2001 Forester Coolant level issues.

[Jarpin]

I'm not loosing any coolant, but it seems like lately it's blowing out a lot into the over flow tank after a long city drive in the summer heat. After the engine cools down, the fluid line is just above the inside aluminum fins in the radiator, and the coolant overflow tank is well above the full mark. Bad radiator cap or thermostat? Thanks for reading.

 

[mclasser]

The rad cap controls fluid exchange between the overflow tank and rad. It's probably tired after 21 yrs. Make sure to replace with an OEM one.

 

[Oily_Thing]

Radiator cap.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I had this happen to me earlier this year. The radiator cap most likely isn't pressurizing the way it should. Replace it with OEM before it overheats and the head gasket blows

Is the coolant bubbling?

 

[zzyzzx]

 

[Jarpin]

I had this happen to me earlier this year. The radiator cap most likely isn't pressurizing the way it should. Replace it with OEM before it overheats and the head gasket blows

Is the coolant bubbling?

No, coolant isn't bubbling, not that I can tell anyway. I guess I could start it when cold before the thermostat opens up fully at normal operating temperature to observe that, right?

 

[circuitsmith]

Just change the 'stat and cap and see how it goes.
I do it every 10 years as maintenance. OEM only!