06LegacyLimited Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Just noticed my car was getting extremely close to the red zone while idling in a drive through last night. As soon as I started driving again the temp dropped right back down to the normal level (middle). Any idea what the problem is, thermostat maybe? Car is 06 Legacy non turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BarManBean Posted May 6, 2012 Moderators Share Posted May 6, 2012 Probably not the thermostat, since it would make sense for the car to run a bit hotter while it's not moving. Check your coolant overflow tank while the engine is warm, make sure it's at the right level. DONT open the coolant pressure cap while the engine is warm. You could also have an air bubble in the system, but not likely unless you've recently messed with system... "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaroslaw Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I had the same problem turned out to be air bubbles i would idle in traffic and overheat but if i i was reving around 2500 or more itd would go back down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No DRFT Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Mileage on vehicle? Sounds like a large air pocket in the coolant system. I have no control over drippie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Fans dead? Fan relay not working? Car went from idle to moving. Problem went away when car started moving. So, as soon as air flow across the radiator, cooling began working again. Fans??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 ^+1 easy enough to check if fans are working. When fan clutch went bad in my Durango it heated up in stop and go but was nice and cool when moving. If fans working, "burp" the coolant system. http://www.ehow.com/how_7369_burp-cars-cooling.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06LegacyLimited Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 Thanks guys -checked coolant overflow tank and it was dry. Tried to replicate the issue in my driveway before adding the coolant and I couldn't get the car to heat up that hot again. Let it run a while and although I never heard the fans go on temp gauge stayed stable (the middle). Checked the fan fuses (they were fine) and then filled back with coolant. I'll report back if see the issue again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kens97sto171 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 You might try getting a new radiator cap. I once had a coolant loss I could not find. And you are losing coolant if the reservoir was dry. if your cap is releasing pressure too easily it will fill the reservoir then overflow it a little. When the car cools down the excess is drawn back into the radiator. After a few repeats of this you will get low enough to get an air bubble in the system or just be plain low and overheat. Its worth a try. Get a good cap. I have always had good luck with Stant brand caps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 If res is dry, coolant is going somewhere. Leaking caps and leaking hose ends are normal culprits. Drain the oil too. Make sure no malted milk balls being made (if so, your head gaskets are probably going). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAMMER DOWN Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Also check for clogged radiator cooling fins. Mine was clogged up with fine dirt that pass threw the bigger cooling fins of the AC condenser and plugged up the outside of the radiator. 165k was on the LGT at that time. I was able to clean out the cooling fins of the AC condenser with water & air. The OEM radiator didn't clean out that good. I just Replaced the OEM with Moshimoto radiator to help with cooling when I do some towing http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3080060&postcount=5 http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3080064&postcount=6 & the thermostat why'll I was there. Mike Mileage:331487 Retired/Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCHM1AN Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 If the OP was low on coolant, could he just refill through the overflow tank? Or would he have to re-burp the entire cooling system? I suspect #1, but nonetheless I've always wondered this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 it depends on how low, but best is to let the car cool down, then add coolan in the radiator cap, the fill overflow tank. it its too low, you may have to burp system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 OP never mentioned opening the system. No burping would be required if he never opened the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 We have seen these symtoms lately with aftermarket t stats as well. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGPKR Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 I had the same problem with my 04 STi. Air pockets in the cooling system caused by a leaking head gasket at high boost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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