I just purchased a 1990 Legacy 2.2L AWD wagon yesterday with 150k miles. Everything looked good and was a strong runner, only $500.

 

The car warms at idle, but when driving the engine temp cools to 0 after about a min and I get very little heat. Could this be as simple as a thermostat stuck open, or is it something worse. The air temp is about 30F.

The thermostat could be stuck or has been removed because of a leaking head gasket. Replace it and see what happens.

Yeah, I'd recommend replacing the thermostat. Make sure you replace it with a subaru thermostat. The ones at autoparts stores will give you nothing but headaches.

 

Also, the first gen legacies have a bleed screw on the passenger side of the radiator. That must be removed in order to properly bleed the air out of the cooling system.

thanks for the replys.

 

I'll replace the thermostat tonight. I purchased the car from an old lady who doesn't drive any more. I doubt she removed the thermostat before selling. The price was right and I wasn't asking too many questions. The car is in perfect condition otherwise and books for $2000-$2500, so $500 sounded good to me, even if I have to replace the head gasket. There are no signs of coolant in the oil or exhaust though...but i guess exhaust could be leaking into the coolant??

 

What's a reasonable price for head gasket replacement.

 

How much oil does the 2.2L take...searched this site but couldn't find it?

 

thanks again...

Engine should hold right at 4.5 US quarts.

 

If it's an automatic, I'd make sure the transmission filter retrofit has been done. Should be a metal canister type filter a little larger than the fuel filter mounted horizontally to the drivers side engine compartment just below the battery and in close proximity to the valve cover.

 

If you don't see it, the er.....elderly lady.......might have the last laugh:eek: