Car is overheating please help???

Asked by Tara Mar 27, 2020 at 05:46 PM about the 1998 Subaru Legacy Brighton Wagon AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car keeps getting hot. It can set
and idle for 45 mins and not get hot,
but as soon as I drive it, it gets hot.
Please help me.

4 Answers

Odds are the head gaskets are leaking. Typical Subaru problem.

2 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful

Typically the fix is to pull the engine and install new multi layer head gaskets. The heads should be checked for crack and warp by a machine shop. The unfortunate thing is your car may not be worth fixing. Get quotes from experienced Subaru mechanics and make your decision.

48,040

Not so typical in the late 90's, but these are so old that you may need to toss this beast. First check the heater tubes (behind motor) for a clog, as well radiator flow. Water pumps are golden, as are the t-stats, so proceed with a percolation test for exhaust gases and profuse bubbling upon warm throttle at the radiator cap. Be careful to not burn yourself! Good luck, as I fear you'll be tossing this dinosaur.

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