theandrewgarcia

^^Yes! The timing belt was done 500 miles before I purchased it. The timing belt and water pump to be exact.

Update: Yesterday I replaced the thermostat and changed out a majority of the coolant (didnt flush but about a gallon drained out). After installing the new one, burping the system, and then driving it (normal to harder than usual) the new thermostat works excellent! I am pretty sure this is what the problem was. My temp would normally fluctuate a decent amount when I drove but after drive it a couple times it now doesnt move. She stays a little below the half way marker. I cant tell you how happy I am that it was only this. Thanks a million

Thank you all again so much for your help in this! The OEM Thermostat is on its way! Other issues that may or may not narrow the problem: A/C - the air conditioner is not working. Sometimes air will blow on a high setting, but it generally starts blowing out of the window vents and then sometimes will blow from the normal sockets on the dash. Dont know why this is. It definitely makes a compression-like noise whenever I turn the AC on but no cold air. About once a week when I start the car (either completely cold or warm) the idle will be extremely low and give a sputter-like sensation that feels like its going to die. Once the car warms its totally fine. Aside from that everything seems to be fine. The past couple of days the cars temperature has much more of a tendency now to warm up much more quickly. I should have rushed shipped that thermostat. Thanks again everyone!!

Hey guys, Just ordered a new OEM thermostat and I will replace it within the next few days. One thing I did notice, and this may be completely normal, is that whenever the car gets warm if I turn on the heater the temperature drops significantly. Ive heard this is normal for cars that get a little too hot but does this rule out or make a case for any exact problem? Thanks!

You are a master. Thanks so much for the info!! I live on the central coast of California. Rarely gets above 85 and below 45. I took a recommendation from a buddy and 'burped' the radiator. That seemed to help the problem for a week but then it started back up again. I didnt see much corrosion on the cap either. I am hoping its a thermostat and that same friend said we can change it for pretty cheap. I will change it, drive it, and report back! Thanks again!

Hey All, I am in need of some help from someone who knows their way around an older Subaru. I purchased a 1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon with only 86k miles on it from a single owner. The car is in great shape and I felt was an excellent buy. After putting a few thousand miles on it Ive noticed that the cars temperature seems to go a bit above the half way mark at times. Before say a month ago the temperature gauge lived between completely cold and mid way. I dont know if this is an indicator of a head gasket problem or if this could be the radiator. Ive heard the 2.2 4cyl 5-speed manual engines in that year dont have the head problems as much as the others do. Please help!!