goof_ball

Anyone have a recomendation for a decent garage in the Portland metro area? Not the Subaru specific one with the two locations either. Did not have a good experience there. Trying not to name names so hopefully that is enough information to figure out which one I'm talking about. Thanks.

No on the a/c, but what I was sensing is similar to the sensation of going along then putting on the a/c and feeling that slight loss of 'something'. But, it seems to be gone and I'm going to chalk it up to gremlins.

I agree it is a very confusing question/title and my description was probably lacking. It felt like the engine was not responding as I was used to while in first with the clutch on it's way up...then when I went from 2nd to 3rd and hitting the gas, the engine didn't feel very responsive. No sputtering. Then it would be okay. I brought it back to the shop and they could not duplicate anything but said if it happens, to bring it back. It never happened before, then I put a lot of money into a transmission repair, then it started acting funny so I was extra aware. So I wasn't sure if it could be related to a clutch thing or what. Like maybe my foot timing wasn't correct for what ever adjustments they made...if that is even possible. I dunno.

'96 Outback wagon 5 spd. Low 30's on the freeway in California. A little less on the freeway in Oregon. Eventhough it's a 16 gallon tank, I end up filling it with about 11 gallons +/- a gallon even when the warning light comes on so there must be more fuel available, but I'd rather not chance it. (wow, I actually was able to contribute to a thread and not just ask questions)

Searched the word 'hesitation' and read thru most of the posts. Sorry for any dead horse beating here, but I brought my car in to have transmission bearings replaced and now the car has hesistation between gear changes. It happened as soon as I drove away from the garage so not sure how the mechanic said 'just drove your car, it runs great now' so I will be looking for a new mechanic for sure, but plan on going back to get this taken care of. Passenger in the car today noticed it too and was being driven along on flat roads around 35 mph. So I guess they examined the clutch and gave that the thumbs up and then made their way to the trans. to find the cause of the noise which it ended up being some bearings. The noise is gone and that's good, but it never hesitated like this before this service so I have a hard time believing they are unrelated, but am willing to hear arguments one way or the other. '96 outback 5 spd 2.2 with 174,000 miles. Haven't noticed if it is at specific rpm's but it happens between gear changes and can feel some lack of response when hitting the gas and my foot off the clutch pedal. Thanks for any input.

No. Just a small suitcase. Tires in good shape too. Will be taking it to the shop. Just wondering what was going on to get a sense of what it might be.

Driving from Portland to Oakland I started noticing a vague sort of feeling when making high speed sweeping turns around 70mph or so and only when turning right. Felt like the car wanted to turn more or dive or something like that. Hard to explain. Turning left in the next sweeper on I-5 seems totally fine. 174,000 miles, '96 outback wagon. Had the tire pressure topped off at 35 psi just prior to leaving. I asked the guy if that was too much and he said 'no'. I'm pretty sure my cv assembly needs replacing so is this something related? Thanks.

I've casually noticed that there seems to be less oil leaking from the rear baffle plate. Looking under the vehicle, I could see an oil drop ready to fall to the ground. I first got the car and the dipstick had oil past the F mark. The oil level has receded and now I'm not seeing drips on the cardboard under the baffle plate. Any correlation? '96 Outback 5 spd w/ 172,000 miles.

That worked. Took the switch out, sprayed some contact cleaner in, re-installed, and now I have back up lights. Thank you for the suggestion.

I'm pretty sure I've got if figured out, but maybe not. Back up lights do not turn on when put into reverse. Bulbs and fuse are okay. Back up switch meausres low resistance when in reverse and open otherwise. Neutral switch measures open in both neutral and in gear. I did not run it through every gear though. Putting a jumper across the neutral connector, not the switch end, makes the back up lights turn on and stay on regardless of which gear or reverse. So I figure it's the neutral switch that is no good. Anything else I'm missing? Thanks.

Dave, et al I should have mentioned I already purchased the car. I've had it for a couple of weeks and have been detailing away 13 years of coffee and soda in the console and replacing all the bulbs. I didn't know how involved the plate replacement was. Guess the cardboard will remain under the vehicle. Timing belt, water pump, and additional work was done about 500 miles ago so there will hopefully be little to do but drive the thing.

During a pre purchase inspection, the mechanic noted some oil leaking around the baffle plate. Said it was not a major concern and to deal with it when the clutch is replaced. I drive about 4,000 miles/year so I don't expect to replace the clutch for some time. I'm from the 'if something is leaking, the fix isn't to keep filling' camp. But the leak isn't bad so am just curious if it is worth pursuing this. Car has 170,000 miles. Thanks.

This is a lame question, but I just bought a 96 Outback 5 speed and all the info. I've seen thus far says that tanks from that era were 16 gallons. I filled it up last night from E and only took 10 gallons. I have no owners manual to look at. Anyone have the inside scoop? Oh yeah, this car is way better than my Toyota with one functioning cylinder...

Thanks for all the input. In pdx, or, these cars are everywhere and I think people tend to inflate their asking price. Will keep looking I guess.

Thanks. Apologies for not reading the fine print and putting in wrong forum.

Because I'm not smart, I posted the following in the old generation forum. Sorry. And a follow up question, how much of a difference to these cars is 40,000 over 16 years? All things being equal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking at purchasing a 1993 5 speed Legacy with 235,000 miles. Test drive went fine. Everything looked clean. Alternator and CV joint are scheduled to be repaired prior to purchase. Head gasket already replaced. Mechanic said compression was good and plugs were not fouled. Carfax reports for title/registration changes only. Thoughts on this mileage? I had a bum Toyota with only 131,000 from the same year. Searched the forum but did not find anything discussed like this already. Thanks for any opinions.

Looking at purchasing a 1993 5 speed Legacy with 235,000 miles. Test drive went fine. Everything looked clean. Alternator and CV joint are scheduled to be repaired prior to purchase. Mechanic said compression was good and plugs were not fouled. Carfax reports for title/registration changes only. Thoughts on this mileage? I had a bum Toyota with only 131,000 from the same year. Searched the forum but did not find anything discussed like this already. Thanks for any opinions.