my 81 wagon has an overheating problem and I'm not sure what is causing the problem. I done the thermostat, waterpump and a flush. It stays at temp when driving even below temp sometimes. and When I'm stoped at a flat or down hill it seems to stay at temp. But when I'm sitting at a stop on a hill that is when I notice that I'm starting to overheat. now I'm open to possibly having to do the Head gaskets or change the radiator I just don't want to do both. Now here is the thing... When it says its overheating Both Temp gauges. I will get out and Touch the radiator and it is touchable. I can put my hand on it and let it sit there but the hoses are hot. Its done this since this winter when the car was sitting and it froze up. but its just recently gotten to the point were I'm worried. I'm in canada right now. so I don't want to fix it here but when I get back I'm heading to portland. So if anyone around has a spare radiator let me know. because I don't want to do a head gasket.

 

 

(x)

Dumb question I suppose, but did you burp the radiator?

 

Another dumb question, where did you touch it?

 

Something of note, that from experience with my beast, after water pump, flushes, etc. it still leaked for a while (think I finally nailed the last one), and when it drained the res. bottle, it sucked in some air, and with the air in the system it would try to get too hot and the top of the rad would stay cooler. Pointing your car nose up would eventually send all the air to the top of the rad, and if the air bubble is big enough, cooling capacity would drop. If nothing else, everyone's always told me that a new rad will fix alot of cooling issues, so that may be a valid option. Then again, you might just have a funny car

If you dont have air bubbles in the coolant, and are not throwing up coolant, the HG is most likely OK.

 

Do you over heat or run hot?

 

I agree check for an air bubble.

 

replace the radiator cap.

 

What physical condition are the cooling fins in on the radiator. YOu may have to losen the radiator to be able to see the front fins.

 

nipper

if there is an air pocket it will prevent the thermostat from opening since the thermostat itself is the highest place in the cooling system

 

check the coolant when its cold and burp the radiaotor hoses by squeezing them.

 

burping air from subaru cooling systems is a ritual that can take a good 10-15 minutes, waiting for the motor to wrm up. hold the rpms ay 3000 when adding coolant to get things circulating.

 

once the thermostat opens the coolant will drop and this is the magic moment when filling up the rest.

 

otherwaise the radiator stays full and there is a big rump roast air pocket in the motor.

 

if you had the coolant system open recently i would bet on an air bubble

If this is an Air bubble I'm gonna be pissed... but I can understand that so Park the Car on a hill.. run it at 3000rpm and Watch for it to drop?