Smarty

Viscous coupler $451.07 Gasket $ 13.86 Gasket $ 4.95 Gear Lube $ 10.56 Labor (5.5 hrs) $302.50 Total $782.94 Nobody is making viscous couplers except Subaru. It is after all what makes a Subaru a Subaru. You might find the part cheaper from a different Subaru dealer on the net (part # 38434aa021 for 1995) and you can save yourself $300 by doing it yourself. I did a ton of research and I found that they have you on this one. I bit the bullet, dropped the car off at the dealer at 8am picked it up at 5pm and drove it for 3.5 more years until a deer committed suicide on the hood.

I had a 95 wagon 5 speed with the exact same thing. It is without doubt the viscous coupler. It cost me $775 to have it replaced at the dealer. The tranny worked like a champ after the repair and as long as you keep the tires the same size and the tire pressure even I think it should last the life of the car. One more thing, always have it towed on a flatbed, and if you are towing it frequently you might want to consider getting rid of it...

Just for the record I have a 95 2.2/MT wagon with 95k miles. Same thing - when it's below about 30 degrees it starts out way rich with a low rpm. After a few seconds it pops up to normal cold start revs then a bit of hesitation until warm. It's been like this for a few years. I replaced the temp sensor and no change. It always starts and I always forget about it in the summer....

I also had the same issue with a 95 legacy wagon. Had the part replaced by the dealer in '02. They did not have to pull the tranny. Cost about $775 to have it done but I have had no issues since. I would suggest that if you get it done to make sure your tires are all the same size, so you don't destroy the new part right away. If you don't get it done expect to replace cv joints on a regular basis because it's very hard on them.

I really think they are trying push the turbo with the OB line and their engineers couldn't figure out how to get the fuel mileage and emissions to meet federal guidelines with the turbo so they are looking to sell them as a 'light truck'. The legacys will keep the normal aspirated engine and will be able to meet federal guidelines so they can be a car.