98 Forester, 4eat. Car's temp rises beyond normal when the A/C is on until we turn the A/C off. We figure if we didn't turn it off it would keep getting hotter (i.e., it doesn't plateau). Been doing it for a couple weeks. Does it both in town and on the highway. Both radiator fans work. Coolant level looks normal. Car has never had an issue with overheating since we've had it, except when we towed a heavy load (to be expected). What should I check? Thanks in advance.
I'm also interested in this for my co-worker who has a '02 outback sport. Same situation, not sure on his coolant levels yet, but I'll know by tomorrow.
I'll say it again...head gaskets, its a 1998 its not an "if" they will blow, its "when".....PM driftin240 or subytek, maybe they can do a bit of diagnosing in thier free time.
Have you burped the coolant system more than once? If so, I'd agree with ^^ with regard to a possible head gasket issue. Any oil in the coolant or vice versa?
its probably in the early phazes of it, the extra work the compressor puts on the engine is enough to make it overheat. Get a coolant fill bucket (one that sits on top of the rad cap opening) fill it about 1/4 of the way up, start the car, look for a constant stream of bubbles coming up, expecially around the times when the fans come on.
Have this issue with older vehicles that come into our shop. You could also check for debris stuck in front of the condensor or bent condensor fins. If there is, wash the condensor off and blow off with a blow gun. Then go from there. If you are still overheating you could get a coolant funnel and top off the coolant with the funnel and then start the vehicle and watch the coolant level if it rises or lowers or bubbles.
^^ My brother had his car start running hot when his fans stopped running (blown fuse). With AC on, the fans will always run, so it's an easy thing to check. With his car, it was far more noticeable when running AC. With AC off, it would keep up unless you were putting around town.
Fans run, fins are clear. Its doing it often just driving now, too, but kinda randomly. Fk I don't wanna do HG's on this car. Guess I should maybe swap the thermostat in case that's acting funny. Anyone know if there's an updated HG for this engine?
yes they are updated. And yes they are blown, sorry to burst your bubble man, its not ever IF, its WHEN with DOHCs.
Could try adding some "Subaru Conditioner". AKA Stop Leak. Don't go to the dealer, they will tell you $2000. Someone on the forums should be able to get you a good deal.
No, thats only for EXTERNAL leaks, external leaks DO NOT cause over-heating, UNLESS you let them leak out all the coolant.
Like AWD said, that's for the one's that are seeping out coolant, and even then I distrust any sort of stop leak. If it can clog up a leak, it could clog up other things, imo. And it'll be a DIY, maybe with assistance. Not paying labor when I already got the vast majority of the tools I need (incl. engine hoist) - just a little short on space and motivation.
