87 Legacy Wagon

[TT]

So my girlfriend just picked up an 87 legacy wagon with 160k on it. Has
hi/lo 4wd. Runs and drives ok. Got a couple quick Q's

Q1. The engine started getting warm driving it home, but before
reaching critical it cooled down to a normal temp (presumably the
thermostat kicked open). Could the thermostat be old/sticking? I know
that it's important to keep Subaru engines cool to keep em happy.

Q2. Are the Haynes/Chilton manuals any good for this vehicle?

I have been searching the web but there seems to be a huge lack of
information on late 80's Subarus on the internet. Can anyone post some
links to good Old Subaru resources?

Thanks

-Tom

 

[johninKY]

I would replace the radiator with a new one. Those manuals are better than
nothing but the factory service manuals are the best. Visit www.usmb.net
for tons of data. Subaru didn't make a Legacy in 87. What you have is a
GL.

 

[Michael Pardee]

So my girlfriend just picked up an 87 legacy wagon with 160k on it. Has
hi/lo 4wd. Runs and drives ok. Got a couple quick Q's

Q1. The engine started getting warm driving it home, but before
reaching critical it cooled down to a normal temp (presumably the
thermostat kicked open). Could the thermostat be old/sticking? I know
that it's important to keep Subaru engines cool to keep em happy.

Q2. Are the Haynes/Chilton manuals any good for this vehicle?

I have been searching the web but there seems to be a huge lack of
information on late 80's Subarus on the internet. Can anyone post some
links to good Old Subaru resources?

Thanks

-Tom

Sounds like the thermostat to me. I've come to the conclusion that
aftermarket thermostats aren't as "smooth" as OEM units, so I stick with
OEMs now. After replacing it, be sure to bleed the cooling system. I don't
know the details, but the gurus here sure do.

Just as a confidence test for the head gasket (I didn't see which engine you
have), remove the radiator cap when cold, start the engine, pinch off the
recovery tank hose near the radiator neck, and put the palm of your hand
over the radiator cap opening. You should not feel a steady rise of pressure
or - worse - pulsations. Either is a sign of head gasket trouble, and you
will want to know that before opening the coolant system anyway.

Mike