and I can do this. Thank you bcuz I love my 2000 Outback AWS. I always view a TH-cam before I take it to the mechanic.😉
@odewepe "water heater?" Any who. If the water Pump is good it may be a head gasket. Are both hoses hot?
So I am thinking it is air in the system or may have faulty bad factory thermostat and leaning towards just replacing it and drilling an extra hole to bleed the air?
I have checked for oil in the the radiator and did an extra oil change to check for antifreeze mixed in with the oil and it is all clear?
I have Hayes manual and in the trouble shooting section they also indicate that it could be a bad water pump or a block radiator core. What are your thoughts on this?
Very helpful video! I had my whole coolant system inspected and radiator replaced and still experiencing overheating. Thermostat is hopefully the cause!
Not sure if you realized just how much information,good and important information you actually spit in this video..ALOT. I literally took down some notes from things you said in this video..thank you.
This was the most helpful video, explanation, possibilities I could find! Thank you so much. I learned a ton in just that small time frame. Things no one has informed me of in a month of trying to figure out wtf is wrong with my car.😊
1:47: Driver side head gasket failure "For whatever reason..." Such as poor design... 🙄
Sounds like an 03-04 EJ25 (2.5L) These are VERY HARD TO BLEED AIR OUT OF. You have to "heat cycle" bleed them. Air collects and gets trapped at the thermostat spring. It takes a while to accumulate there, but when it does it shuts the heat off and begins to raise the temp quickly. The best thing to do is drill three holes evenly spaced like a Benz symbol in the plate just inside the O-ring and run it till the heat comes on- shut it down and let it cool. Come back and top off. Repeat.
Can you help me? Sounds like the exact problems I'm having
Usually that type of system is related to the ignition control module getting hot and there not being enough white heat conductive paste on it anymore so it burns up and cuts out when too much heat accumulates.
The right head was replaced 2000 miles ago with a felpro head gasket and a new head. Here we are again with the coolant pushing from radiator to the overflow tank. Do you think I'll have to have the head surfaced Or just replace the gasket? I've also heard to use 6 star head gaskets. Do you use these? I've heard they are very good.
I have a 2008 Subaru Forester Turbo, blue, tan leather interior. I know, awesome. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it, have had it for 3 years, put maybe 5,000 miles on it. It's my second Forester because the first one was awesome. 8 months ago, there was smoke coming out of the engine, coolant, overhearting, needle went red almost immediately, didn't even crawl up. Put in a new aftermarket radiator. Every two months it overheats out of nowhere. Dealers are stumped. Brainsmobile, prove yourself.
The spring is made of spring steel and does not cause the thermostat to open, the capsule in the middle opens the thermostat. The other thing to check during an overheating event is a plugged heater core not flowing enough coolant to the thermostat.
On the thought of the T stat. What are your thoughts of just putting a saf-Tstat. In my shop i have yet to see a return customer . (just to solve a problem OR prevent one
If your coolant is low, you need to find if you have a leak/ or if it's being pushed out by compression gasses. (head gasket failure). Once you top off the radiator the gurgling should desist. If it does come back you know you've got one of the for mentioned maladies.
dude your a genius and help me out more then you know thanks bro
question . . i got a 99 subaru legacy gt 2.5 dohc. . the head gaskets dont leak externally at all . . exhaust fumes smell like water vapors (clean), no leaks of coolant anywhere . . no coolant mixture in oil pan, oil cap or reservoir . . when i first start up the car cold and drive it around the block some coolant will shoot into the reservoir and almost overflow it . . temperature will go above half way when stopped and quickly go low again. fans work . any tips ? car drives awesome.
Thank you so much for the video. Is there a video where you talk about the coolant pushing into the overflow tank and pushing out the tube that goes into the radiator neck? If there is not evidence of coolant in the oil, no leaks other than from the overflow tank and no some, what should I check? It is an 03 Outback with 260K, headgaskets were replaced at about 190K or so.
+Platinum Distributing NE having the same problem with my 02 wrx. Hoping to get an update.
I have the same problem with my 2010 outback. Replaced the radiator, thermostat, and water pump. Still overheating after 12 miles of driving.
Really appreciate this video and explaining done. My Tribeca keeps over heating we changed the radiator, fan and thermostat. But it keeps doing it. Last time we ran it without the Thermostat and it wasnt over heating. Is that a sign that its probably the head gaskets?
Hey Brian I'm currently working on my 2003 Subaru legacy wagon with an overheating problem. I've changed the radiator, coolant temp sensor,PCV valve ,and it still gets hot after 20 mins of driving. Do I change my thermostat next? Not a mechanic but learning fast because of your videos. Can't part with the car help
Hi Brian,
My subbie is acting up a bit, when cruising on the freeway temp goes up to 208 and hovers around 205.
