Overheating and my mechanic gave up on me

[khawajakustoms]

Not all but most. I just got her back today after changing the radiator and almost a 100 miles later, she still hasn't overheated.

I'm glad shes all fixed up! Did your coolant reservoir overflow like mine does? that's the one eating at me the most...

[Donkey]

Personally I think you need to find a new mechanic. There are some very easy ways to find out if you have a head gasket problem.
1) Coolant in oil. Makes the oil turn a tan color.
2) Sweet smell in exhaust/white smoke from exhaust
3)Leak test Head Gasket or Combustion Leak Test Procedure (Gasoline Engines Only)

Also you might just have an air bubble in the system. Try burping the system. Maybe your water pump is taking a crap. Most water pumps have a "weep hole". Jack up the car and see if you got coolant coming out down by the lower radiator hose.

[WRXie]

I'm glad shes all fixed up! Did your coolant reservoir overflow like mine does? that's the one eating at me the most...

Mine did overflow, which was my fault. When I checked it, I didn't notice the lines on the side that said where to fill to, so I over filled it and it was going all over. Once I fixed that, it hasn't been spraying coolant anywhere.

[CJ05]

Try running your car in test mode to see if both fans cycle. That's where my overheating issue came form (drivers side rad fan came unplugged somehow)

[Subiedubie17]

Hello,

Just bought 03 wrx wagon about 3 weeks ago and it is now in its third shop. The mechanic told me that if they can't get it to overheat they are making me pick it up.

I overheated in 4th gear on a bridge on xmas eve. pulled over and coolant poured out.

Put a bit in and let it cool, then drove to Pep Boys (they were the only place open within 20 miles on xmas eve eve.)

They said there must be a leak, and pressure tested it. Well, apparantly there is no leak. They said, "Good news" nothing is wrong with your car.

@#$*

As I drove home from Pep boys my gauge went almost all the way to H. When I pulled over, antifreeze was everywhere. Exploded from the reservoir.

So, then it was to another mechanic who after not looking at it for 4 days i gave up on.

It's been at third place for a week. One mechanic got it to overheat on the highway but didnt find that problem. The spent all day driving it yesterday and cannot get it to overheat. They are giving it one more day and then handing me back my car. I am perplexed!

I know there is something wrong with it. I heard everything from head gasket, to water pump, to radiator, to thermostat, but all of these things have been checked out. Help! Please?

[SD_GR]

Burp the system and see if that improves anything. My guess is the seller replaced the coolant and did not burp the system properly.

[boll58]

Make sure the top and bottom hoses feel about the same temp. A better way I've used is one of the laser point thermomters to check that the temp across the radiator is even, and that the upper and lower hose are at the same temp. If not you have a flow restriction.

[Subiedubie17]

Hello,

Just bought 03 wrx wagon about 3 weeks ago and it is now in its third shop. The mechanic told me that if they can't get it to overheat they are making me pick it up.

I overheated in 4th gear on a bridge on xmas eve. pulled over and coolant poured out.

Put a bit in and let it cool, then drove to Pep Boys (they were the only place open within 20 miles on xmas eve eve.)

They said there must be a leak, and pressure tested it. Well, apparantly there is no leak. They said, "Good news" nothing is wrong with your car.

@#$*

As I drove home from Pep boys my gauge went almost all the way to H. When I pulled over, antifreeze was everywhere. Exploded from the reservoir.

So, then it was to another mechanic who after not looking at it for 4 days i gave up on.

It's been at third place for a week. One mechanic got it to overheat on the highway but didnt find that problem. The spent all day driving it yesterday and cannot get it to overheat. They are giving it one more day and then handing me back my car. I am perplexed!

I know there is something wrong with it. I heard everything from head gasket, to water pump, to radiator, to thermostat, but all of these things have been checked out. Help! Please?

[northshore]

Do the fans turn on? My last two Hondas....I had to replace the temperature switch.

[Subiedubie17]

Yes, the fans turn on. The system was burped. Everything seems to be in working order and it only overheats sometimes. I seem to think it is radiator related, but the mechanic doesn't. It just passed PA inspection. We are picking her up today. So, we'll see. I have a hunch it will overheat on me again.

The mechanic said it could have been a clog that was broken loose. They ran it 2 days in a row. On the highway and in the city and the gauge stays centered. It is a mystery. One I wish was solved soon.

[W®XaÐÐiction]

Last time I seen a car do this it was the head gasket. Ive also noticed that the wagons tend to do it more.

[Subiedubie17]

So, my car is at a Subaru dealer/service station. The head gasket is leaking coolant internally. AWESOME!!! That is sarcasm, of course. I have an extended warranty that better pay for it as I just bought the car a month ago and it has been to 4 mechanics. I have had the car to myself a little under 2 weeks. They quoted somewhere between 3800-4300 dollars. Holy ****! Any suggestions, opinions?

[mycologist]

So, my car is at a Subaru dealer/service station. The head gasket is leaking coolant internally. AWESOME!!! That is sarcasm, of course. I have an extended warranty that better pay for it as I just bought the car a month ago and it has been to 4 mechanics. I have had the car to myself a little under 2 weeks. They quoted somewhere between 3800-4300 dollars. Holy ****! Any suggestions, opinions?

Yes - get it covered under warranty and get it replaced. There is no easy out for a head gasket (the motor is coming out etc.).