tturner0626

Yeah, learned my lesson here about trusting the overflow tank. I will definitely be checking the radiator as well now every time.

Thanks for the help everyone! Just an update: I got a new radiator cap, cleaned out the hose going from the radiator to the overflow, and zip tied it onto the radiator. So far no problems. I am driving the car about 50 miles a day, at all speeds, and havn't seen the temp gauge move over halfway at all. I think it was the same issue potter2010 described here. And the trick of putting the nose uphill and idling before topping off the radiator was very helpful 1LT. I am extremely happy this wasn't a bad headgasket or any other serious issue!

Alright, so fans are working. As I said the coolant in the radiator is low (even though the overflow is full). Im not sure if the thermostat is original or an aftermarket part, the receipt from the last replacement doesn't say. I think I am going to try flushing the coolant and installing an OEM thermostat, hopefully that will work! Looks like it won't cost too much to give it a try.

Thanks for the quick responses! Just ran out to my car to check some things. To answer 1LT: Coolant level in the radiator is low. Overflow coolant is pretty full. I will have to check the fans after work. I know one works when I first looked at this, don't remember if I saw the second one come on. I will also check the receipt for the thermostat to see if the part is OEM or not and let you all know.

Hi all. I've used this forum alot, always very helpful reads, but first post I've made. I have an '04 Subaru Outback (3L LL Bean Edition). It has 148,000 miles on it. I replaced the transmission on it about 18 months ago, and last year replaced the thermostat. Recently, I have noticed that the temperature gauge will spike into the red very rapidly (within 30 sec), hold there for a few seconds, and then drop back down instantly to the halfway mark. This does not happen on highway, only when doing lots of stop and go driving. I live in a flat area, not hills, and there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. The transmission tends to jump slightly at lower speed, and I feel some clunks when backing up on colder days, and the catylytic converters are going, unfortunately (not sure if these issues are related). Otherwise the car runs fine. No fluid leaks, all fluids at good levels. From what I have read it seems like it could be one of three things. Either there is air in the coolant, the thermostat is bad, or it's that dreaded headgasket problem. I was wondering if anyone has had this specific issue, and what the first steps I should take are? Should I try flushing the coolant first, or get another new thermostat? Or is there something else I missed. Thanks for any advice! *Edit: When I replaced the thermostat the mechanics showed me where the previous owner had bored out the center. The reason I replaced mine originally was because the car was running cool.