Subarule

The horn on my '86 always worked but it was so wimpy it sounded like a distressed goose. I replace it with a loud horn, now people don't laugh when I beep it, they move! Replace the horn and then troubleshoot if it doesn't work.

Replaced engine in 2001 with a crate engine from Japan. Then I retired, so that engine only has about 60-70K total miles on it, I'm guessing. I haven't taken any trips in it. I trade off driving it with my SUV. I only go into town (about 3 miles away) once or twice a week and take the Subie every other time to keep a charge on the battery (which is brand new).

I'm always leery when I leave my car at a shop for something or other, wondering how much they could possibly know about old Subarus. Like, how many guys working as mechanics in shops know anything about carburetors?

Wow, a Subaru that was only 9 years old needed a clutch and a main seal?

I looked on the Internet to see what the volumes I don't have contained and they didn't have anything I was interested in. I thought less than $10 for each was a great price, especially since they are in like-new condition. But I did not know how available they are "out there". I am definitely happy!

I bought 2 hard copy service (shop) manuals a couple of months ago. They are for the year 1986. One volume is "Section 2 and 3" which covers the engine and transmission. The other volume is "Section 4 and 5" which covers the mechanical components and body. They are in unused condition. I paid less than $10 each. Is that a good deal or are these readily available all over the place? Subarule

I have no intentions of selling, just wondering what might be worth at this point in time. I haven't seen one for sale on Craigslist that's in as good a condition as mine, or that wasn't jacked all to hell, in years. In fact, an 86 GL 5 spd. 1.8,with on demand 4WD seems to be as scarce as hen's teeth. My Subie has been garaged for most its life but does have some paint loss on the roof. Other than that, pretty primo. I'll hang onto it until I have to give up my DL due to old age. Thank you for the ballpark prices.

Just curious here. I am the original owner of this wagon and it is very good condition. Runs great and I drive it all the time, It is a 5-spd., on demand 4WD, AC, power everything. No rust, no dents other than a couple of "soft" ones. Has all its original trim. Totally stock except for a Weber carb. Any idea on its current value? Subarule

Yep. Hmm, I will look into that. I will get some second and third opinion from other shops. I had one of the shop guys take a look at the suspension while the car was on the rack and he swore that it's struts all around. That is impossible? No way am I paying $732 (and then the tax) for shocks. Subarule

I don't remembering saying I think the clutch needs to be replaced. In fact, I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

A mechanic did not tell me that I needed new struts. It's my idea, because the car has dropped over the years. It does not sit as high as it did from the factory. It's been a long, slow, subtle settling as the gas in the struts finally disappeared (I'm assuming it is now depleted, just like my hatch lift was). I want that taller ride it came with. I don't like sitting down at sedan level. That was one of the things that initially enamored me of the '86 GL wagon, the way it sat up, like a truck (at the time). I've lost that lovin' feeling....errr....that height. My shop does not try to find things that need correcting on my vehicles, not that I've noticed. It's me telling them what needs to be fixed. The Subaru is almost 30 years old and needs attention in areas that have never been addressed. I want/like it to be in tip-top condition, like new as far as is possible. Subraule

The Internet. Just do a Google search for "XXXX XX (the year and model) OEM XXXXX (part name and/or number). Always works for me.

Maybe Hub Cap Annie has a replacement rim for you... http://www.superpages.com/bp/Rainier-OR/Hub-Cap-Annie-L2035545570.htm Located in Rainier Oregon.

I was quoted by the shop I use regularly that they (would) charge $732 to replace my suspension (struts all around), and that is with me buying the struts elsewhere & supplying them. I almost fainted. Is that price out of line or am I behind the times? I don't imagine it's easy to replace struts, but still... I suppose this should be a separate topic? Subarule

Yeah, I'm sure it's in the transmission. Not ready to spend the big bucks at the shop to have the trans. pulled and gone over. The shifting problem isn't that bad, just annoying. As for mileage on my car, I'm not sure, but over 100K for sure, maybe around 140K. It's been my daily driver all its life but it's never been abused. Not really babied either. I retired in 2001 so it hasn't gotten many miles per week on it since then. I tend to drive it more than the 6-cyl. SUV when gas prices are high. It has some other issues that have higher priority than tearing into the trans., like getting the AC working again, and the suspension replaced. Why do shops - good shops - have to cost so much? Subarule Subarule

You're very welcome. I'm always happy if I have saved someone some money. My advice to everyone needing a car part is to go to Rockauto first and at least get a baseline price in order to comparison shop.

So it's now had the clutch cable adjusted and the trans. oil drained & changed, with just a few pieces on the magnet. Still shifts somewhat hard. This might be a dumb question, but does the trans. have a synchro-mesh and could it be the issue? Subarule

The 'rest of the world' being outside the U.S. ?

Then what is a Leone? I have an '86 carbed (now Weber) GL wagon with all the options I think you could get in a GL at the time. It has a DR 4WD, and a 5-spd. Looking online for the shop service manuals all I can find listed for my year & a GL is "Leone". There are no '86 GL wagons to be found on CL, not with a manual trans. Not ones that haven't been Franken-subed, and very few of those. Haven't been for a couple of years. They are scarce as hens' teeth. Once in a while there will be an '86 wagon but it won't have all the goodies mine came with, all the interior courtesy lights, the carpeted side doors, the grab bars, etc. I'm sooooo confused. Subarule

I always go to Rockauto.com first, see what they have. I also research and see what the OEM part was. I have a preference for OEM or as close to as possible.

What? Do you have any helpful tips to offer?

OK, good to know, clean the magnet. I appreciate what you've told me.

I haven't driven the car in a few days as I trade off with my SUV (but I prefer the Subaru - manual shift) so I don't remember if the shifter has play. I think not. I don't remember any sloppiness. I found the trans oil dipstick location in my Chilton's - duh - couldn't have been more obvious. I'm taking the car into the shop to have the clutch cable adjusted and the trans. oild drained & changed. Does it use a filter?

OK, good tip. Can't remember the last time, so it was maybe so long ago and integrated into some other fluid level check. This is going to sound stupid but where is box & dipstick located? I'm a little old lady so I don't work on cars, just try to maintain them. I appreciate your input.

I have a 1986 GL wagon, 5-speed 4WD. It's never had anything done to it's transmission, has never needed anything. Until lately. It's becoming difficult to shift into gear(s), especially into first gear. I'm hoping it just needs an adjustment to the clutch cable. I'm the only owner and it's all stock except for the Weber carb, so I know all its history. I've read in my "How to Keep Your Old Subaru Alive" that replacing things like the flywheel, clutch, seals, bearings, bushings, plates, etc. can only be done with the engine removed. Don't want to go there at all if I can avoid it. Does anyone have any tips or thoughts as to why it's getting so difficult & stiff to change gears? Whatever it needs I'll have to take it into a shop (I use a very good one but they're not cheap). What do you guys (and gals) think about the symptom & the repair I might be needing? Subarule,in SW Washington Thanks in advance for any input.