Car overheating

Asked by Beverly Nov 05, 2017 at 09:59 AM about the 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have a 1996 Subaru Outback and it is
overheating. We have replaced the thermostat,
water pump and other stuff. The wagon begins to
overheat after only minutes of driving but if we put
the car in nutural and rev engine the temp gauge
goes from hot to cold in seconds. What is the
issue? And how do we fix it?

4 Answers

159,085

I would have it tested for bad head gaskets. Find a mechanic that has experience with Subarus or take it to the dealership.

159,085

Combustion gases may be getting into the cooling system causing the symptoms. There may be no other symptoms such as white smoke or water in the oil. I would have it tested for combustion gases in the coolant.

A Subaru with bad head gaskets? Subaru should have sold their cars with a case of those things in the boot.

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