Raindog

OK I just drove it on the highway and the rpms have come down just a little?!?! This is after 600miles of it running "too high". It is not back to what it was but better. The sound of the engine as it approaches 3000rpms is not the straining, burdened whine it had been making. Only when I reach about 70 does it begin that sound, which it didn't do until 75+ before. Hiding the tach is a good idea, and yes, it is still idling at around 500 when warm.

Here is some more info. No. I did not change the tires, only the belts, seals, new water pump, idler bearing kit for timing belt, and an O.P.S. unit (??). I've had the car for 5 years and know where it normally runs. As soon as I got the car back and took it on the highway, I noticed my rpms were higher than they used to be... umcomfortably so. I do notice the ration of mph to rpms higher in the higher gears but it is also showing up a little in 1st and 2nd. I live in a little mountain town where our speed limit (in town) is 15MPH! I used to drive it in first and shift to second at about 18-20mph. Now I am too high in 1st or low in 2nd. This '96 has the smaller 2.2 engine. Someone mentioned problems from a pressure wash?? Like what? My mechanic tested for the clutch on the highway and doesn't think that's the problem. The rpms don't fluctuate. They just stay high. I wouldn't care if that is how it normally ran...but it isn't. I don't feel comfortable "cruising" on a highway at 70-75 with it almost at 4k rpms. Your responses are very appreciated!

Thanks It idles at about 500 rpms -- but I realized I am shifting up sooner in all gears not just 3,4 and 5. No funny smells, (just a little residual oil burning off)

OK Here's another theory on the high rpms--cam/crank sensor is off? Any input?

OK, here's an idea from another mechanic. Could it possibly be the cruise control actuator? This guy thinks the engine would rev higher like this if perhaps that CCA got leaned on by accident and may be pulling on the throttle. Possible or highly unlikely???

I haven't pushed the pedal to the floor in high gear, just regular acceleration with typical rpm increase. What would that show? What should I look for in doing it?

Thanks for all your responses. I had all the seals replaced when they did the timing belt last week. I had a huge leak across the most of the undercarriage when the seal blew. So...could that have leaked oil onto the freewheel that the pressure wash didn't take care off? I used to drive 70-75 in 5th at about 3200rpm (for 5 years!) and since I picked the car up, I'm hitting 3000 at 60mph in 5th. When I hit the gas at 60, the rpm rise accordingly but not jumpy.???

Thanks It has 116K. I got it 5 years ago with 79k. I haven't replaced it and didn't get any maintenance records when I got it!

After replacing a timing belt, my rpms are too high in 3rd-5th gear. Thru a previous post, I find it may actually not be related to the belt, but may be signifying a slipping clutch. Does anyone know if I can make a cable clutch adjustment on a '96? or might I be in need of a replacement? Thanks Susan

Well thanks again for the info. Unfortunately, I am not "handy" with cars...Any estimate on how long I can drive it?

Thanks Yes, idling and around town driving seem almost the same. I notice the need to shift up in 3rd 4th and 5th ( due to the high rpms.) It's got 115k miles. So is it typical not to notice this in lower gears if it is the clutch, and am I potentially doing damage now? I am keeping it to 65 on the highway (just over 3000rpms) Susan

Hi Thanks for the reply. I thought the timing would have to be "adjusted" with a new belt? Anyway, any other indications about a slipping clutch and is it possibly just coincidental that this began as soon as I got the car back?

Thanks for responding. No, there is no power loss, although it accelerates higher on hills now. Highway driving isn't good because I don't want to push it over 65mph with such high rpm.

Hi I own a '96 Subaru Outback 5 spd. with 115k miles. I just had the belts (timing and fan) changed while repairing some old leaking seals. They also put in a new "idler bearing kit" for the timing belt. The oil leak is gone BUT my rpm's are uncomfortably high. I am shifting into 4th gear at about 40-45mph at 3000rpm and driving in 5th gear at 60 mph and 3000rpm. My mechanic says they don't have much room for error on timing because they are factory set??? Before the repair, I wouldn't hit 3000rpm in 5th until 70-75mph. Does anyone know what is the normal range? and what can be done about adjusting timing? or could this be from something else?? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks Susan