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2005 Subaru WRX overheating

Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SUBARU WRX
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 89,000 MILES
I have a leak in my cooling system, but it may be boiling over at the cap, I can't tell. My heater runs cold since this started and I am getting squealing from the belts occasionally as well as the car overheating. I think it may be the water pump, but I'd like to be more confident before I start pulling parts. Last night It was overheating and I just had filled the reservoir, so I know it was full, but still getting too hot. Thats what made me think of the water pump.
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Friday, January 8th, 2010 AT 5:05 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
One way to test for a bad water pump is to squeeze the upper radiator hose when the engine is hot and idling. Careful, because the hose will be HOT! If you do not feel much coolant circulating through the hose when you rev the engine, the pump may be bad. The other cause might be a bad thermostat that is not opening properly (remove and inspect the thermostat), or a clogged radiator.

If okay-try checking the radiator if its clogged if not replace the thermostat and see what happens. Could also be air in the system
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Friday, January 8th, 2010 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
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  • 8 POSTS
I repaced the thermostat and refilled the radiator. All seemed fine for about 5 minutes idling in the driveway. It reached normal temp and seemed to hold, so I took it for a drive. All still seemed normal, even on the freeway. After about 5 miles, I decided I needed to push the engine, just to be confident it was fixed and sure enough, it started overheating again. I pulled off and got back home and see coolant everywhere. Still can't tell where its coming from exactly, still looks like spillover from the cap. I'm thinking its probably the water pump, just want to be sure before I order a new one.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be something else other than the water pump-Get it block and pressure tested if it passes -think! Water pump

BTW did you check the radiator if its clogged-up?
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
AZROCKMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The system didn't seem clogged and the fluid looked clean. It also doesn't seem to be taking in any of the fluid from the reservoir.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 6:37 PM

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