97 outback subaru overheats; drive over a bump at 5mph and T drops to noralal, then after a bit overheats again.

Try bleeding the air by parking the car facing up hill and idling it with the radiator cap off. Don't take the cap off with the engine hot!

Thanks to full of regrets (I hoe not because of SOA). Going uphill seems to trigger overheat problem (even after going downhill later). Coolant is now almost all water after overheats and top-ups. Should I refill with coolant/h20 mix? Should I have heat turned on (or A/C) during idle process? Keep refilling during this idling process as bubbles come up in spurts? Thanks-appreciate your ideas- hmblann@gmail.com

Turn the heat on while bleeding the air and use a 50/50 mix of coolant but you should probably go ahead and use an engine flush first. Driving up hill takes more power so engines run warmer. You may also want to change out the radiator hoses while you are at it. If this does not fix it then the radiator may be too dirty and could need changing. The screen name is because of my POS 2015 Subaru.

Thanks. I'll try this on my return to HNL.-marshall

hmblann- kudos on having a 1997... How many miles are on your car, I presume that you think you've gotten your money's worth? And, how many years have you had it. ?

bought new in 1996, have 126,000 miles. Have also purchased '99 Outback, 2014 Forester, 2016 Crosstrek since '97 Outback. hmblann

hmblann-Outstanding. Do you have the CVT transmission in the 2014 and 2016 vehicles, and if so, how do you like them??

Got the cvt on the 14 Forester really liked it, but sold it back under Ca lemon law (hill assist kept kicking in). The 16 is-ugh-a stick. Won't get one of those again. Long story.