2011 Legacy Overheating Problems

[Valpo Subbie]

UHG!! Where to begin.

Chasing an overheat issue with this car. 2011 Legacy 2.5 SOHC non turbo engine. Latest is it overheated almost back to home on a test drive and had no heat from the HVAC system despite running HOT and pushing fluid out the overflow. It really seems like it has no coolant flow in the system but I could be wrong on that.

Been having issues with overheating for a bit now. Replaced hoses and t-stat (NON OEM). Replaced radiator as well. All new coolant. New temp sensor as well. Used the head gasket coolant test kit and they appear to be in tact at 153,000 miles.

Fans are coming on but only on low speed. Sitting in the garage I had my Foxwell plugged in to watch to the temps and once it comes up to temp (200ish F) then the fans kick in and do their cooling thing.

Todays plan of attack unless advised differently will be to drop the coolant again and pull the t-stat and test it with hot water. If it is stuck then I will get an OEM unit. Plan to pull the water pump as well and inspect the impeller.

Honestly I am at the limits of what I can think of with this car. Open to suggestions on what to check / test / replace.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dick Foster]

My money is on the water pump.

 

[Valpo Subbie]

The water pump was my suspicion as well. I have always seen them fail and weep out the shaft seal but not on this car. Its dry at the moment. Gonna try to avoid dumping the radiator on this and pinch off the hoses with hose clamps, trying to avoid another $30 - 40 in coolant when the current coolant is basically new with less than 100 miles on it.

 

[Valpo Subbie]

Wellllllll SUMBITCH!!!!

I am not a new home mechanic but I am a new Subaru mechanic. The plan has just gone to crap. Watched a few videos on the platform that led me to believe I can take the water pump out relatively easily. Went out to look at the car and realized the videos LIED!!! Consulted the FSM and yup the pump is behind the timing belt. EFF ME!!!!

Time to regroup and add $$ to the parts list. Pretty sure the timing belt is original so there is no reason to pull the old belt to replace / inspect the water pump. Time to find a kit that encompasses both. I will go to the local Subaru dealer and get an OEM t-stat to swap all parts out at the same time.

Tired of throwing money at this car. Just put a new engine cradle in it as well.