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more info.... I checked the coolant recovery and did not notice any black scum. build up. Yesterday I started it up and it ran idle for about 30 minutes, I drove it about a mile up the street and it overheated again. I will try the radiator cap, and check for bubbles and let you know. grossgary, thanks for the offer, I will keep you posted.

Thanks grossgary and WAWalker. I will check the coolant recovery tonight. My Forester is 98, and it has about 160K on it. I am honestly not sure if the car overheats because it looses the coolant or if it over heats for some other reason and the coolant gets too hot and then blows.

I have a 98 Subaru Forester that I need some feedback on. About 8 months ago I noticed the smell of antifreeze in the general area I was parked in. I did not pay it any mind and drove home, about 10 minutes away my gauge shot up to H. I quickly pulled over and let the car cool down. I had to do this every few miles or so until I made it home. Once the car had cooled down I topped of the antifreeze, which did seem low. I did not have any other problems until maybe 4 months ago, same scenario. The car can sit in idle all day and it will not overheat but intermittently a 5 minute drive sends the gauge to H. Any ideas? So far I have heard thermostat, fan relay and head gasket. Thanks.