posted about this yesterday but thought it was a one off, found a definate pattern now, every time the car idles the heaters blow cold and temp gauge rises, as soon as im moving again the temp drops and the heaters go back to normal, is there any likely cause for this?

i was in two ques of traffic this morning and it happened on both occasions

 

check your water level

sounds like you have air trapped in the system

whilst cold take off the cap and run the engine, this will give the air a chance to escape

if worried take it to a mechanic to have a look see

 

cheers bud il give that a try,
my mates actualy a mechanic but first thought id try n fix it myselfm theres nothuing worse than the "what have u done now" look i get from him and the "i told you that car would be trouble" look.

 

Check your fans are working properly too.

 

used to have the same problem on an old triumph.Definetly short of water and you will have a leak somewhere

 

what year what model?

I had the same problem, it turned out i had 2 leaks in my rad, 1 in the fin area and one at the side of the rad, mines an MY00 Classic, new aluminium rad problem solved, well sort of, highly modified car tho

also agree you may have air trapped in rad, and a possible leak in one of hoses.

Best get it sorted asap, as major damage can occur if not sorted soon.

Hope this helps.

 

LOL. This is very funny. I posted the exact same thread last week in the technical area!!!

I had the exact same problem last week. Turns out my water/coolant level in the radiator was low. The reserve tank was a little below minimum and when I opened up my radiator, I filled it up. The level should be right to the top following the subaru maintenance book you get with the vehicle.

My car is a 53 plate STI.

Hope this helps!!

 

its a MY99 classic, il have a good look at it tomorow im hoping its somthing simple like a blocked hose or just and airlock altho i would have thought if it was an air lock i wouldnt get hot air blowing through the vents at all??...

how much is a new radiator guna set me back?

 

the heating/ cold issue may be an air lock, but its kinda strange that when u drive it starts to over heat, check the water lvl again and top up the water when engine is cold, and let any aire escape, there are loads of suppliers of rads, pay around 100 pounds + for a straight swap, best place to have a look is e-bay, yes i know, but it can get you great bargins!

Failing that look at the scoobynet traders section for suppliers

 

Check thermostat too........might be sticking.......

 

What about your radiator pressure cap check thats ok