I have a 98 Legacy Outback (2.5 L) and have been having a problem with it running hot. It has yet to actually overheat, but just runs way hot. Essentially the problem usually occurs after driving for atleast 30 minutes, but sometimes sooner. When the car starts to act up the temp gauge needle will slowly climb up to near the top of the range over a five second period. Then, sometimes right away, sometimes after several seconds, and sometimes not until I get weary and pull over and shut it off, the needle will fall back down to normal over a 2 to 5 second time frame. I thought it was a thermostat I changed it and then took it out all together and I continue to have the problem. Any idea what it could be. The three mechanics I took it too think it is possibly the a head gasket leak but they won't stake any money on it. I thought it could also possibly be the water pump since just before it happens I tend to lose heat in the vents and then just as the needle begins to fall to return to normal the heat comes back on hotter than normal (can't hold hand in front of vent). Any experience with similar problems, suggestions, etc. would be welcomed
