2001 subaru outback 4cyl. Overheating after replacing thermostat and radiator

Asked by Jimfred23 May 28, 2017 at 06:57 PM about the 2001 Subaru Outback Base Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Daughters car, she was driving and it started to overheat so she pulled
over. Got it home and on the forum, it said try replacing the thermostat. Did
that, while idling car stayed in normal area, but then noticed that the
radiator had a small crack in it with steam coming out of it. Replaced the
radiator and all hoses, filled with fluids, started up with cap off to remove
bubbles. Was showing fine for temp, however as soon as I put the cap on
the radiator, the car started to overheat immediately.  Any ideas on what to
do next?

3 Answers

I would suspect head gasket leaks. Does your car have white exhaust smoke?

1 people found this helpful.
86,145

Is this a high mileage car??? And, what's the overall condition....it's 16 years old... I imagine you are likely close to the end of life on this vehicle.. without a big influx of cash... Are you prepared for this?

86,145

You might be able to do get the head gaskets done, check the timing belt, water pump and thermostat.. plus, a complete radiator flush and change... How's the transmission and other major components.. I would have a compression check as well.

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 1,120 nationwide Outback listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,250
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
39 Great Deals out of 1,322 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota RAV4
149 Great Deals out of 3,015 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
182 Great Deals out of 4,992 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
27 Great Deals out of 537 listings starting at $14,791
Used Toyota Tacoma
34 Great Deals out of 781 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Legacy
13 Great Deals out of 216 listings starting at $3,200
Used Subaru Impreza
28 Great Deals out of 642 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Highlander
33 Great Deals out of 826 listings starting at $7,498
Used Toyota Camry
49 Great Deals out of 1,110 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford F-150
295 Great Deals out of 13,390 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 965 listings starting at $2,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.