overheating

[Rhbuxton]

Hi All,
I am new to this list and I have a question that I am hoping to get answed. I
changed the coolant last week and the next time it was driven, it overheated.
I changed the thermostat, it overheated. Today I pulled the water pump off the
car and it is fine. I am starting to wonder if the engine wasn't air locked
when I changed the coolant. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a
trick or procedure that I am missing?
Many thanks in advance!
Rick

 

[mulder]

What particular car do you have? There are specific procedures to be
followed when draining and refilling the coolant, to prevent air from
being trapped and to purge it when it happens. It sounds like this is
what happened in your case, there is a air pocket that needs to be
purged from the system.

 

[Rick Courtright]

car and it is fine. I am starting to wonder if the engine wasn't air locked
when I changed the coolant. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a

Hi,

Sounds like you nailed it: air in the system's not unusual. Some Subies
have an air bleed valve on/near the radiator. Sorry, I don't remember
which ones, but if you tell us what car you're working on, I'm sure
somebody can help more.

If your car's like mine, an older one without a bleed valve, you can try
what "usually" (note the quotes) works for me. After draining the
system, I refill it about halfway, then start the car with the radiator
cap off. Be sure the heater's on full (most Subies I've seen have a
constant flow heater, not a water valve, but it's still a good idea),
let the engine run at idle to warm up. Watch the water level in the
radiator, and add water slowly as it goes down, but keep the level below
the height of the top radiator hose fitting so air can escape. By the
time the t-stat opens and you feel the top radiator hose getting warm,
you should have most of the air out. Shut off the engine and let it
cool. When it's cool, slowly fill the radiator to the top, and fill the
overflow tank. Put the cap on, start the engine and run it again until
it gets up to temp. If everything's ok, then drive around the block a
coupla times and watch the gauge. If it's still doing fine, you should
be good to go, but check the level in the overflow tank daily for a few
days until you're sure.

OTOH, if you're still seeing things get a little too warm, let the
engine cool, siphon some coolant out of the radiator, to below the top
hose fitting, start the engine with the radiator cap off, and repeat the
drill. Sometimes it's necessary to "force" the air out by running the
engine up to speed a few times, but expect plenty of splashing coolant
all over if you have to resort to that method, and you'll want to clean
it up immediately to keep from endangering any pets who are attracted to
it.

Hope this helps,

Rick

 

[Rhbuxton]

There are specific procedures to be

followed when draining and refilling the coolant, to prevent air from
being trapped and to purge it when it happens. It sounds like this is
what happened in your case, there is a air pocket that needs to be
purged from the system.

Hi, thanks for the offer to help. The car is a 1997 Outback with the 2.5
engine. It is airconditioned. There is the radiator cap on the drivers side
of the radiator and there is what appears to be a small cap on the passangers
side that is capped with a screw in plug with a phillips screw slot in the top.
Again, thanks for helping.
Rick

 

[John A.]

Sounds like you nailed it: air in the system's not unusual. Some Subies

have an air bleed valve on/near the radiator. Sorry, I don't remember
which ones, but if you tell us what car you're working on, I'm sure
somebody can help more.

If your car's like mine, an older one without a bleed valve, you can try
what "usually" (note the quotes) works for me. After draining the
system, I refill it about halfway, then start the car with the radiator
cap off. Be sure the heater's on full (most Subies I've seen have a
constant flow heater, not a water valve, but it's still a good idea),
let the engine run at idle to warm up. Watch the water level in the
radiator, and add water slowly as it goes down, but keep the level below
the height of the top radiator hose fitting so air can escape. By the
time the t-stat opens and you feel the top radiator hose getting warm,
you should have most of the air out. Shut off the engine and let it
cool. When it's cool, slowly fill the radiator to the top, and fill the
overflow tank. Put the cap on, start the engine and run it again until
it gets up to temp. If everything's ok, then drive around the block a
coupla times and watch the gauge. If it's still doing fine, you should
be good to go, but check the level in the overflow tank daily for a few
days until you're sure.

OTOH, if you're still seeing things get a little too warm, let the
engine cool, siphon some coolant out of the radiator, to below the top
hose fitting, start the engine with the radiator cap off, and repeat the
drill. Sometimes it's necessary to "force" the air out by running the
engine up to speed a few times, but expect plenty of splashing coolant
all over if you have to resort to that method, and you'll want to clean
it up immediately to keep from endangering any pets who are attracted to
it.

