ThosL

The engine on the 97 Outback is running cool, what an improvement over the last one.

Since Town Fair was closed today, though yesterday estimated it at roughly $100 per tire out the door, front end alignment free, that may be the best bet as I may need only two tires. Tire tread is 5/32, 5/32, 8/32 and 11/32. Four different tires. I need at least a front end alignment. I went to Good Year today and they wanted a lot more and no real discount on alignment. If I buy online tires I still have to worry about the other things.

Does having the fuse in the fwd slot help with mismatched tires while an owner is working on remedying the situation? Thanks!

Wires are a common cause of a crappy idle, etc.. Under $40 or so, even OEM.

I bought this Subaru yesterday for $950; a 97 Legacy wagon, "limited" I think. The guy who bought it from a local professional a couple years ago did not do much to it mechanically. Nearly 210K miles; runs great; all systems look solid. Tires are mismatched, which are an immediate concern, I'm looking at economical options. Tire rack has various models for around $200 a set, then I have to worry about mounting and balancing, etc.. Some body rust, not that bad. Leather seats are a plus. I ran a bottle of Sea Foam through the gas tank, Restore can into the oil. Lucas Transmission oil for some stiffness in the shifting. Any recommendations?

Do you have a link to the best thermostat for the 2.5?

But the 2.5 engine--big problem right?

I would think that various extraordinary measures could be taken to decrease the stress on the running engine; synthetic engine oils, synthetic antifreezes with exceptional properties. Babying the car, not running it at high speeds, etc..

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5481844016.html This one a decent shot at $1200?

What's the percentage chance of failure? 100% 50% 35%? Is there a way to know if it has already been done?

I've been looking at used Subarus, most of the older 90s models have the 2.5 engines. Is there any way to minimize the risk of the head gaskets going bad on these? Lower speeds, never over 65, no towing, no lugging up too steep inclines, ideal fluids in radiator, oil, etc.?

Every business needs to make a reasonable amount of money. I have worked many jobs, tree work and landscaping, I'm selling collectibles on ebay as more of a hobby business now, I pride myself as being the ethical honest alternative to some others. I can't recall making over $50 an hour at much of anything. There must be many mechanics that are looking for more work and don't always need to make $100 an hour or nearly that. And mechanics could always have customers sign waivers if they want to absolve themselves of unforeseen problems within reasonable limits. There has to be a middle ground between do it yourselfers and high wage mechanics especially if it is an easy job.

Water pump on my 99 with an ej22 was $400; they said the timing belt looked OK with little wear so did not replace that, though they are about $50. Car has gone about 175K miles without it being changed.

Which begs the question, if they are so easy to fix, why do the mechanics I have asked all want at least $1000 to do the job? I mean how many actual hours of labor are involved?

96 engine ej22; I checked with the local el cheapo mechanic and he would probably want nearly a grand for the job and I am not qualified--he said he would only want to do an engine replacement on the car @$600 because of inherent problems of problem engines.

This continues to be a dilemma for me. Vehicle only overheats at higher speeds/rpms, but not much above half way point. I just keep adding water. Small external leak below the radiator fill neck. Radiator is relatively new, so it is something of a mystery. With the head gasket job running $1000 or so, engine replacement if I decide to keep the car looks smarter. I was driving it on the highway longer distance a couple days ago, and the upper hose on the passenger side blew out; must have been the steam. What are the real risks here? Gaskets will melt, no? Will heads also warp?

I wasn't sure why the northern Vermont dealer mentioned it, but he said it could be hard to catch, but obviously much more of a problem in tough winter areas. He said he was no longer in the business of selling used Subarus; he used to sell them for around $2500 with 3-6 month warranties.

I was talking to a long term Subaru dealer from northern Vermont today who said the strut mounts on the 90-99 Subarus was a major defect, I guess corrected in 00. Is this a major problem, I hadn't heard this before.

Would definitely try the Advance online if there is a store local to you; 30% discount and speed perks discounts is a price eviscerator!

I had asked around here and got good feedback on a damaged spark plug hole; Advance auto parts had a spark plug rethread/helicoil kit, unfortunately the ratchet end was impossible to work with as you would have to put a socket on it too large to fit in the spark plug hole. I went to Napa this morning they actually had the same kit but with a more functional rethread tool that a ratchet and extender would fit into. I stopped at several mechanics riding on the three cyl.s and finally found one that had time to do the job, no guarantees of course. It runs well now. I was getting misfire codes due to caked on gunk on the body of the spark plugs. Just thought this might be useful to others here. Youtube:

A friend came by to help, but the self-tapping insert requires a narrower t style wrench to either chase the threads or do the helicoil insert preparation.

Since I only have the thread chaser and helicoil set apparently without the other tools necessary to use them I will look around for a mechanic.

I picked up the Helicoil set at Advance like Gary recommended, but I'm assuming that I would need a specific socket for that thread chaser, etc.. What are mistakes that could be made here; vs. level of expertise required; minimum tools to do the job in a parking lot?

OK, thanks. I walked up the few miles to retrieve my car this morning, didn't know whether driving on the 3 cyl.s was worth doing, better than tow truck. I passed a Hispanic mechanic working on a truck nearby and he said he would check it out in an hour. So maybe I make progress today.

They say you have to drill out before helicoil; no way to reach the spark plug cyl with a drill and limited access.