Olnick

It's not the plug threads you need to worry about--they're hard steel. It's the threads in the much softer aluminum head where the damage would be. Hope you've solved the problem and are good to go!

The plug was blown out? Did it tear all the threads out of the aluminum head?

If the CEL is still on, or came back on, maybe you didn't solve the problem. Would be best to get the code read then we can offer help. Good luck.

Call Jason (Parts Manager at Mike Scarff Subaru in Auburn WA) 866-528-5282. Nice guy to work with.

Timing is everything, right cobcob? (But that's kinda spooky!!!)

Hello! Hello-o-o-o . . . ? Hmmm, nobody there. Must be Mastic Beach! (Sorry 'bout that, 97.)

Personally, I wouldn't get paranoid about the mileage. The car's (probably) not going to go poof at 105,001 miles. It's just that no one's going to tell you everything will be just fine because . . . what if it did?!! Just my opinion.

Could it be that that shop is really into selling cats? I dunno, but it might be wise to go get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion.

No one knows what your area is! Are you in Concord MA, NH, NC, OH or CA?

I wasn't aware of that, nipper. Can you cite a source?

I ain't an automatic type guy so someone correct me if I'm wrong . . . but that's exactly where torque bind happens, in "the center" of the drive train. Specifically in the clutches in the extension housing behind the tranny. That extension housing and clutches can be changed out relatively easily (you don't have to drop the entire tranny.) Try a search, it's been discussed a lot. If you're lucky you might even be able to fix the problem by dressing the faces of the old clutch plates. At any rate, good luck.

Glad we could be of help!!!

Congratulations! Sounds like you may have caught the culprit. Let us know down the road if it's still holding.

Yup, bet it's the copper contacts. They get pitted, burnt and worn over the years. Should be able to get a set online or at an auto-electric shop for 10 or 15 bucks.

It really is quite easy, as Noah said. You might want to reach the bottom one from under the car (but it can be done "blind" from the top.) How is it failing? May be as simple as replacing the copper contacts in the solenoid. Try a search for that--it's been talked about in the past. Good luck.

Nice explanation, Fairtax. Thanks.

Hi John--welcome aboard. Yup, you've found a great place to hang your hat. Lotsa' good people and a wealth of information here.

How is the "general maintenance" of the engine? As kaki mentioned, new plugs and wires can often make a difference (basic NGK plugs are fine, but be sure to use Subaru OEM wires.) New coil pack probably not needed. New air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve. Make sure electrical connections at spark plugs are tight. Check vacuum lines for weak connections, cracks, leaks. Might even try a Seafoam treatment in the manifold! I assume the CEL didn't come on or you would've mentioned it. Just some thoughts. Good luck.

Did the problem start after the timing belt job?

Shoulda', woulda', coulda' . . . makes no difference as long as you end up in the right place! And I think you realize that you're in "the right place." People here always seem to go the extra step to help a fellow Subaru-er out. Like Don_Quixpunch did in your earlier thread (thanks, Don--that was very nice of you.) So welcome to USMB. Learn, share, enjoy!

100% agree with GD.

This might help you: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=111299 Be sure to check out the photo gallery in the Autoblog article.

Hoooo, da sexy!!! Are they as comfortable as they look?

Welcome Tj. I think you found the right place here!

Yes, they do fail once in awhile. You might try unplugging it and cleaning the connector--see if that helps before buying a new sensor (around $30 IIRC.) To find it, look from the right (passenger) side at the firewall end of the engine, down under the intake manifold. It's hidden down there under the PCV tubes and the IACV valve. It's a brick red color conector. There's a pic in this thread that might help: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=84323&highlight=coolant+temp+sensor Good luck.