01 Outback

I am pleased to report I have put 4700 miles on the VDC and I am quite happy with it. I had to add 12 ounces of Amsoil oil today, the 1st since the oil change. Mileage has consistently been averaging 23-24 at speeds usually in excess if 80 MPH on the 122 mile round trip daily commute. I will be changing out the Amsoil 10w40 high zinc oil at 6000 miles, rotating the tires and changing the transmission and differentials fluids as well. No fluid or oil leaks and no further problems (knock on wood) thus far. I am hooked on the H6 as is the Bridal Unit. She wants me to sell her beautiful 1990 Cadillac Brougham De Elegance and buy another 2nd Gen VDC or LL Bean car so the hunt begins anew!

Thanks for the replies... Good to know on LH valve cover. We didnt mess with it since it aint leaking. We had to use the ratchet wrench on a couple of the bolts on the RH side. That one bolt on LH side looked impossible...I did make the used car lot guy give me the original axle and will put a boot on it. The old boot is crispy but hadnt gone all the way through so it should be good for a spare. Thanks to all for the help and advice. I plan to change the fluid in the differentials and transmission when I do the 1st oil change.

I am very glad it wasnt the driver side valve cover as it appears the engine has to be jacked up to get the aft bottom bolt out.

I have about 1500 miles on the new to me VDC. So far I have replaced a leaking oil cooler oring and oil pressure sending unit and last break my dear friend Frank Bryan came over and we changed the seeping RH valve cover gasket. It wasnt too bad a job. Airbox out, coil packs out, wiring bracket removed and wires moved to access it. The motor is nice and clean inside and there was very little to clean inside the valve cover. So far so good, no more leaks. I am averaging 23 to 24 MPG on the commute and continue to be impressed by the power and smoothness of the H6. I havent had to add any oil since I changed it other than the little bit we lost on the oil cooler oring change when I removed the filter.

I put a few interstate miles on today and I am pleased to report no leaks on inpsection afterward. I really like the way it drives. The 6 cylinder is very smooth and gearing must be different as the engine turns 400 RPM less for a given speed than the 4 cylinder.

OK thanks

GD I picked up 6 quarts of Amsoil 10W40 and a Purolator OEM equivalent Pure One filter. What interval do you recommend?

It looks brand new inside.

I hope to pick it up on Sunday.

Duly noted and thank you. Oil change interval? I was doing 5000 with the 2.5.

I was wondering what the consensus was as to the best engine oil and what viscosities and types of fluid / gear oil to use in the transmision and differentials? I am not sure I understand all I dont know about the VDC system and dont want to screw something up withe the wrong oil. Thanks in advance.

Good news the leaks were determined to be a rh valve cover gasket and a loose hose clamp on a power. steering line. The window was iced up and works after being thawed. The RH cv joint will be replaced and he is giving me the factory joint with the torn boot to reboot and keep for a spare. The pipe for the exhaust is on order. They are troubleshooting the cause of the heated seats inop but have no cause yet and is not a deal breaker anyway...

I put a deposit down today on the 01 VDC. Thanks to you all telling me where to look, I found an oil leak at the oil cooler where it meets the filter housing. The heated seats are inop or I don't know how to turn them on. The left rear window is inop and the pipe between the resonator and the muffler is rotten. One cv joint boot is torn on the rh joint inboard. All these discrepancies were noted and will be fixed as a condition of the sale prior to pick up on Thursday or Friday. The car runs great and has a lot of power compared to the 2.5 in my old outback. It is clean inside and out, no rust anywhere. Pics will follow...

Thanks!