Great advice Rick, and I agree air-lock sounds like the OP's problem.
I've had this happen with my '90 Subaru 2.5. I think it's inherent with the
horizontal engine design. You have to really be careful to take your time
and
get all of the air out of the system. One thing that I found helped (though
messy)
was to take off one of the heater core hoses to the firewall to initially
fill up the
coolant, and then to even 'bleed' it from there once the engine is running.

Certainly, make sure you remove the small air plug in the top of the
radiator if you have
one (don't forget to put it back!). And some jiggling and bouncing of the
car/engine
doesn't hurt either .
John

 

[Mickey]

Hi All,
I am new to this list and I have a question that I am hoping to get answed. I
changed the coolant last week and the next time it was driven, it overheated.
I changed the thermostat, it overheated. Today I pulled the water pump off the
car and it is fine. I am starting to wonder if the engine wasn't air locked
when I changed the coolant. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a
trick or procedure that I am missing?
Many thanks in advance!
Rick

Agree with other comments about air lock but I do wonder if you used
factory t-stat as the replacement. Unknowingly I used a high qlty
aftermarket t-stat (paid as much as one from dealer)and found out the
hard way the replacement part had only ~60% of the opening (water
passage) as a factory one. Had to redo with factory part to address
the overheating brought on by the replacement.

Mickey

 

[Mickey]

oven covered for 2 hours.
Remove cover, stick a cooking thermometer deep into one of the
baby?s buttocks and cook uncovered till thermometer reads 190°,
about another hour.



Pro-Choice Po-Boy

Soft-shelled crabs serve just as well in this classic southern delicacy.
The sandwich originated in New Orleans, where an abundance of abortion clinics
thrive and hot French bread is always available.

2 cleaned fetuses, head on
2 eggs
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 cup seasoned flour
oil enough for deep frying
1 loaf French bread
Lettuce
tomatoes
mayonnaise, etc.

Marinate the fetuses in the egg-mustard mixture.
Dredge thoroughly in flour.
Fry at 375° until crispy golden brown.
Remove and place on paper towels.



Holiday Youngster

One can easily adapt this recipe to ham, though as presented,
it violates no religious taboos against swine.

1 large toddler or small child, cleaned and de-headed
Kentucky Bourbon Sauce (see index)
1 large can pineapple slices
Whole cloves

Place him (or ham) or her in a large glass baking dish, buttocks up.
Tie with butcher string around and across so that he looks like
he?s crawling.
Glaze, then arrange pineapples and secure with cloves.
Bake uncovered in 350° oven till thermometer reaches 160°.



Cajun Babies

Just like crabs or crawfish, babies are boiled alive!
You don?t need silverware, the hot spicy meat comes off in your hands.

6 live babies
1 lb. smoked sausage
4 lemons
whole garlic
2 lb. new potatoes
4 ears corn
1 box salt
crab boil

Bring 3 gallons of water to a boil.
Add sausage, salt, crab boil, lemons and garlic.
Drop potatoes in, boil for 4 minutes.

 

[Rhbuxton]

Thank you all for the advice. I see that my casual approach of dumping the
antifreeze and filling the radiator isn't the answer!! I will go at it again
with greater care bleeding the air out of the engine through the heater hoses
and heater coil hoses. I can't get to it until Tuesday but I will post the
results then. Again, many thanks.
Rick

 

[Rhbuxton]

Vegetable oil (or hog fat)
Salt, pepper, garlic, etc.

Lightly brown onions, celery, garlic and meat in large heavy pot.
Add a little water and the greens (which should be thoroughly cleaned and washed).
Smother slowly for at least 2 hours, adding small amounts of water
when it starts to stick.
Stir frequently.
When ready - serve with rice, grilled smoked sausage, green salad, and iced tea.
Coffee and apple pie then brandy.



Maternity Ward Pot Luck Dinner

If you can?t get anything fresh from the hospital, nursery, or morgue;
you can at least get rid of all the leftovers in your refrigerator.

1 - 2 lbs. cubed meat (human flesh, chicken, turkey, beef...)
1 -2 lbs. coarsely chopped vegetables
(carrots, potatoes, turnips, cauliflower, cabbage...)
Bell pepper
onions
garlic
ginger
salt pepper, etc.
Olive oil
butter

Brown the meat and some chopped onions, peppers, and garilic in olive oil,
place in baking dish, layer with vegetables seasoning and butter.
Bake at 325° for 30 - 45 minutes.
Serve with hot dinner rolls, fruit salad and sparkling water.



Bébé Buffet 1

Show off with whole roasted children replete with apples in mouths -
and babies? heads stuffed with wild rice. Or keep it simple with a
hearty main course such as stew, lasagna, or meat loaf.

