# 2002 Forester Overheating **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** subaru, forester\ **Created:** [April 23, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767 "2022-04-23T22:54:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![deegore](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/deegore/32/2986_2.png) [@deegore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/deegore)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/1 "2022-04-23T22:54:31Z")
Hi, my Forester started overheating today. I pulled over and let it cool down. The fluid was low, it took about a ¼ gallon to top it off. I was able to drive back home stopping a couple times and waiting when it got hot. The heater was blowing cold, then hot every minute or so and the temp gauge went up and down with it. I hooked on my radiator funnel to see if I could purge out an air bubble. When I started the car it was bubbling like crazy. I’ll try to attach a video. I’m hoping someone can tell me what it means. > **[Overheating](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cseiCyhL4nU?feature=share)** ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/2 "2022-04-23T23:08:15Z")
That’s an indication of a blown head gasket. [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyyhQO03L7s) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/d/4/d4c00c8aaaee1e1959fa6d5dc5c825b2072846ef.jpeg) Tester ---
**Author:** ![deegore](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/deegore/32/2986_2.png) [@deegore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/deegore)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/3 "2022-04-23T23:13:42Z")
I was afraid of that. Should I do other tests or is it definitely head gaskets? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/4 "2022-04-23T23:18:48Z")
> [@deegore](#): > > Should I do other tests That is the test. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/5 "2022-04-23T23:23:21Z")
Judging by the steam I think you have reached the boiling point, let the engine cool to 195 F before adding coolant. Turn on the air conditioning so the radiator fans operate. ---
**Author:** ![deegore](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/deegore/32/2986_2.png) [@deegore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/deegore)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/6 "2022-04-23T23:24:12Z")
Ok, thanks for the quick reply. I assume boxer engines have two head gaskets. Is it best to replace them both at the same time? ---
**Author:** ![deegore](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/deegore/32/2986_2.png) [@deegore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/deegore)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/7 "2022-04-23T23:26:09Z")
I let it cool to the c on the gauge, started it again and it started bubbling the same after about 2 seconds. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/8 "2022-04-23T23:30:30Z")
> [@deegore](#): > > Is it best to replace them both at the same time? Yes… ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2022, 12:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-forester-overheating/183767/9 "2022-04-24T00:35:18Z")
I’m afraid your luck ran out & you now have the infamous head gasket problem. You could try replacing the thermostat and the pressure-regulating cap, and verify the radiator fans are spinning like crazy when the engine is hot. Doubtful it will do the trick, still there’s a chance; and you’ll want those parts new anyway if you need to install new head gaskets.