1998 legacy 2.5 overheating

1998 SUBARU
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AUTOPROF
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Been working on 1998 subaru legacy 2.5 w/156,000 miles.Replaced thermostat,seemed like it was sticking.Customer picked up and headed out of town.Overheated again and they took it to the dealer.Same diagnosis-they replaced thermostat.Overheated again.Had radiator flow tested-no problems.Checked for exhaust gases w/chemical block tester-none found.Replaced timing belt on hint from Mitchell tip aboutnot enough tension on water pump pulley.Checked impeller on water pump.Overflow tank is spilling over when overheated.When pulling hills,temp is around 185,when topping hill and on a flat temp starts rising.Downshifting and getting rpm's up temp starts dropping back down.Cooling fans are cycling properly.At a stop temp willrise to 217,if you bring the rpm's up to 2000-2500 temp comes back down.Seems like a flow problem but cannot see anything restricting flow.Could head gasket still be a problem even though no gases are detected?Could tensioner maybe a little weak and the pump not turning properly ? When overheating upper hose is hot and lower hose is cold.
Nov 21, 2007 at 1:50 PM
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BLACKOP555
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flush out the whole system, i believe it is obstructed somehwere along the lines.

after that check the water pump fins, they may be aten away.
Nov 21, 2007 at 10:24 PM
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CODGER
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I have the exact same problem with my 96. How are things turning out for you?
Dec 10, 2007 at 9:48 AM
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AUTOPROF
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no answers yet-flushing did no good-rebled air til i can't get anymore-.357 magnum might do the trick
Dec 10, 2007 at 6:56 PM
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CODGER
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I hear you. Mine hasn't overheated in three days now. I've put in a new thermostat and flushed the system, like yours, there is no loss of coolant, no vapors in the exhaust, and the pressure and flow check were fine. Not sure what I'll do next.
Dec 12, 2007 at 8:33 AM