2000 Subaru Outback Overheating

SSARG02

MEMBER
2000 SUBARU OUTBACK
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
149,000 MILES

I have a 2000 Outback. For the last 6 months, my car has occassionally overheated(every 2 months or so). After looking under the hood, I see that the resevoir cap is popped off. I have added 50/50 coolant mixture, let it cool down and things were good for a month or two. Yesterday the same thing happened and now the car overheats rather quickly, in the first mile or 2 and the coolant is boiling hot. I just had the clutch replaced and I do not want to send it back to the shop. What should I troubleshoot? Thermostat? Water Pump? Timing Belt? Etc. I can do most of these repairs but do not want to be chasing a bigger problem.

Thanks

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

First ensure the radiator fan(s) are working properly and that the radiator is full of proper coolant. If OK here than next would be to remove and test the thermostat.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 10:06 AM

SSARG02

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Blue,

After checking fluid levels, replacing timing belt, thermostat, and wate pump the car still overheated. Thinking that it was the worst case scenario(Head gasket), I took to a local shop to look at. He noticed that the filler neck on the radiator was in poor condition and probably not getting a proper seal to maintain a pressurized system. After adding some home made gaskets to the radiator cap for a test run, the car maintained its temperature. I am replacing the radiator cap and using JB Weld to restore the integrity of the filler neck. It looks like this will do the trick but I may still need a new radiator but it is far less than a head gasket repair. Im out about $120 for the timing belt, pump, etc. But at least I won't have to worry about them for awhile. Thanks, Again.