Olnick

By the way, if you need to order Subaru parts you might try our buddy Jason in the parts department at Mike Scarff Subaru--866-528-5282. Nice guy and he always gives us the best prices I can find.

Wise man once said, "Cheaper to go buy alternator than entire car!" You might check around and see if there's an auto electric rebuilder near you, see if local car guys or mechanics can recommend one. I've found that they usually have better quality and prices on starters and alternators than chain stores. Good luck.

+1 to what johnc said. Return the wires and plugs and go with NGK plugs and Subaru OEM wires. The "cat problem" is most likely a front O2 sensor problem--much cheaper solution to try first (and again, best prices are online.) PCV is super cheap and super easy to do. Make sure you remove the hose leading to the PCV and give it a thorough cleaning too. Good luck!

Great solution, johnc! People don't realize that OBDII was mandated in '96 but a number of cars--including Subaru--had it earlier.

Every '95 Legacy I know of has OBDII! Just look for the small access panel low on the dash near your left knee.

Ahh, that's what I like . . . an honest man! Glad you got the problem solved and that you reported back with the solution. Aloha.

First thing that jumps into my mind is the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor--the one that talks to the ECU. Solved similar problem for me a few years back. 'Course it might be a good idea to go over the "standard stuff" too--new plugs and cables, new PCV and clean the tube, clean the IACV and the MAF sensor, new air and fuel filters. My son and I just did all that to his '92 last weekend and it runs like a new car. Good luck!

So true. And thanks to you, shaner, for taking the time to say it. What thrills me as much as the excellent info and guidance is the attitude you find here--people willing to bend over backwards to help a fellow traveler. Hey, life should be more like USMB!

Don't know specifically for a '91, but I'd guess 2 for the "universal" joint at the boss that connects to the rod from the tranny. That's most likely where the slop occurs. There's also one in the pivot joint near the bottom of the shift lever and 2 (fore and aft) on the stabilizer rod. And of course the little spring that centers your shifter. Grab a flashlight and crawl under the car--you should be able to see what your setup is.

Depends on what car. Bushings/linkages changed over the years. Try a search.

Nice summation, heartless. And true of any "mature" used car! Thanks.

Another thing to consider if you're a DIYer at all, the Subaru engine layout is a pleasure to work on. Accessibility is excellent compared to most of today's transverse mounted engines. Shoot, I don't consider myself to be much of a mechanic but I've been able to do a number of jobs on my '95 Legacy--including the timing belt. Probably the greatest thing about having a Subaru is what you've already figured out . . . this board!!! Good luck.

FYI, lost, Radio Shack bulbs work just fine (and are a lot cheaper!) The part number is in one of the responses to the guy's writeup. And don't mess around with the retaining clips on the slide lever cable--it unhooks very easily from the bottom end. Good luck.

Welcome aboard, maggiesfriend. Sounds like shifter bushings need to be replaced--they will wear out after awhile. Not the easiest DIY job, it's something your mechanic should have noticed and done during the repairs. You can search here on the board for more info. Here's a link to start you off: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75993&highlight=shifter+bushings Good luck.

Any luck so far subestyle18? My son's '92 Legacy in Seattle is having exactly the same problem. Gosh I just pray for both of you that it's not head gaskets. Let us know if you have any success--and we'll do the same. Best of luck!

Hey. I'm sorry JT95. Didn't mean for you to take it off (it was a beautiful shot and a good photo really is worth a thousand words.) It's just that the humongous size blew the thread off both sides of my computer! Computer gurus--any suggestions/tips/guidelines on reasonable photo sizes to post? And how to do it? Again, sorry if I sounded b****y, JT.

WOW! That giant photo sure makes this thread hard to read!!!

Just noticed this^. You put an EJ18 in a Legacy?

Ahhh, it takes so little to make some people happy! (j/k--glad you found the source.)

Yes, thank goodness!

Welcome home, Bserk. Good to see you back.

Me too. My poor wife is probably the most relieved--she's tired of the funk I've been in all week! There's a thread started about the hack under "Site Help and Suggestions."

Nice! What's a MIL?