moosens

Coming along now. I have the filler tube rubber hose removed and tank about 99% drained. The metal filler tube does have a flapper at the base of the tube but I’m guessing my siphon hoses just didn’t want to make the bends. I recommend the pump siphon at AutoZone and not so much the harbor fright version. Once the tank is down I will investigate the inside and why mostly black crap flowed from the front spigot. Lots of weird stuff about this car. At least one person asked me if I was going to “just see if it fires up” but I’m very happy to take the long way on this one. It would have been a disaster to draw the fuel from this tank into the engine. Anyways.... If anyone ventures into FB and the 4x140 or GTFO Classic Subaru group you’ll be able to see pics of the old gasoline (1980’s!) and some of the process of bringing this car back to roadworthy.

That makes sense. Thanks ! My first thought was that one of his grandkids stuck something down the filler tube. After this nap I’m going full force on getting this tank safely down. Hey while I’ve got your attention, if you see a good filler tube, large rubber inlet hose, or sending unit for a wagon I’d be interested. Mine may all survive but for sure the rubber should be replaced, and I just expect the almost 40 years of gas to have an ill effect on the sending unit.

In the process of removing tank for complete clean and seal. I don’t think it makes a difference but this wagon is a 1979. Mostly concerned that the front outlet is kind of clogging at it drains , not such an issue but when I shove a wooden swab in the spout it’ll flow better but still not great. I can feel something in there. Maybe debris. The old gas is just filthy at the bottom of the tank but what little I was able to siphon off the top was bright yellow/green. This gas has been in this tank since supposedly around 1981 but I think maybe a few years later. Car had been on jackstands since 88 they said. So for sure before then. Does this tank have any baffle inside ?

Oh I should say this. The NAPA axle I installed feels like it’s lacking grease. At least I don’t recall ever feeling such a void within the boot. Just saying.

The spring pin was in. I didn’t screw that up. But I shook that drivers side axle at the box and I got about 1/16 travel in and out and about a strong 1/16 to make 3/32 travel in the up and down direction. It didn’t feel any better when I replaced that axle. I tried to push it in and there was no travel inward. I did a quick check of the passenger side and it seemed very snug. No travel at all best I could tell. Still making that ratcheting noise when I put it into park. Sometimes just a buzz (probably that parking pawl just dangling?) and other times it’s loud and stays there unless I shift or shut it down. And at least once or twice it didn’t make any noise. Only had a few minutes. It continues to roll back down the incline in park. And all symptoms above still persist. See ya soon.

That 18 month old TO bearing , was that Genuine Subaru or an aftermarket?

Thanks for the details which I will pass along. He’s a great young man. Did downhill bicycle until an eye issue. Not a new driver, currently owns a Forester for a couple years now. Sure the insurance was discussed at the head. That alone should kill the deal. They still want it ....

Thanks Larry I did notice how that seemed to work the first time. I think the second time my brain mess up the order or something... ok I gotta sleep. Thanks !!

All the things I said too. Thanks guys ! I advised the mom but the son was already on his way to see it. And that’s when she told me there a SALVAGE TITLE. So I said whoa momma ! Stop that boy. And she read the lengthy text I had sent her to him as he was still enroute to the WRX. Haven’t heard back yet. Basically I mentioned pretty much all that you nice folks had said. Older turbo - going to need attention- same crap I’m telling my own son and luckily he’s getting to the age where he is listening and Agreeing !! Now he needs to sell his own little turbocharged Ford thing. But that’s his story. I told the mom it’s like this: if the car runs well the kid is going to throw money at it thinking he will find some “gains” and if it’s not running well he’ll be tossing money at it that way. Yeah , I didn’t have it too easy either. Two older brothers, one had a VW beetle and the other went for the muscle cars. I went for the little Japanese “crap boxes” those guys didn’t want. First one of my very own was a 68 Le Mans with bald tires. 350 mild tuned. A slug really. That’s one of the reasons I leaned into the smaller cars. And once you’re a teenager and find out the front seats fold flat !!! Whoa !!

Ok thanks ! Yeah that electrical switch has to engage mechanically and I’m just thinking that part of it might be sticking etc. Old school they had a plunger shaft and then I think the “hairpin” contact if I recall. So far the last couple of trips I haven’t had too much trouble with it. Seems playing with the parking brake at the right time also helps. Or it’s my brain again. But I’m going to try the method you suggested Heartless and see if that does anything.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1441791703003933/ Friends down in NC have a great son who is looking at this car above. He’s a great kid - young man - and we’d all like to see him healthy and in decent financial standing. So me being cheap I’d immediately advise against it. But how are these things for overall money dumping ? To me it’s a turbo right ? So I’m past that age. I know a turbo with age is going to be an issue. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks !! Heartless that sounds like I could have maybe just maybe forgotten to put the roll pin back in. Crap. I’m hoping I’m wrong. I did two axles recently on two different cars. And my life sucks for sleep and it shows with memory lapses. I can see where maybe I rushed. Praying I’m wrong and praying you’re right at the same time. I don’t mind being a little embarrassed but I don’t like creating more problems while trying to fix one. Will give an honest report back soon.

