Retriever

Thanks. I think I'll get it to the professionals in this case. Thanks for all the excellent support. Richard

Short drive, up to temp, no leaks visible at all no noises. The damp on the floor panel is on the passenger side but hasn't got any worse, no sign of any leaks. Bottom and top rad hoses all look and feel fine. Havnt checked for air locks in the water, although have run the engine with the rad cap off and the level is steady, liquid looks clear/good. I wonder if the water pump could have failed for a short period then somehow started again. That might explain the brief period of very high temp followed by no symptoms. Seems a bit odd though to briefly fail.... The advice to use a torch was good. Ahem, I don't think this is connected to problem 1 but the torch reveals grease on the steering shaft, a fair bit of it and it's on the rubber boot on the drive axle behind it. Grease... where the heck has that come from? The steering rack perhaps? Looks a bit of a mess but no obvious impact on performance. Sorry to add another challenge. By the way the mileage is 80k not 100k, I've owned it since new. Thanks for all the good thoughts. Richard

Ouch. Thanks very much. Now even more concerned! Drove it hard for 50 miles last night and no further prob but that wasnt an imagined event and so something's up. Sniff test here we come.

2003 year of reg'n, outback, 100k miles done. Motoring along, air con starts blowing hot not cold air then engine temp up into the red for 10 mins, followed by return to normal. On getting home checked radiator level and added about a litre. Some signs of wet, probably coolant on the engine protection plastic floor. Driven today about 50 miles all seems fine. I'm concerned though that something's up. No strange mechancial noises at all, electric fans fine. Some water gurgling noise on starting engine this morning. Any ideas anyone?