When car is not moving and idling goes to 205 and then fans kick in temp goes down.
Lately tho, fan kicks in stays at 200, turn the heater on and temp drops slowly...... Could this be a sign of bad thermostat? Or is it head gasket?
Thanks in advance
Trapped air in the system around the thermostat. Drill a couple holes for burping. This WILL make your heater warm up slower, but not by much.
Hey! I appreciate the video! I needed to know this! I got white smoke out of my hood. Never the back end. Now I am facing replacing an engine- even though I got it serviced before it blew. Keep posting! My suby is driving me nuts!!!
Hey i have a subaru legacy 97 2.5 gt i started it up this.morning and let it heat up n when i go in the car the heat was warm n gauge was good then i drove two blocks n the temp gauge went all the way up n the heat turned cold it only overheats when its driven when its running in the driveway it is fine n heat is hot. . . Im thinking it is the thermastat any ideas?
Hey Brian..my husband Barry commented about the Suburu thermostat and it saved us! I now would like to ask about the engine wants to stall when you have the air conditioning on and you come to a stop and, sometimes even when the air is not on the engine wants to miss at 40 to 50 miles per hour. Help, Sherri Hinkle
whats the ideal engine temperature? and how hot the radiator pipe to be considered as overheat?
It is funny you mention that. It is a TURBO and a couple of years ago, there was a long plastic thing that covered the bottom of the car that came loose. The mechanic took it all off and since then I have had this issue. He said it had something to do with air flow.
If your head gasket is leaking and you've patched it up to make the car run without overheating as a short term fix by drilling the thermostat, you still have a compression loss that causes a weaker engine performance as a result.
With that being a diesel I'd check it over for air flow issues. Is is Turbo?
Hi Brian, Can find this answer on google so Im hoping you can help. My 03 pathfinder overflows the overflow tank when Im towing a trailer with 2,500 pounds. I have towed 2k without a problem. I drive it daily with no issues. Cant figure it out! It is rated to tow 5k and the temperature needle is always reading normal. Any idea? Please?
do you happen to know what the sensor is that's right next to the coolant temp sensor on the back of the engine? it has one wire and it broke off . 1996 legacy 2.2 150,000 miles
I've had the engine resealed and heads resurfaced, new rad, thermostat, hoses,working on the sensors now,,,,...still hot!
That's air trapped in the heater core due to the coolant (antifreeze) being low in the radiator (as apposed to the coolant over flow tank).
Brian would u recommend removing the thermostat and not replace it to prevent future headgastket issue?
How you know is the had gasket is not good. My car subaru forests 2006 and the antifreeze going from radiator to resevour
Hi Brian. How about drilling an extra hole (or two) in the flange of the thermostat? I was having overheating problems before but now everything seems to be ok... The temp gauge stays level now. I'm just worried that if I do have a head gasket issue, all I have done so far is take care of a symptom instead of the problem. Is there any danger of my motor blowing up even if its not overheating? 98 Legacy GT ej25
Your videos are great btw! Thank you for all of the well-structured information!!!
I have a 2008 subaru impreza basic model and i replaced thermostat, water pump, timing belt, pulleys, belts, upper lower hoses, radiator, bypass hose and i bled the coolant. Afterwards my coolant levels seemed low, and i would have to top it off every 2-3 days. Just wondering if i can get any help of what it might be. any answer or opinion is appreciated. thanks
12 years into the future, we still working on the patents to batteries.
thanks for the info~!
@ncrdisabled What if we just make ethanol from weed again? It grows like a weed.
No. That would make the engine not ever warm up properly. The check engine light CEL would come on and the vehicle would not be as efficient.
2011 Outback only overheats when the A/C is not in use, radiator, thermostat, and water pump have been replaced. Water pump was replaced for regular maintenance, the overheating issue started after the water pump was replaced 2 months ago. The thermostat and radiator was replaced to try and fix the issue. Suggestions ?
hey Brian I know this is an old video but, I have a question regarding how to fill your system with coolant on these flat engines, since I'm about to change the oil cooler o ring and a new T stat. should I fill the radiator first and then keep pouring coolant on the top tank to fill the whole system and just bleed it out for a few minutes?
Is white smoke exhaust guaranteed to happen if a head gaskets blown on a Subaru? Is there a scenario a head gasket could be blown and you don't get white smoke?
Brian if the thermostat was tested and works, the bottom radiator hose is icy cold and the top hose is hot. I swapped out the thermostat and it still is the same result. Could this be a water pump issue?
I'm a VW Vanagon guy, the water cooled motors are notorious for bad head gaskets. A good tell is to hook a pressure gauge into the cooling system, with a bad gasket pressure will quickly (3 minutes) go to 15 lbs, normal is slowly (10 minutes) build to 7 lbs.. Might work for Subaru too.
