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.

Mark helpful
1,570

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

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

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

Mark helpful

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

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Over Heating 2004 Subaru Outback Base model 7 Answers

    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 th...

    2004 Subaru Outback Base Wagon

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Heating up of Subaru Outback 2004 2 Answers

    My subaru outback 2004 heats up when I am going uphill and normal when I am going downhill/flat terrain, some mechanics think its the gasket or the water pump as the hose pipe is always tight and pr...

    2004 Subaru Outback Sport

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2004 Subaru Legacy outback 2 Answers

    My 2004 outback just stopped running on freeway @ 70mph. The speedometer and rpm gauges stopped working then car died. It will not even turn over.

    2004 Subaru Outback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • What year model is best Subaru outback 17 Answers

    What year do you think has the least mechanical problems on the Subaru outback? I'm looking for a used one

    Subaru Outback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Recent model years of the Subaru Outback 2 Answers

    Are there any major issues with the newer Outback. I am looking at something from 2016-2019.

    Subaru Outback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 1,118 nationwide Outback listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Outback Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #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
35 Great Deals out of 1,310 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 2,980 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
185 Great Deals out of 4,925 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $8,960
Used Toyota Tacoma
41 Great Deals out of 764 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Legacy
17 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota Highlander
41 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $3,877
Used Subaru Impreza
36 Great Deals out of 635 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,122 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Pilot
33 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $3,800
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 947 listings starting at $2,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
138 Great Deals out of 3,611 listings starting at $4,295

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.