ccrinc

Ummm, not exactly. :-\ The '99 has an 8 bolt belt housing and rear thrust, the '98 has a 4 bolt bell housing and center thrust. IIRC, you can put the newer EJ25 DOHC engines into the older cars, but not the other way around. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

OK, proud grandma bragging rights. My grandson, who lives in Rapid City, SD, has worked for us during the summers since he was 12. He's 16, bought himself a nice '86 hatch, rebuilt the engine, and it drove from Denver to Rapid on Sat! Runs real strong too Paid every cent for it too out of his pocket. Not bad for a computer geek! Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

A leakdown test is far more reliable as an indicator of failed rings. Do a leakdown test first, then if indicated, a compression test. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Steve, Actually, I thought about that, but I don't install rings (don't have the time) and I didn't want to give misinformation. I've done that before and it's caused some real heated discussions, to say the least! I was hoping, not assuming, that the manufacturer instructions would be clear about that. You're right: that can lead to excessive oil consumption. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Yeppers! Emily

The UP L and UP R refers to SPFI pistons. Carb pistons are UP only. L = left, R = right, so the L goes in left side, R in right side. This is not left as you are facing the front of the block: this is left as you are sitting in the driver's seat. So the L goes in the right side of the block as it is facing you, get it? (Confusing, huh?) The ring landings must be absolutely clean and free of old, gunked up oil and dirt. Once that's all out, wash away old stuff with a stiff, non scratching brush and let dry. You should be ok if you followed ring mgfr. instructions carefully. As for the blowby, since you obviously have a SPFI, did you replace your PCV valve? I'd highly recommend it. Subaru Genuine only, of course. And clean out the PCV hoses too. It could also partly be the old crud cleaning out of the exhaust system. And some engines will use oil, even brand new, off the showroom floor. Keep a close eye on it. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

A burnt valve in an EJ25 engine is common. It's one of the weaker points...that's why we always use new exhaust valves. Cause? Probably running too lean. And once the damage is started, it continues even after the problem is fixed. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

OK, OK, OK!!!!! Geez, what a brouhaha! I admit...I am the one who told Hank that a blocked EGR might be part of reason that he's using a really big chunk of oil. I meant...PCV. Sorry, I was caught during a really busy Friday at the end of a long, hectic week. PCV, EGR, ASV, LSD (which can have more than one meaning), VVT, DOHC SOHC. Doesn't anybody spell anything out anymore? EGR may be "older" school technology, but it does work to reduce emissions. A bad PCV can cause oil rings to seize in the pistons. If you have a SPFI engine, the retrofit kit from the dealer is a good idea. Or, the engine's just worn out...period. Sorry, gentlemen. As Rick (aka Yoda) would say, "I'm talking out my ______". Chalk it up to a long week. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Rislone. Good stuff. Also works to clean shellac off manual transmission gears and synchros. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Impossible. There is no separate ring gear. The flywheel is one piece, with the "ring gear" cast as part of it. Sounds like a clutch issue only. Much easier to remove the transmission than the engine. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

At 89K, it might be a bit early to see actual oil leaks, but with a Subaru, you never know. Check the power steering pump: there's an o-ring on it that's famous for failing. It's quite probable that what you're seeing is ATF from there. For the amount you're leaking, I wouldn't worry too much about it yet. Just keep an eye on your oil level, as usual. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

New spring should have gotten there today, and you know our number if you need advice on getting the tensioner back on. Emily

PCV valve. Use Subaru Genuine only! Oh, and clean out the pcv hoses too. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

You got diagnostic issues? Who ya gonna call? (Not me, of course, but I know a guy....) Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

One word on turboing any N/A 2.5 engine: DON'T! Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Quite common actually. I believe I remember Rick saying once that the problem is frequently due to someone replacing the torque converter who doesn't know what they're doing. Torque converters are tricky to reinstall, on 4EATs anyway. The placement must be precise and they will only "really" fit one way. I think the issue is that they seem to be on correctly and really aren't. The other part that breaks if the converter is not installed correctly is the sealer pipe for the pump drive. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Pistons are different too. Rick could tell you exactly how and what years each one changed. All I really know is that the higher HP partly came from shorter skirted pistons in order to get a longer stroke. And that there are at least 8 styles when I have to put away cleaned ones! Some of the differences are so small you'd have to have a micrometer (or a mind like Rick's) to see the difference. Yes, the '96 has hydraulic lifters and they seem to be more reliable. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Crack flex plate Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Hank, The main key to getting the correct transmission is having your mechanic give the proper gear ratio to whomever they wish to order from. I'm not positive which we were told, 3.7 or 3.9 (bad memory :-\ ), but we sent what we were told and it turned out to be the wrong one. Their check has been returned of course. One of our guys told the shop how to count the teeth on the differential to get the correct gear ratio. (Apparently, the sticker on the rear diff is missing?) I have no idea how that turned out. We're sorry for the problems, but we really did ship out what was ordered. It's not the first time that the tranny that "should" have been in that car isn't what's in there now. In fact, it's the main reason we're reluctant to ship transmissions out of this area. Too many inconsistencies, and lots of variations. We still offer the alternative suggested: send yours here and we'll rebuild it. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

I would highly recommend Strictly Automotive. Reputable, reliable, honest, knowledgeable and (I think) reasonable. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Yeah, them too Also different length and configuration. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Yes. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

It could definitely be the ignition switch. Heck, some of the electrics on these things are so weird...one example I know of is to turn on the lighted vanity mirror on passengers side and the tranny will act up...every time! Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Completely different: length, size of "blossom", etc. Emily http://www.ccrengines.com

Sympathies from all of us at CCR. As I know all too well, though the shock of sudden death hurts us a lot, watching a good friend/family member through a long illness is worse for both. Remember him as he was, and honor him in your memories. Emily