I dint have any symptoms orher than running hot so ran a check to see if combustion gasses in the coolant and it took a while but there was sucked because no oil in coolant and no coolant in oul but i think i cought it really soon the water pump started leaking so changed tgat abd timing belt and it still ran hot but i was just trying to burb it and after a day of that i went and got the kit to check for combustion gasses now just waiting for parts well and i have to clean the heads and redeck them and clean the block deck but ups is screwing everything up!!!! Good info on your video!!!!!!!
Could be the knock sensor if it's a pigtail connector and it's on the drivers side.
hi Brian.. I live in Brazil and have a WRX 2002 turbo (all stock). three months ago it had two singular event.. after one week whitout use, on starting the engine I heard that sound like connecting rod noise but after few minutes it get normal again ..I completed the engine oil a little bit more..some day after I hit a speed bumper ..and tem . the gas pedal has now an annoying vibration ...could it be related to CRANCK BEARING DAMAGE or ENGINE MOUNT DAMAGES ( the mine are the soft OEM mounts
brian,
i need help on this one. so the car overheated. i put in a new water pump, thermostat, both head gaskets, all the belts and many other little mods. after two hours of testing in 30° temp i have some assumptions. the top hose is always hot and bottom is always cold. i drilled two more holes in thermostat in case of air or combustion gases. when the hot air is on and driving, it cools properly but the air turns cold and instant overheat. mostly turns cold when i accelerate or drive for ....
I have another question. How hot is to hot. 1980 Trans Am after about 30 minutes of driving it reaches 214 degrees, its the original 301 non-turbo. thoughts? Love your channel..
brian,
i have discovered a hole in the radiator i believe. it steams from a certain location all the time. do you think that is the problem or the reason air is getting into the system? thanks
I am also hearing water trickling when I first start to drive my 08 Outback. I posted a question on another video about why my car keeps overheating. It's been more frequent lately. The engine just sounds rough when I accelerate too. If I am doing alot of uphill driving I will notice the coolant level goes down also. What does all of this add up to?
I had the radiator flushed and checked for leaks, I had the compression test for gases done, I changed thermstat housing. my mechanic not sure
How about heads been rectified and new 3 layer gaskets installed. Still over heats after 10 min.
I've got a 2000 legacy outback,
I've changed the thermostat, put new spark plugs, changed oil and filter, and top off engine coolant, and it's still over heating, It doesn't show any signs that the head gasket is bad but when I was putting coolant in it, the radiator kinda geysered. Heaters and defroster don't work so I think I need a new heater core but I don't think that has anything to do with the overheating. My engine fans work as well fyi. Anyone have any thoughts? Have not tried the burping thing yet, but will soon.
@briansmobile1 Its a new water heater, timing chain, motor oil after driving her for 2,000 miles look clean as it could be. new preasure cap on radiator too. Radiator is also new and does not leak. I am so lost..lol
Cooling a boxer engine isn't easy. Oil cooling could be improved with some air fins on the oil cooler and some directed forced air.
hey bro is there anything to try to fix an internal hg leak any liquid additives ??? 99 outback ej25 4 cyl gen 1 motor.
@beefystik Thanks. I'm glad to make videos as long as I know people like you like them.
Brian, How about leaving the factory thermostat out, and using an aftermarket inline hose thermostat, installed in the upper hose. Wouldn't that allow a good burp, eliminating the problem? Thanks for great videos. Example: JEGS 53260K1 In-Line Thermostat Housing Kit
Hi thanks for your videos, I just made a video of my 97' Outback having some cooling issues. Would you mind taking a look at it and giving me your input? I dont want to change the head gasket unless i really have to. Thanks again
Hi mate I got a ford transit van ( I'm from the uk) it starts first time but when it gets to running temperature it cuts out and I'm confused and I don't no what it can be have you any idea?
Hi Brian, I've got a 2001 2.5 RS and received a P0128 code that indicates coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature. Should a new thermostat take care of this?
hi, my GC8 WRX GT ver 5 coolant leaks when im driving rough or when i rev high.. i sent to workshop and they removed my thermostat. it was ok but after a month the coolant leaks again..i couldn't fine where the leaks came from..all of the hoses looking fine and no damage..coolant leaking from below..not from the radiator hose or radiator coolant tank but below the coolant tank..
well what if your driving with a faulty radiator and your only driving for a few seconds with the temp gauge in the hot range but after like a mintue or so you shut it off to help it cool? the plastic fitting on the radiator that the upper hose connects to completely discintigrated and I was trying to get it home...would that kill my head gasket?
Brian , my 98 subi e20 would be dead without your , amazing ,guidance, it has 375 klm's , still going strong ,!st model of Forrester in Australia , Thanks my friend ,
This is the best video I’ve seen, thanks for your help and information. Made perfect sense.