Some suggestions

Pre-mie pot pies, beef stew, leg of lamb, stuffed chicken, roast pork spiral ham,
Cranberry pineapple salad, sweet potatoes in butter, vegetable platter, tossed salad with tomato and avocado, parsley new potatoes, spinich cucumber salad, fruit salad
Bran muffins, dinner rolls, soft breadsticks, rice pilaf, croissants
Apple cake with rum sauce, frosted ban

 

[John A.]

butter
3 tablespoons oil

First stuff the heads, or make the patties (see index)
then fry or bake.
Set aside to drain on paper towels.
Make a roux with butter, oil and flour,
brown vegetables in the roux, then add chicken stock and
allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the patties or stuffed heads, and some loose crawfish,
lobster, long piglet, or what have you.
Cook on low for 15 minutes, then allow it to set for at least
15 minutes more.
Serve over steamed rice; this dish is very impressive!



Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Babies really can be found under a cabbage leaf -
or one can arrange for ground beef to be found there instead.

8 large cabbage leaves
1 lb. lean ground newborn human filets, or ground chuck
Onions
peppers
celery
garlic
soy sauce
salt pepper, etc
Olive oil
breadcrumbs
Tomato Gravy (see index)

Boil the cabbage leaves for 2 minutes to soften.
In skillet, brown the meat in a little olive oil,
then add onions, peppers, and celery (all

 

[Guest]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

Thank you
Ed

 

[Dr. Rastis Fafoofnik]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

Thank you
Ed

Keep reading! The folks here DON'T like my comments one bit, call me a troll
and other names because i tell it like it is.
MOST of the owners have multiple problems with these cars after only a few
years. Subaru denys damn near every known problem with their cars.
Please read the comments provided by actual owners right here in this forum.
These little shit-wagons are pretty quick(when not in the repair facility),
but worthless when it comes to resale and reliability..some of the
problems....
Engine oil leaks causing fires (oil control valve) Subaru actually admitted
this one!
POOR fuel mileage for a small car.
Engines blowing head gaskets.
Premature CV joint failures.
Fuel leaks in cold weather.
Water leaks into the trunk
Alternator too small to keep up with demands
A/C & heater performance is a joke
Paint is worthless and hood dents if you look at it wrong
Windows squeaking
Multiple brake problems
Resale (in the USA) is ZILCH! as these cars are a bag of crap when new,
after it has been raced and abused it's REALLY worthless.
This is just the tip of the iceberg..read on IN THEIR WORDS the problems
THEY have with these cars.Some will even tell you this is NORMAL with a car
of this class (Rally) car hahahaha..yeah right.
As far as resale (tradein) and reliability Subaru is right up there with
Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai and Daihatsu. Be advised that while Subaru is NOT a
Korean car, it's built like one.

 

[Generic]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

Thank you
Ed

Let me add another question. Insurance costs? I called my company about
several sporty/sports cars and the WRX or STi run several hundred more per
year than other cars with similar horsepower. Is this a universal problem?

-John

 

[Bryan Lee]

I have an '04 wagon and have been loving it for the past year. aaaaaif you
read the DR. other post he seem to really hate subaru. Goto i-club.com and
nasico.com and you can read everything you need to know. Also go to
scoobymods.com they show you how to do all the work yourself. I did alot of
research and I never heard any of the thing that Dr. R talks about. Just
watch how he responds to post. good luck

 

[Philip Procter]

Let me add another question. Insurance costs? I called my company about
several sporty/sports cars and the WRX or STi run several hundred more per
year than other cars with similar horsepower. Is this a universal problem?

-John

Try a different insurance carrier.

Those "in-the-know" will increase the charge on an STi, for certain,
especially if you fall into one of their high risk catagories: (males,
18-35yrs, breathing, etc). Somehow, this does not seem unreasonable. I
would think STi's, especially in the hands of an oversexed,
undertalented, too rich skaterboy, is a high risk deal. The car
invites aggressive driving and the wing invites aggressive clue light
action!

Philip

 

[Philip Procter]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

Thank you
Ed

I've owned 2 Subarus, one a 1998 with over 100k. I've also owned an
Audi 100.

The Subarus have been (so far!) far more reliable.

Not that they are without problems. 4wd is more complex and suffers
more problems, though the subie CV problem seems very real. I've had
no unusual problems with brakes or any clutch issue. I live in the
frigid north (it's -10F now and routinely hits -25F). The cars idle
fine and start reliably. I live on a dirt and stone road. The paint is
not anywhere as good as the Audi's, no contest. But it is not bad,
either.

I agree that the warranty should be longer, but I also think the work
week should be shorter so I can spend more time with my STi.

