Hi I have an STI3 and for some reason yesterday in traffic M25 it started to overheat. I've topped up collant levels but its still overheats on idle and leaks water out the overflow near the battery. Any ideas where to start and what can cause this. Thanks Tony

 

Is the electric fan coming on when hot?

 

Yeah but not untill it hits about 100 on the gauge then both kick in but dont see to cool enough

 

That sounds wrong then - is that what its always done? I've had 3 Imprezas and the fans come on to keep the temp gauge needle in the same place no matter what.

Sorry mate - not qualified to give any more ideas without possibly leading you up the garden path.

 

Mines in the garage at the moment with same problem .It only overheats on idle and at low speeds .When the speed picks up temp guage goes down. It also appears to be losing water somewhere but can't see any leaks. Garage pressure tested it today and could'nt find anything. Now looking for the leak although mechanic said it could be a faulty rotor arm on the water pump.
My fans are kicking in alot earlier than yours though .Think i'm right in saying they should kick in around 70.

I will let u know my outcome .

Thanks
James

 

Thanks for your help I'll book it in the garage and see what happens

 

Picked the car up this evening it appears it must have been an airlock after all as the mechanic has run the car today for a while and been out in it and theres no rise on the temp guage . Dosen't appear to be leaking at all either. Perhaps it was boiling water away when getting warm but for now all seems ok. Nice to have good news for a change although the actuator is on its way out.

Thanks
James

Hope u get yours sorted Tony.

 

booked in the garage today. Testing Monday. Only bought the car wednesday from Swansea so looking to get money back or them to repair motor after recovering it. Need to find out my legal position as it was a registered dealer I bought it from. Glad to hear you happier story.




Tony

 

fans should kick in at 92 degrees and should soon get the temp back to 86 - 87.

Water coming out of the overflow can mean big trouble, aka blown head gasket. Worthwhile also checked that the stat isnt stuck

 

It was head gaskets all done and running sweet now thanks to Barrett Motorsport Canterbury for there quickness.

 

Glad to hear its all sorted Tony . What was the cost in the end?

Thanks
James

 

dont really know as the importer I bought it off paid the bill direct Hes company name was topgearautosales and he came from Swansea top dealer, But I think it was around £1200

 

That was a bit of good news. How did you convince him to part with that kind of cash?