Depends on how long you let it cool down. You can drive up to 5minutes when the engine is cold in most cars with no coolant at all and be OK.
Brian , Have you ever used black pepper to solve a head gasket issue ?
I JUST BOUGHT 2006 LL BEAN H6.I CHANGED THERMOSTATE AND TEMP SENSOR..I STILL HAVE TEMP GUAGE THAT GOES UP TO 3/4 THEN DROPS BACK DOWN TO HALF AFTER DRIVIN 10 MINUTES....IT JUST KEEPS FLUCTUATING BASICALLY..WOULD DRILLING SOME HOLES IN THAT THERMOSTATE HELP WITH TRAPPED AIR PASSING THROUGH IT BETTER? ..DOES DRILLING THEM ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL WORK DO YOU KNOW?
IT DOES WORK. LESS IS MORE IF ITS OPENING UP ON IT'S OWN THOUGH. ONE HOLE HIGH SHOULD DO IT IF AT ALL. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE THERMOSTAT THAT'S IN IT IS STICKING A LITTLE. I RECOMMEND REPLACING IT WITH A DEALERSHIP ONE.
Mine 2008 Subaru Impreza has the same overheating problem + coolant leaking. The inter cooler is ok and changed the thermostat but still haven’t figured out what it could be cuz recently 15k km ago water pump was also changed. Help me please
Awesome videos! So I have made my life extra challenging when taking off my thermostat housing, I broke off a bolt. It isn't flush with the block, but being that it is under the block I'm not sure any WD40 or PB blaster will get into the threads. Any ideas on how to get the bolt out or have I just killed made my car?
the thermostat housing bolts onto the water pump. The water pump bolts onto the engine block under the timing belt covers. At the very worst case scenario, you change the water pump. And while you're at it..change the timing belt and idlers ..they sell them in a kit that includes the water pump ..then you're good to go for another 100K miles..providing the head gaskets weren't the problem!
I have a 97 legacy L wagon, and a few weeks ago I followed your channel because the car was overheating I replaced the thermostat. It's been running good since. Until today it overheated again so I popped the hood and there was no radiator cap, so I found and put it back on, but it kept overheating. I filled with water, and replaced the cap. It's not overheating, but the needle is just above the center mark on the meter.
I am not a mechanic, and glad to have found you.
What do you suggest is next for me to do with my car?
Hey Brian, how about to test the radiator cap, I'm suspicious about the cap is letting the pressure escape, any suggestions?
Question: If I had a possible bad thermostat and had to drive about 300 miles to get home to change it, first, is that possible? If so, how would I do so safely without overheating or causing damage to my engine?
I have a subaru legacy 2006. My subaru overheats when climbing hills or when on fast speed on a highway or when I go long distances. The engine heats up so fast when I accelerate. Also the coolant is consumed super fast. What might be the problem, I changed the gaskets and had the block realigned, but the problem still persists.
Mugambi Alois Having the same problem, suspecting the thermostat. Going to buy an OEM thermostat and praying it fixes it. Will comment again if it resolves the overheating. GL to you!
Thermostat always sticks shut. They put a small hole in them but not enough to keep it from overheating. I always change emm and drill a 1/8 inch hole in mine to keep it from ever being a problem again. Just my 2cents.
Thanks Kianna. Waiting for the feedback
I replaced my radiator and the fan switch and my problem was solved
Mugambi Alois
Hi, where did you get the fan switch? ..and radiator have good pressure and is not leaking..should i go ahead and changed it anyway? Please answer me back and i do appreciate it, thanks
@briansmobile1 Its basically an overhead cam version of the VW boxer engine
On blown head gaskets/cracked head/cracked block - You forgot the 'mayonnaise' on the oil fill cap, and bubbles on your dipstick, along with an oil level that constantly goes up to the point it overflows out the dipstick tube
How would one go about fixing the head gaskets on the Subarus. I know for sure mine are not good and need replaced, I was told it's very hard to do but I'd like to try.
You need to lift your engine, probably best to do it at an authorised Subaru dealer...not cheap though, but it never is.
+Jerry Addison That sucks, but there's alot to be done and tested before you tear down the engine. For example, it is death serious that your radiator caps are sitting on the right places, not being mixed up.
+Jerry Addison First of all you can replace your radiator caps with two brand new as they can start to malfunction when getting older. Its two different caps, not just the pressure you read upon them.
I would also like to know when and how the car is acting when it overheats, is it when you drive slow or fast or doesn't it matter what speed you're travelling in? Do your two fans run properly?
+Jerry Addison Is it wet under the car? Well, the leak can anywhere, if there's a leak it will probably be the radiator or and old hose. If it's the radiator you could probably seal it yourself by using an soldering iron. If a hose is leaking you simply buy a new one. :)