The Audi was a much more upmarket car, but it wasn't better quality. I
doubt it was even as good.

Philip

 

[BlueSTi]

Hi

I am considering buying a 2004 Impreza WRX. I have been impressed by what
people are saying about the handling and the power. However, in my research
I have found some troubling issues: (1) there appears to be abnormally high
degree of paint chipping; (2) the clutch appears to prematurely wear out;
(3) brakes prematurely wear; (4) get the extra warranty for the power
train (5) warranty is insufficient , i.e. 3 years 60,000 kms; (6) sedans
appear to have a very small trunk; (7) problems with the engine idling
during cold weather. I am presently driving a 2002 VW Jetta.

I have focused on the negatives since I want to be sure of what I may be
potentially getting myself into. I would appreciate your thoughts on this
both positive and negative.

Thank you
Ed

The clutch is a common problem issue with bone heads who like to run
up high rpm's and drop the clutch. Imagine that! Same issue with
brakes. If you want to abuse any car, premature wear is bound to
happen in the clutch and brake area. 200 plus HP in an AWD car, add
an idiot behind the wheel and you have a combination for trouble.

When I used to drive a DSM and there were lots of kids who smoked
their clutch in the first few months of ownership. I had mine for
60,000 and the clutch was working perfectly when I sold it. I think a
lot of it depends on how you treat your vehicle.
I too have heard the rumor that the Subaru paint is "soft". But, I
haven't had the particular issue with mine. I haven't had any warranty
issues. And my STi runs and idles fine in the cold weather. The
boxer motor does feel different at idle.
I seem to have plenty of room for groceries and such. I guess if you
are really looking for room you can get the WRX wagon.
Subaru's are not known for their great gas mileage. I get between 20
and 24 mpg. But, I don't think that is too bad for a car with 300 hp.
But, then again I don't even hit 0 lbs of boost most of the time. And
I shift around 3000 rpms. There are some inherent drive train losses
with AWD so it will always be a little bit of trade-off in fuel
economy.
In an earlier post Dr. R. seems to have some huge issue with Subaru's
that are beyond rational understanding. I don't even know if he owns a
Subaru. And personally, I don't know why he even posts to the group.
Apparently, he has no interests in the vehicles other than to bash
them.
The reason I bought a second Subaru is because my wife drove her
Legacy for 160,000 fairly trouble-free miles on a mail route. Take it
from me that a mail route will tear the crap out of a car. So, all I
can say is that in my situation the Subaru has been a great
investment.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Phillip and 'Blue' touch on an issue I think is important to consider.
How are these cars being used? Are there more reports of chipped paint
simply because other cars are not out during the snow storms?)I think
the Kyoto Treaty forced a change away from paint with too many VOCs -
all cars may soon have worse paint) or regularly navigating gravel
roads? Maybe CV boots,clutches and brakes are getting more severe
use/abuse because Soobs are affordable(more kids get them) and
sporty/rally type cars? Would your average Civic or Toy hold up as well
UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES? The 1/3 or so items on the troll's list
that are legit(just exagerrated) may be partly due to Soobs getting an
inordinate amount of use in extreme road and weather conditions AND
being abused by kids. OK, there is no excuse for the 2.5l headgasket
problems. But I recall Toyotas that threw rods and had oil sludge
problems. In Japan, Subaru ranks behind Honda and Toyota, but I think
they are well ahead of the Korean cars (admittedly Hyundai has made
great strides). They are also well ahead of many other cars. The Troll
acts like you couldn't buy a car worse than a Soob. I wonder if he has
ever owned British or Italian cars? (BTW - my '78 Honda Civic seized
it's camshaft and destroyed piston/cylinder #2)

Get what you WANT. just do the research. people continued to buy Jaguars
even when they regular won the 'most likely to strand you at the side of
the road' surveys for decades!

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Generic]

Try a different insurance carrier.

Those "in-the-know" will increase the charge on an STi, for certain,
especially if you fall into one of their high risk catagories: (males,
18-35yrs, breathing, etc). Somehow, this does not seem unreasonable. I
would think STi's, especially in the hands of an oversexed,
undertalented, too rich skaterboy, is a high risk deal. The car
invites aggressive driving and the wing invites aggressive clue light
action!

This carrier quoted me far lower rates (i.e. $400 lower) for other 300 HP
'aggressive' cars, such as the 2005 Mustang GT. The quote for a plain WRX
came in second ($200 lower) behind the STi and above the Mustang. I've got
a clean driving record.

Any data or consensus on this?

-John

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Insurance actuaries are one step away from witch doctors - who knows
what they take into account. The diff may have more to do with parts
prices than horsepower.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan