1997 Legacy 2.2L Radiator mystery tubes

[PSMSR]

My daughter has a 1997 Legacy 2.2L, 5 speed, and it has begun recently to
overheat, but only rarely. I looked at it, and found the reservoir tank
dry, and no coolant in the radiator. Also noticed two brass tubes coming
out of the side of the radiator on the same side as the radiator cap. These
tubes are not connected to anything. What are they for? Could their lack
of connection to anything be contributing to overheating? I can't believe
the car has run at normal temperatures for quite some time if those tubes go
directly into the radiator coolant!

Thanks.

- Phil

 

[AS]

Your description makes me think that your radiator has the connections
for the auto tranny fluid cooling circuit. Is this an original or
aftermarket radiator?

For the overheating, look for the usual culprits:
Electric fans not working
Defective thermostat
Defective radiator cap
Clogged radiator fins
Clogged coolant system
Defective coolant temp sensor
Trapped air in the coolant circuit
Crushed exhaust pipe
etc etc