Ok I just bought a 91 Legacy and it is over heating. I changed the thermostat and all the fluid and it is still heating up. There is also no heat coming in when I turn it on. Anybody got any "maybes: that I can try or even the right answer would be cool to. Thanks for your time.

If you have no heat you have no coolant. Put the front wheels up on jack stands and open the bleeder and the radiator cap and run the engine with the heater on. Add fluid until the coolant that bubbles out is warm. If the radiator never gets not the thermostat never opened and you only filled it half way.

 

 

 

Could also be that it has a blown head gasket, clogged hose or muddy radiator.

just a thought, but are we sure we installed the thermostat in the correct direction??

 

and yes, car MUST get up to full operating temp to make sure it is completely full of coolant (low coolant levels - air in system - will create overheating issues)

 

do as Noah suggested - make SURE the system is full AND that it is circulating properly. Turn heater ON and temp all the way to hot side.

 

Once it is completely full and fully warmed up check the radiator hoses & hoses going to heater core - if any are cold you have...

1. a clog somewhere

2. thermostat installed wrong way - or

3. failed water pump?

(not necessarily in that order...)

Ok just to make sure I have it in right does the spring on the thermo. sit on top or below? I know stupid question I just want to make sure.

not a dumb question at all - it happens...

 

the spring goes up according to the parts diagram. (cant actually remember from doing mine)

Ok so it ended up being the water pump was siezed. Changed it out and works like a charm, now just gotta find a good thread on timing. Thanks for all the help guys.

good to hear you got it sorted out.

 

Check in the USRM - there should be a good write-up in there.