1994 Subaru Legacy overheating & Check engine light

DAVEDC32

MEMBER
1994 SUBARU LEGACY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

I have a 94 Subaru Legacy FWD Auto 4dr non turbo. It overheats. I thought it was the thermostat 1st, replaced it. Didn't fix it. I then saw steam coming out from the radiator, tried to seal but didn't then ordered new one. It stayed fine until driving it. The check engine light comes on then goes off. I don't see any smoke from the tailpipe like a gasket would do or would it? I'm poor and out of work and cannot get a new car. But I need this car to try and get a new job and take care of my little girl. I need help. Also there is no heat from the heater. No screeching noise from the engine. So I didn't thing it was the water pump. How much should something like this cost here in Stockton, CA? It is frustrating as the car sat there running for about 20 minutes or more without overheating then driving around the block it went up. Why? Please help.

4 Replies

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

I'm assuming that you topped the coolant off when you replaced the cap? Something else you can try is to feel the upper and the lower radiator hoses when it gets warmed up. If one is hot and the other cool, you may have a blockage in the radiator. There are shops that will rod them out or replace the core, shich can be less expensive than replacing the radiator. Check this and let me know what you find out.
Dave

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 6:44 PM

DAVEDC32

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I added coolant but it does not seem to take the amount the manual says it should be at. 6.3 qt. It has taken less than about 4 so far. About 2.5 to just under 3 of coolant and 1 to 1.25 of water. It is a brand new radiator. I will try to check the hoses for the heat. To make sure. Also only one fan kicked on. I think that is normal unless the AC is on. Am I correct in this?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, January 19th, 2008 AT 12:57 AM

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

Yes you are correct. Only one fan should kick on unless the a/c is on. I would wonder though, about the system not taking all the coolant. It may be air locked. You may have to loosen the clamp on the upper hose or maybe a bypass hose. If you find a hose high on the engine, you can let the air out through that hose while you fill the radiator.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, January 25th, 2008 AT 10:27 PM

DAVEDC32

MEMBER
5 POSTS

There seems to be some screws to the radiator itself. One one the bottom (I assume it to be a drain plug and another near the top. No other hoses, except for the transmission fluid connections. Could that be it. And would an "air lock" cause this problem? It seems to be okay at rest but overheated when driven. No smoke comes out of the tailpipe and no noise from the pump. But no heat from the heater. I used to hear that when a car was overheating to help you would turn on the heater to dissipate heat. But none is there, just cold air.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Saturday, January 26th, 2008 AT 2:40 AM