1997 Legacy Overheating

[sarahTsubaru123]

I need some help with my 1997 Subaru legacy L. 2.2 liter. I replaced the radiator due to overheating, then all hoses, then flush and fill when I replaced thermostat. Still having same problem. No heat either. There is no milky stuff in oil, did a complete oil change to make sure, and no white smoke out of exhaust. Also no oil in radiator. Idk, what to do next? The bottom radiator hose seems to stay cool, while the upper hose seems too hot but not flowing with enough or any water even though everything is full. Should I replace the water pump next and see what happens, or is that all just a dream and I definitely have a blown head gasket somewhere???? Please help me, just trying to get by this is my only car and I just want to know what to do. Thank you kindly for any and all advice!!!

[86BRATMAN]

You probably should have started your own thread on the matter. But since I see no mention of the type of thermostat used for replacement, go to the dealer and buy a new one. Oem subaru only, do not put an aftermarket thermostat in a subaru made after 1990.

[killajamal]

You won't always see milky coolant or oil. But it sounds like your hg is blown if you've done those other repairs:(

[sarahsubaru123]

So water pump won't make a difference, and this other person said I should have gotten my thermostat from a Subaru dealer only. I got mine from advance auto, and I didn't know how to start my own thread, so I just typed and went with it. I'm new to this site tonight out of desperation.

[killajamal]

Hmmmm yeah Subaru's do need OEM thermos. Could be worth a shot. Water pumps usually easiest removing the motor to do well. Youll have to take all timing components off etc. Might as well pull dat sucka and do the head gaskets anyway for p&g's(poopsngiggles).

[wtdash]

Hi,

Miles? Maintenance history (when was the last time the T-belt/pulleys/WP were replaced)?
You can also search on here for how to 'burp' / get ALL the air out of the system. Basidcally, make sure thee front-end is higher than the rear, fill the engine from the TOP radiator hose (just disconnect from the rad), reconnect hose, fill the radiator normally, open - don't remove - the bleeder screw on the passenger side of the rad, and when it starts to bubble out, tighten it up and it 'should' be burped.

If the HG is toast, look in your overflow bottle for oily residue and /or bubbles (when running).

Although it's much less frequent...or @ least @ higher miles....the 2.2 does blow HG too. Its 'bullet-proof' reputation has a few holes in it from my experience.

The waterpumps are not a common issue, but if yours is original/unknown it's due anyway.

GL,

TD

[killajamal]

I agree with you TD. Not sure why people feel that the 2.2 is immune to hg issues! Mine blew(as you know).

[Legacy777]

I split these posts off into a new topic and put it in the appropriate forum.

I really suggest getting a Subaru OEM thermostat and try that first. The indicator of the lower hose being cold is due to a lack of flow. That could be caused by the thermostat not opening properly and/or the water pump. Replacing the thermostat with a Subaru thermostat is a far cheaper option.

[rallyak]

You need a OEM thermostat, that's for sure the issue.