Start up and drive. Temp gauge doesn't move and I have no heat. 10 miles later same thing and then the gauge will move to the the halfway mark and I have heat, instantly.

Turn off the car after it is at OT. Start up, no heat and the gauge starts climbing toward the red. Then Bam! Hot air starts blowing and the gauge drops to normal.

 

Within the last 10k miles: New--2 row rad, WP, 180-Tstat, most hoses.

 

What is going on?

 

Thanks,

Jay

'89 TTW, 5-lugs, FT4WD D/R

sure sounds suspiciously like a non OEM Subaru thermostat.

But then again 20 board members with the same problem/fix could be wrong

Yeah, it's EXTREMELY likely to be the T-stat, by what you describe.

It may not be seated properly, or defective. The "pan of water" test will give you more clues.

 

Using OEM is a good idea, but to be honest, I've never had any major problems with the aftermarket brands. I do replace them quite often (3/36), however. The low cost would justify an OEM, if that's your preference.

 

Coolant level may be another possibility, if the T-stat checks out.

 

good luck, John