I got a 1996 Legacy w/ same problem. just read article on allwheeldrive.com you should read first. It explains a very common problem with head gaskets in Subarus that causes the exact same problem we are both having. Can only drive the car short distances. No hi-way or will blow radiator or worse. I 'supposedly' had my thermostat replaced by a mechanic 2 weeks ago It's easy enough to do yourself w/ ramps and right tools(2 bolts-10mm socket for mine) but too cold to be working out in the driveway where I live. Anyway, it worked for about 2 hours and back to HOT. Mechanic then mentioned head gaskets but sometimes thermos can be duds. Thought he was trying to screw me so decided to put her on ramps and change it myself. Cant loosen the bolts by hand so know dont know if he really replaced thermo AND charged me or what. Really hoping to find an old broken thermo when I do get in there. Otherwise looking at head gaskets. But if caught early and fixed, the article said just a bump in the road to 300,000 miles. Good Luck dude! Sorry to ramble on.I got a 1996 Legacy w/ same problem. just read article on allwheeldrive.com you should read first. It explains a very common problem with head gaskets in Subarus that causes the exact same problem we are both having. Can only drive the car short distances. No hi-way or will blow radiator or worse. I 'supposedly' had my thermostat replaced by a mechanic 2 weeks ago It's easy enough to do yourself w/ ramps and right tools(2 bolts-10mm socket for mine) but too cold to be working out in the driveway where I live. Anyway, it worked for about 2 hours and back to HOT. Mechanic then mentioned head gaskets but sometimes thermos can be duds. Thought he was trying to screw me so decided to put her on ramps and change it myself. Cant loosen the bolts by hand so know dont know if he really replaced thermo AND charged me or what. Really hoping to find an old broken thermo when I do get in there. Otherwise looking at head gaskets. But if caught early and fixed, the article said just a bump in the road to 300,000 miles. Good Luck dude! Sorry to ramble on.
to me, the key is the op saying the engine doesn't seem hot at all, yet it is overheating-so I would just replace the thermostat first, so that it can be ruled out (very inexpensive fix, less than $25)-if it is a head gasket, nothing would change-they did not note oil in antifreeze or antifreeze in oil or steam coming out of the exhaust, or bubbles pressurizing the cooling system, so you go with the first and most direct solution.to me, the key is the op saying the engine doesn't seem hot at all, yet it is overheating-so I would just replace the thermostat first, so that it can be ruled out (very inexpensive fix, less than $25)-if it is a head gasket, nothing would change-they did not note oil in antifreeze or antifreeze in oil or steam coming out of the exhaust, or bubbles pressurizing the cooling system, so you go with the first and most direct solution.
Answers & Comments
Probably a closed thermostat, and it should be replaced asap or you will overheat the engine and damage it badly.
I got a 1996 Legacy w/ same problem. just read article on allwheeldrive.com you should read first. It explains a very common problem with head gaskets in Subarus that causes the exact same problem we are both having. Can only drive the car short distances. No hi-way or will blow radiator or worse. I 'supposedly' had my thermostat replaced by a mechanic 2 weeks ago It's easy enough to do yourself w/ ramps and right tools(2 bolts-10mm socket for mine) but too cold to be working out in the driveway where I live. Anyway, it worked for about 2 hours and back to HOT. Mechanic then mentioned head gaskets but sometimes thermos can be duds. Thought he was trying to screw me so decided to put her on ramps and change it myself. Cant loosen the bolts by hand so know dont know if he really replaced thermo AND charged me or what. Really hoping to find an old broken thermo when I do get in there. Otherwise looking at head gaskets. But if caught early and fixed, the article said just a bump in the road to 300,000 miles. Good Luck dude! Sorry to ramble on.
to me, the key is the op saying the engine doesn't seem hot at all, yet it is overheating-so I would just replace the thermostat first, so that it can be ruled out (very inexpensive fix, less than $25)-if it is a head gasket, nothing would change-they did not note oil in antifreeze or antifreeze in oil or steam coming out of the exhaust, or bubbles pressurizing the cooling system, so you go with the first and most direct solution.