cjt_stretch Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 I have a 1990 Legacy Wagon that I just bought this summer. Little did I know that it was having problems over heating. It wasn't making heat, so I was going to check the thermostat, THERE WASN'T ANY. Now that there is, it overheats. I checked for air blockages, thought that fixed it, but it didn't. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 I know this is going to sound stupid but check to see if the thermostat is in backwards. Yes it does happen and more times than you would imagine. Another thing is that Subarus are real picky about their cooling systems. Hopefully someone will chime in and give you directions on how to "burp" your system. It almost sounds like you might have some air pockets in their. Try doing a search for "burping" on the message board. I am almost willing to be that you will find what you need. I hope this helps. How many miles are on it and do you know when the water pump was replaced, if ever. If it turns out to be your pump you should consider changing the following components while you are having that done: Timing belt and tensioner, oil pump seal and crank seal, cam seals, both idler pulleys, and both belts. (a/c and p/s, ALT) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Is the thermostat you put an OEM thermostat or aftermarket? Aftermarket thermostats you find at the parts stores will cause you nothing but problems. Get an OEM one, it's completely different in shape & size. Also, there is a burp screw on the passenger side of the radiator. If you did not open this, more then likely, there's still air in the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Yeah....what Josh said. There is an actual procedure as top how to burp the system though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjt_stretch Posted October 6, 2004 Author Share Posted October 6, 2004 The thermostat is an OEM and is in correctly. I did not know of the burping screw. I will take a look for it and try it. It has 184,000 and I have no idea what has been done. I do know the guy lied to me when i bought it. I had to put another transmission in it. When i bought it, the engine was bad, so I didn't get a chance to drive it. Only paid $200 for it though, so can't complain to much. The old saying "get what you pay for" applies. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 The burping screw is on the left, top side of the radiator. You will need a large phillips head. Turn your car on with the heater on full blast. Fill the radiator untill full and let car run untill the thermostat opens. You should see the water level go down. Remove the burp screw and then fill to capacity. Some people say you should have th front end of the vehicle elivated. You could put it on jackstands or ramps if you choose. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Search for "Coolant replacement" .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 only thing I'd do different from coloradosubarules instructions is open the bleed screw from the very beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 He always has to one up me...LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 Sorry....I don't mean to one up you.....just making another recomendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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