1998 Legacy GT Cooling problem

[flat_out]

I own a 1998 Legacy GT and have experienced an intermittent cooling problem that I am searching for a solution.

The first symptom of a problem is the interior heating system begins to blow cold air, then the engine temperature gauge goes north "real quick". After the engine is turned off, sits for a few minutes and then is turned back on, the engine temperature gauge returns to normal "real quick".

I have had the water pump, water pump belt and water pump belt tensioner replaced by a Subaru dealer and the problem persists.

Any ideas...?

[sha_zapple]

Perhaps the Thermostat is acting up. Thats usually what regulates the heat in the car.

[flat_out]

Ahhh... I forgot to mention... I replaced that as well...

It appears from other responses I have received on another site that my blown head gasket suspicions are confirmed. Apparently a common malady of the 2.5...

Thanks anyways...!

[Will2]

I purchased a 92 Legacy in Tallahasse a couple of years ago. Drove it all the way back to Michigan with no problems. Jumped in a couple of days later and after about 10 minutes off driving I noticed the temp. gage heating for hot. Got back home and shut the car down. Restarted in 10 minutes and the gage read normal. After driving it and the overheating started again(I thought the 'stat was sticking) anyway. After 'monkeying' with all the stuff you mentioned I took it to a dealer. It was a head gasket. It's never givin' me another problem.(I never did see any water in the oil).

[flat_out]

Well, spent the dough and so far.... so good.

Head gasket was replaced and so far no over-heating (now, where is a piece of wood to knock on when you need it). Gemini Motors - Kitchener were good enough to give me a break on parts and labour as I'd already sunk $1k into the problem without solving it.

Thanks for the confirmation of the problem, looks like a common one.

[mcichy]

Originally Posted by flat_out

I own a 1998 Legacy GT and have experienced an intermittent cooling problem that I am searching for a solution.

The first symptom of a problem is the interior heating system begins to blow cold air, then the engine temperature gauge goes north "real quick". After the engine is turned off, sits for a few minutes and then is turned back on, the engine temperature gauge returns to normal "real quick".

I have had the water pump, water pump belt and water pump belt tensioner replaced by a Subaru dealer and the problem persists.

Any ideas...?

I had a similar problem with a 90 legacy, overheating and no interior heat. I replaced the thermostat, then the radiator, then the waterpump and belt. It must be a blown head gasket. I have found no coolent in the oil or oil in the coolent.

[jsg911]

Blown head gasket for sure