Newb to Subs... overheating problem?
 

I have a 2002 WRX, just noticed on the way home from work yesterday that the car was getting hot at idle. Temperature regulated by the time I got home, decided to monitor it today while driving.

Got a little warm on the way to work this morning, just above the second line on the temp gauge. Before I left work today, checked the radiator fluid, it is all level. Start the car... the two fans on the radiator did not start turning immediately. Is this normal? I start driving home, by the time I get home in stop n go traffic (5 miles), she is creeping up damn near close to the red. I pop the hood, the fans are now on but I can't see anything discernable past that.

In my heyday of american cars, the only problem from here on out would make me either think the thermostat is bad or the water pump is bad. How do I go about troubleshooting and finding out what is wrong with her? Is there something I could be missing that I'm not familiar with in Subarus?

Much appreciated thanks in advance...

did u get the car used? Take your car to Kevin at AutoHQ in Redwood City for a diagnosis

As hot as it got in 5 miles, I wouldn't even want to risk the car dumping on me on the way up there.

Before it gets too hot open the overflow tank and check the coolant for bubbles or white fluid mixing around. If you see that then you may have a blown head gasket (hopefully not).

sounds like a stuck thermostat to me if the fluid is there... subaru water pumps are not made of plastic (like some VW ones) so I don't see how it could go bad without getting stuck and doing bad stuff to the belt / making horrible noises

So I started her up and checked the overflow... no white fluid, but a foam started to form on top of the coolant, kinda like that new pump soap they have out these days? Is that not good?

Also, the cap on the overflow seemed to be a little messed up, the rubber seal on it is all twisted and doesn't seem to be on that well. I know I had problems with radiator caps before, is it possible this overflow cap might be an issue? Thanks guys. Luckily I have a second car to drive as well.

tow it to Kevin at AutoHQ he's a subaru master technician he'll know what the problem is. or at the very least give him a call and explain the problem to him

you bought it used huh? what mods are or were on it?

[QUOTE=matsui56;2001449]So I started her up and checked the overflow... no white fluid, but a foam started to form on top of the coolant, kinda like that new pump soap they have out these days? Is that not good?[/QUOTE]

ya why not its like 10 bux for new one... should be easy to do

[QUOTE=wrxtunerd;2001482]you bought it used huh? what mods are or were on it?[/QUOTE]

Zero mods other than a cold air intake, which is the way it stands today.

[QUOTE=TurnWRX;2001481]tow it to Kevin at AutoHQ he's a subaru master technician he'll know what the problem is. or at the very least give him a call and explain the problem to him[/QUOTE]

I'll give him a call, but towing a car to Redwood City isn't a cheap affair, especially if it is any other problem than a blown headgasket, it'd be a waste.

Thanks for the tip.

So, the problem definitely was not the cap. Nice and shiny though.

I did the ole' turn your heater on to keep the car from overheating trick, and it worked. Would that work if it were a headgasket?

Would tyhis be covered under Subaru's warranty, btw? Car has a 5 year/100k warranty from SoA.