bratman18

So I started my 00 RS today and it started really hard(battery low). Then I took off down the road and noticed that when I tried to accelerate it would no go past somewhere around 3000 RPM's. And the dash lights came on. So that's the alt. right? I know the dash lights thing, but I didn't recognize the limited revs. Thanks!!

I wish the newer style radiators like in my RS had that style radiator

Good to know, thanks Gloyale

I live in Waldoboro, which is central Maine, hey good luck! I hope all turns out well!

I currently have a newer 2.5 that has leaking head gaskets and yes I still drive it daily. But check your coolant level A LOT and if the gauge starts to creep up pull over and let it cool off before driving it any further!! I see you're in Maine, so am I!! If you have any problems, feel free to come back on here and ask!! This place is a great resource and has a lot of people that will help!! Also try going onto mainelysubarus.com they are good guys as well and they all live in Maine and a lot of them are willing to give a hand. If you join, tell them I sent you. Good luck!!

off to the passenger side a little and few inches from the front there will be a stamp on the block. It should say EJ25. If that's what the timing cover looks like, it is a 2.5. The 2.2's were SOHC and looked like this The 2.5's are notorious for eating head gaskets but since they were recently changed they should not have gone bad so soon. But if they were not installed properly with the right torque sequence etc, then they will most definitely start to leak again. But like I said, I would start small and cheap, and if that doesn;t work than you may be out of luck. But many people have swapped in the 2.2l's and they are a much better motor.

hmmm, that's weird. So either I'm wrong or it's listed wrong(which I have seen a lot) Take a look at the picture I linked to. unless your car is a 95?

This is what the timing covers look like on a DOHC 2.5 which is what should be in your car http://ccrengines.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/DSC00377.JPG.w300h225.jpg

If you take a look at the timing cover, it will be really large top to bottom,with 2 circular sections on each side. As far as I know, the DOHC 2.5 was the only motor to come in that car

Also make sure the correct color FL's are in there spots, the different colors are different sized FL's, just like having the right size fuse in it's spot.

So the motor has been replaced before? If not than a 96 Outback auto is a 2.5 DOHC. I would try changing the radiator cap, and if that doesn't work, than try the thermostat. Does the motor have 2 cams on each side?

Yeah so it's the 2.5 motor. You wouldn't see any leaks if the headgaskets were failing again. They leak internally on the phase 1 2.5's. If you do drive it, do not let it get hot! If you do you will be looking at a new motor....PERIOD! Do you notice any discoloration of the oil or the coolant, also if you pop the overflow open while it's running, do you see any bubbles? These are signs of the bad head gaskets. There is also a complicated torque sequence for those motors. Is the mechanic sure he followed it correctly? Do you mind me asking where you got the job done?

Did you use OEM Subaru parts? When doing the head gaskets and thermostat, you really need to use Subaru parts not aftermarket. Sounds like it could be the head gaskets again. The heads are usually fine unless the motor is run really hot for any amount of time. But it sounds like you shut it down as soon as it got hot. Maybe start small. try replacing the thermostat again, and use a Subaru one if you didn't before, and also try replacing the radiator cap. Also is this car an auto or a 5 spd?

I didn't tow it, but this is what I had on my Brat last winter

Just thought you'd like to see the rocker repair the car had. This is while it was still in Maine

Cool! Hey whatever works!!

They don't list them but the guy I got them from used the listed rockers on an 83 GL wagon. He said the only part was the last few inches didn't fit perfect, But you can easily make them fit and get them to seal right and look right.

That's what I figured, thanks!

I was just given this web site, thought you guys would like to see it, if you hadn't already. http://www.rustrepair.com/repair_panels/onlinecat.htm?r=ru&p=sm-subaru

Hey you're in the land of rust free suby's!! You should be able to find something

I just thought maybe you would want to see this, I saw it on craigslist http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/1054749975.html

I had a friend who hooked up a 2 axle car trailer to his 86 GL EA82 wagon, and then loaded up a Brat and drove it approximately 50 miles. It did just fine, except for hills, he was glad to have lo range:lol:

So I just talked to the guy I bought it from and I won't be getting it until tomorrow. He is trying to get another car on the road before he can give me this one, yeah bad planning, but oh well. So I will try to get pics tomorrow if it's not too dark or I will get them on Monday!

So just a little over 5". Thanks!

ok thanks. So sorry for so many questions but, I have some 1/4" thick pieces of steel that measure like 1" wide, would those work? They don't need any cross bracing or anything? Thanks again, I'm just not familiar with doing it this way, but this would be much easier than the way I have always done it.