Over Heating 2004 Subaru Outback Base model

Asked by JWo2004SUB Jan 22, 2019 at 11:29 AM about the 2004 Subaru Outback Base Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2004 subaru outback I have an interesting situation: About a month ago my subaru started overheating on the highway. I pulled off the exit and opened the hood. The reserve tank was full so I opened the radiator cap. This seemed to "Burp" the air and the coolant sucked back in after I started it back up. I did not have any issues again for three weeks. Now after the engine heats up (ten or so miles) the thermostat will start increase, but only at lower RPM's. If I can maintain speed or higher RPM's (neutral while stopped at lights) it will keep blowing hot air and even temperature. Here is what I have replaced to date: - Head gasket replaced at 80K currently at 140k -replaced radiator/radiator cap/Thermostat Yes its the correct large Bore -timing belt, tensioner, water pump -Heater Core The following tests have been completed: - Head Gasket pressure test (passed several times) - CO2 hydrocarbon test on the radiator (Passed several times) - pressure tests on the coolant system (Passed several times) The mechanic is now telling me they have no idea what to do and recommend replacing the motor. Is there something I am missing? There are no leaks, the oil looks good, the coolant looks good....ANY help would be wonderful. At this juncture if it is not a simple fix I need to to run long enough to trade in. HELP!

7 Answers

JWo2004SUB answered 5 years ago

Ed: Thermostat is good, water pump is good....No signs of leaks. I am going to go to a dealer next, but wanted to make sure I am not overlooking something simple.

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Doug answered 5 years ago

I guarantee it’s your head gaskets. Been a Subaru tech many years and see so many people replacing thermostats, radiators, water pumps and none of those were bad. The description of the coolant resivior filled and the burping is guaranteed head gaskets. Get them replaced ASAP

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GuruXKYS4 answered 5 years ago

I have the same problem on my 98 legacy. I have to carry around a Turkey baster to move the coolant from the reservoir back into the radiator because it keep shooting out into there and not sucking it back. It's not worth the expense of a head gasket because it also has rusts in some idiot mechanic put the wrong gas tank in it so it floods if I put more than a 3/4 tank and the drive train started whining so I think I just have to get rid of this one

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GuruRWLCW answered 4 years ago

Head gasket - been there - deluded myself, but this exactly what I had with my `92 Ford 4x4 2.0 litre wagon. Dump the car or get a scrap engine. I`ve had 2.0 litre Subarus up to 19 years old, no bother - it`s the 2.5 litre that cause the trouble AS

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