2002 Impreza TS temp issue

[mpatch]

I have a 2002 impreza TS whose temperature normal stays center but recently it is going up about 3/4 then falling back down to the middle through out the trip. I was thinking about starting with the radiator cap and thermostat? Any suggestions? Does any one have directions on replacing the thermostat? I cant seem to find a Chilton or Haynes for this model and year.

 

Thanks,

[porcupine73]

Have you checked the coolant level? Does the overflow have plenty? When the engine is cold if the rad cap is removed is it full right up to the brim?

[mpatch]

Coolant level is to full line when hot, haven't checked level in radiator when cold will do tonight.

[mpatch]

Coolant level in radiator to top, switched out radiator cap no change and mostly it was pegged at 3/4 hot on most of commute this morning. Is the engine thermostat easy to get to on this engine? Should that be my next move?

[1 Lucky Texan]

yeah, kinda behaves like a non-oem t'stat. Is the car new to you?

 

anyway, get a t'stsat from a dealer or the Stant Xacststat 48457 or w'ever it is.  It matters.

 

 

 

good time to install fresh fluid if needed, inspect the condition of the hoses and maybe a bottle of Subaru Coolant Conditioner.

 

Also, that is an interference engine, do you know when the timing belt system was last serviced?

[mpatch]

The car is not new to me, but I am not sure the last time the thermostat was changed or if ever. It has 180,000 on it. It did blow a head gasket at one point. As for the timing belts also not sure will have to go back through and see but I am sure it had been a while, if the belts need replacing or tighting not knowing about interference engines who does that effect the temperature?

 

I have an old jeep I have done work on but is changing the thermostat something a handy person could do? Does anyone have torque specs and location diagrams?

[1 Lucky Texan]

just thinking, if you're close to doing the TB system service, just combine with the coolant change and thermostat.

 

is it creeping up only at stop lights? check that both rad fans are working.

Edited February 2, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[idosubaru]

Are the fans coming on?

 

Clogged radiator?

 

Is it always at 3/4 on the gauge at all of these circumstances: 

1. idle

2. sustained highway

3. up hills

4. coasting down hills? 

 

 

What brand headgaskets were used when they were repaired the first time?

 

Does the gauge operate normally otherwise - creeps up slowly as engine warms and will properly descend with engine off?  (making sure gauge is not freaking out

[mpatch]

Not at 3/4 all the time, when starting up at bottom and then raises up as driving. Pegs out at 3/4 then will drop back down to about the middle and fluxate between the middle to 3/4 through drive, currently mostly hwy driving pretty flat. Biggest concern is I have blown a head gasket in the past and don't want that pain to happen again. Not sure on brand of head gaskets, had it shop repaired.

 

I though I read somewhere to see if the fan was working through on the AC. I did that and the fan would kick on for a short amount of time and then kick off. When the fan would kick on I would hear a distinct buzzing noise but believe that is AC related. That being said I believe the fan is working ok, is there another fan?