Ask the Car People.SM


1999 Subaru Outbacl 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough

11 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2011 at 1:30 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#2 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [mike120a] by mike120a

Aug 17, 2009 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: mike120a (Aug 16, 2009 9:19 am)
quick update,
 
the rough running i found was from a fuel injector not plugged in all the way(plugged it back in and runs good).
 
It quit smoking the last 2 days i've started it and let it idle, etc.
 
Also the upper radiator hose is hot but the lower radiator hose is cool.
 
The heater blows cold air(i just replaced the thermostat with a subaru thermostat) I really hope it's not the heater core.
 
The temperature gauge jumps from cold to the middle as soon as the radiator fans kick on.

#3 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [mike120a] by xwesx

Aug 18, 2009 (2:21 pm)

Replying to: mike120a (Aug 17, 2009 9:20 pm)
It's probably the other way around..... the radiator fan kicks on as soon as the sensor reads appropriate temp.
 
I still think your water pump is going/went out. Mine went from "works most of the time" with rare blips in temp that made me think "huh?" to nothing. I could nurse the car along the road at very low speeds without pegging the temp needle, but I had no heat inside the car (and it was -20F that night!). I limped to a friend's house, pulled it apart the next day and replaced the water pump, and no more problems.
 
Do you have any coolant seepage out of the "weep hole" in the body of the water pump, just behind the pulley?

#4 of 11 overheating by mike120a

Aug 18, 2009 (4:15 pm)

I am planning on checking this weekend to see if it's the waterpump. Because there is cold water in the radiator and hot water in the engine when it's running. So it's not circulating at all. I hope it's just the water pump. lol

#5 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [mike120a] by bigfrank3

Aug 19, 2009 (11:00 am)

Replying to: mike120a (Aug 17, 2009 9:20 pm)
To me you have all the symptoms of a big air pocket. Sensors that are designed for temp reading in fluid don't read air temp very well. I have seen cars that are clearly overheating and the temp gauge reporting "normal" or "cold" because there was air around the sensor not fluid. Cold air from the heater is a big clue too.
 
In the other thread wes suggested ramps to get the nose of the car up so the air can rise to the radiator cap, and this is excellent advice. A big hill works great too. The way cooling systems are designed today it is almost impossible to get all the air out with the car level.

#6 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [bigfrank3] by mike120a

Aug 22, 2009 (8:50 pm)

Replying to: bigfrank3 (Aug 19, 2009 11:00 am)
Just wanted to update, the car is good now. It was just an air pocket(several actually). I did replace the thermostat though since it had an aftermarket one to begin with. Thanks so much for the help!

#7 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [bigfrank3] by subarujoe73

Feb 18, 2011 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: bigfrank3 (Aug 19, 2009 11:00 am)
was wondering how high the subaru needs to be when lifted up?! I am having the same problem with my 99 legacy outback. Tried to bleed out all of the air but it would just sit at the top of the radiator opening and the car started to heat up after reaching normal operating temp. Hoses are hot up top and cold on the bottom. Doesn't look like I am getting any circulation either. Plz help.

#8 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [subarujoe73] by mike120a

Feb 19, 2011 (12:27 am)

Replying to: subarujoe73 (Feb 18, 2011 7:13 pm)
I didn't lift my car up at all when i bled it... If i remember right there is a little valve on the passengers side of the radiator(top) u need to open up and leave open while your car is running. Hope this helps.

#9 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [mike120a] by paisan

Feb 27, 2011 (8:31 pm)

Replying to: mike120a (Feb 19, 2011 12:27 am)
Guys the proper way to bleed the subarus is to back-fill the upper rad hose into the engine, then put the hose back onto the rad. Fill the rad up.
 
The important part is to run the car at 2500-3000rpms until the needs comes up to normal operating temps with the heat running. This ensures that it circulated throughout the sytem and all the air comes out.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#10 of 11 Re: 1999 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTR Overheated and Running Rough [paisan] by subarujoe73

Mar 04, 2011 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 27, 2011 8:31 pm)
Thank you guys, I will try this seeing as how it overheated going to Kingman AZ again =\ Will post my results after doing this. Thanks again!

#11 of 11 overflow tank filling and not draining by subarujoe73

Mar 04, 2011 (1:30 pm)

Ok, so what is it if the overflow fills up and doesn't drain back into the radiator??

Messages Page 2 of 2

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement