I have a 1990 Legacy, and have had a myriad of cooling issues. Up to date right now, I have replaced the water pump (pain in the butt!), thermostat, and have just installed a new radiator. Last trip to the shop for a once over, showed no cracks in the heads or gaskets.

 

Just put in mew radiator, could only get it to pull 1 gallon of antifreeze mix, even though when I changed the thermostat, nothing leaked out, temp seems stable right at the mid line between hot and cold, but I have no heat inside the car.

 

I am really unsure as to what to do. I started with the radiator, which seemed fine, so moved to the water pump, which the bearing was out on. After that, the car would overheat after about 5 miles of city driving. We found a pinhole leak in the radiator and have now changed that. I am really unsure as to where to go with this.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

An air bubble in the system, and a collapsed hose could cause this.

 

I would use the bleeder screw on top of the rad to vent any air and bounce on the bumper as you do this. If there is no screw remove the cap and try that. Engine running while you do this.

 

Also check the lower hose for a kink or collapse which is a sign of air in the system.

 

rd

I agree with Dickensheets you have a air bubble, another way to get the radaitor full is to wait untill it is cold and take the cap off then start it and turn heater on, and keep adding water as it goes down. Subaru are really tough to get the water system full after it has been drained.