It’s an automatic so no hill holder. Yes Larry I always use the parking brake. Are you saying put the parking brake on before I turn the car off ? You can feel that brake pedal isn’t quite right, a little too much pressure. But then it seems to get that millimeter of travel when you can feel the brake pedal settle that tiny bit. Or it’s my brain. Always trouble with that thing. I know this seems weird like why is this guy insisting it’s some pressure related deal and not just talking about the switch. Can that switch when wearing down create these symptoms? Probably haven’t changed out one of those since an early 80’s maybe Loyale late 80’s car.

Maybe I’m not seeing something. Will look further but this issue is still random. Sometimes it’ll work as normal but when it gets stuck it’s becoming a joke. I realize there’s a switch but the brake pedal feels like it’s holding a bit extra pressure until it gets so I can finally work the selector. Maybe the switch itself is a bit worn and sticking and on its way out which causes that pedal to feel as it does. So not maybe vacuum but it really feels like it with my brake foot.

That would be much more easy to take than a transmission swap. Uncalled for rain just came through and my day is done anyways. Will jack it up tomorrow or ASAP.

Ok I just learned a little from my 2003 owners manual while looking through that for it’s own issues. Now I see the new fangled method of that little screw where there once was a push switch.

Still learning this generation. Have to read the manual to find the FWD fuse thing.

Live report! Start car - no dashboard lights at all and engine sounds fine and not other noises at all. Put into drive and hear noise. Different kind of noise. Rolls back until I gas it some. Engaged fine and idle went up a tad. If I don’t gas it it will roll back. Car goes forward but begins to slip very soon while on a slight incline. Still in AWD at this time. It will now drive around the lot fairly well at times. But it clunks into function. Now the AT oil temp light is flashing quickly. Car slips then clunks into function in drive. It will reverse but acts about the same with slipping some until engaging with a thump. Eeek , just put it into park and glad no neighbors are around to hear that ratcheting noise. Last a couple seconds. Has to be the pawl. Going to run errands and maybe get back later.

Already know about the little switch at the head of the shifter. Will discuss that later. Wondering if there’s a vacuum related issue that causes this car to not want to get out of park and into any other selection. Recent issue, just seems to be getting worse. I can or until recently could just pump the brake pedal a couple times and you’d feel the pedal settle into its spot that will then release the shifter. But these last 48 hours or so things seem to be getting worse. I’ve had to pump the brakes a lot. I mean like when I’m at work I’m worried that somebody is going to think I have some medical issue or something with my brakes going on and off so much. Last night a guard drove over to me but at that last second the pedal went fully and I could move. So I looks pathetic when I’m trying to disengage park. Ok about that little switch. Past experiences I never noticed what I see in this car. There’s a screw head (Phillips) and that doesn’t seem to move. What am I failing to see there. Doesn’t look like the other automatic Subarus we’ve had. I found no success trying to push that down. Maybe I should read the manual !! But that’s why we have these cool conversations. Thanks !

Yes , I agree and had thought about the parking lock out with the ratcheting. Yes it does want to roll back in park. Will check all that in a bit. Thanks ! There was a torn axle boot and I replaced that axle. But that side had what I consider excessive movement at the stub. Parking pawl sounds like we’re on to something. I also have a recall for the airbags. Something I need to look into that I had no idea of - the parking pall issue. Thanks again. It’s quiet here now and parking spaces are more abundant so I’ll take the car around the lot and try to give a better report.

Ahh but the car sits so low and before anything Jesse advised me it’ll be super difficult from the ground to see if it was the same issue as our other 2003. Can’t really do much here at home. Life as a condo owner so doing all that fun stuff here at home is risky. Jesse is busy so that car will either have to go to some shop I’m not friends with or find a location I can do my own thing. Last year we had a family property with a garage. This year “un cazzo” , my friend moved , etc etc So some shop may get my money. Not that I don’t like supporting small businesses. F&S shows at least two transmissions. One for $200 and one for $2k that’s a rebuild. Since I got a super deal on this car and it’s still looking so sweet I’m willing to fork the dough. Just don’t have time and space. I’m already pushing things here with my 79 wagon. Should have sold this place months ago.

No lift yet. Oil pan should be fine. Hopefully I can make a little time for this car today and get better account.

Seems there’s good options locally for a transplant.

Low mile car. Bought from folks we had seen every day. Well kept , etc etc only 109k right now maybe 110k. It’s the nicest looking one of these around. LSi I think it is. Can move the car around the parking lot carefully. But not taking it in the road as is. I want to say the Big Bang and real issue occurred fairly close to home so I limped it back alive. Since then only moving it a couple times in our lot. It will engage in drive after a few seconds maybe but it’s not the old slipping transmission. There was noise leading up kind of like the U joint on the prop shaft like I had go wrong on our other 2003 but a wagon. So I was abusing it now looking back. Kept it local and have AAA Plus. When it is put in drive it’ll eventually drive the car forward with a jolt and doesn’t do well on inclines like a worn clutch. This is an automatic. But I somehow manage to get it up small inclines. It will make some noises as it rolls but what really stood out was the latest moves it would make a loud metal ratcheting sound when I put it into Park. I shut it down fast and then restarted to see if it was still going to ratchet and it did not. Just started and idled nicely. I recall recently changing a front axle and didn’t like that there was a considerable amount of movement at the stub axle going into the box. Thanks for any help.

Sure, I would reuse it.