I have a 97 Subaru Outback which has developed a overheating problem. Did a thermostat late last year, and have just replaced it with a genuine Subaru thermostat and casing and still getting overheating problem. Must also say that the timing belt and seals where also replaced as well. Have bleed the radiator numerous times to slight improvements on the length of time it takes to overheat whilst driving. Am i on the right track?

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category.

That is pretty crazy. It would be cheaper to get an auto electrician for an hour than to keep buying alternators. If a fuse melts, you have to find the reason why before replacing it. Jimmy rigging electrics just passes the problem along to another component. A Professional Grade Scan tool computer can diagnose in 20 minutes. They cost $3.5k to $5k!

https://www.google.com/search?q=mobile+auto+electrician+near+me

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dashboard error

This is likely the reason...

https://www.fixya.com/cars/r29872074-vehicle_cooling_system_no_heat

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it sounds like the thermostat is sticking and i agree with the mechanic that that should cure the problem.If you still have plenty of fluid in the radiator that rules out a leak and if you had the timing belt replaced then the mechanic should have done the water pump along with the timing belt.So that leaves only one thing and that is the thermostat.

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I have only been a free contributor to this site for the last 4-months.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.

I do not know if you still need this information, however I am answering it either way.

Click on the following direct Link. It has several Diagrams you will need for your Timing Belt replacement.

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2001/make/subaru/model/outback/2001_subaru_outback_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

sounds like one of 2 things, the thermostat or the engine has a leaking head gasket, replace the T-stat 1st, if the problem persists have the engine tested for blown head gasket(s) if the radiator was the problem u would have circulation and engine would overheat very slowly or just hotter than normal.

I hate to tell you this but the guy isn't returning your calls because the head gasket is blown and he probably knew it.
As for the 1990... have you checked the water pump for leaks? (front/ driver's side on the bottom of the engine) My guess is that it's faulty and unfortunately, it's behind the timing belt.
Both of these repairs will be a pretty penny.
Good luck!

check the coolant level - you may have low coolant, causing the sensor to occasionally read an air pocket. If you don't correct this you will burn out your motor.
We had this problem & eventually replaced both the thermostat and radiator cap, being careful to bleed out any air pockets by running the engine form cold with the heater on hot and the radiator cap off - keep watching & topping up the coolant as the enigine heats & the thermostat opens.
Good luck!

head gasket most likely.

I've had the same problem all year. I've had four different mechanics look at this car - 97 legacy with 2.5. I've had the coolant seals replaced, the radiator cap, the thermostat, the water pump - all to no avail. I've realized now that it only overheats shortly after running sustained high rpm's. Recently the last mechanic mentioned the bleeder valve (I didn't know it had one and think maybe he didn't know either - not a subaru mechanic). Recently it overheated again (again sustained high rpm's - apparently more prone to produce air in the system), I sat the vehicle on an incline (raising the bleeder valve to be the highest point) and let the car warm up and run for half an hour. Now 300 miles and no overheat. I went through alot with this car to get to this point. Unbelievable.