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subnz

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Posts posted by subnz

  1. Any Subaru with headgasket issues could  / may  consume water  internally  through combustion chambers out the exhaust  if there is no evidence of external coolant loss otherwise  - when engine / exhaust up to running temperature examine exhaust emissions.

    Had an EA82 that did this.

     

    If you saw evidence of coolant colouring / staining  on the underside of something  then there is a probably / coolant leak  from  somewhere above

  2. All GL / GF spec Leone EA82  wagons here in NZ had the touring wagon stepped roof

     

    Also the EA82T turbo versions were of higher spec here and got the touring wagon roof also.

     

    and also the later  ie 83/84 GL  spec EA81  4MT D/R had the touring wagon stepped roof as well.

     

    My previous 86 GF Leone  EA82 5MT D/R wagon in 2009  - one of the best cars ever owned apart from the paint on it here - faded / wore  badly.

     

    1934397_1030570381198_4050791_n.jpg?oh=8

    With the introduction of 2nd hand JDM car imports from Japan in the 80s  there was a lot more variation of types.

     

    The lower spec DL here had the flat roof  no tach  more basic seats (no rear head rests)  etc etc particularly after the introduction of the Legacy in 89  there were more DL's,  the Leone was rebranded then as  an Omega til 94 when the Impreza replaced it.

  3. All that is necessary is to clean up  the face of the flywheel in resurfacing it,  to take out score marks etc,  so that the new clutch takes up smoothly on engagement.

    If the flywheel isn't refaced / resurfaced,  there is a good chance that the new clutch will chatter / shudder on engagement.

  4. So....do you ever find these not popular things kicking about New Zealand, EJ dizzys and carb intake manifolds? Be worth grabbing for export across the ditch - our ditch, not to the US :(

    I thought it was such an insult us exporting our backfire 4 Commodores to NZ but maybe the fuel economy was a big hit over there?

    Yeah we didn't take to heart too much the 4s got biffed and 186s the best Holden 6 got bolted in and the not as good 202 as well.

    Every thing else since not as good 173/202s not that great (agricultural compared to Japanese engines) - had one that seized for no reason - notorious for taking tops off pistons ( 3.8 V6 is a Buick engine - NOT Holden)

    The best Commodore 6 was the 87 VL with 2.0 and 3.0 Nissan 6s (fitted for unleaded fuel use), before Holden sourced the 3.8 Buick V6 ( 88/89) that would run on unleaded fuel. Not sure about later 3.6 V6s

    Was put off Holdens by my experience.

    Went Japanese 28 years ago with a 78 Toyota SE 2000 Corona then 6 Subarus since over the last 26 years.

     

    We had a 72 HQ 202 Holden from new - basic / agricultural at best - ran out of breath at 60 / 70 mph (100/110kph)

     

    Next car 74 Nissan 260C (2.6) much smoother refined better car, OHC alloy head freer flowing manifolds / exhaust system freer revving ( 6000rpm) would vapourise the Holden after 60mph - always had trouble holding at 60mph / 100kph always creeping up to 75mph / 120kph - had a really nice cammy burble exhaust note. Holden sounded like a truck.   (holden quicker to 60mph - 100kph though)

     

    Anything is possible as we don't have a car assembly industry to protect , parts from ex JDM cars get imported, as well as complete cars , so its a case of Google searching importers / wreckers.

  5. Whats that you say?? Maybe it is tappets and valve bounce that is rude on the ears. EA82 with its OHC and Mizpah lifters is blissfully quiet

     

    Hey subnz, confirm NZ got carbed EJ in early 90's either as new or grey imports ??

    Correct EA82 SOHC  has hydraulic tappets - quieter running engine than EA81 OHV  with solid lifters.

     

    Yep some early EJ18s came with carbs or SPFI -  not good for fuel economy . 

     

    Remember driving a 90 5MT TI Legacy 1.8 Wagon once  and it struggled to do 30mpg (imperial)  [ 9 litres / 100km] on a trip driving it at 100kph

     

    Hearing that (normal within tolerance limits)  tappet noise on an  EA81 is kind of reassuring  - bomb proof simplicity / reliability

  6. Never worried about tappet noise in an OHV with solid lifters (EA81)    - That is  part of what they are.

     

    Its more concerning not to hear (any reasonable within tolerance limits - not excessive )   tappet noise  ie no valve  tappet clearance gaps.

    Never touched / worried about tappets on present Brumby  or 1st   83 Subaru EA81 wagon owned 26 years ago - no issues.

  7. If the high / low range lever isn't held /   secured  in its respective position of hi or lo range  ie if in between the two positions  there will be a false neutral and that is one of the  recommendations not to do this.(to hold the lever between hi /lo range)

    All that's required is  to use the clutch while shifting ranges while driving in a straight line is best..

  8. What about the full time 4wd EA82 cars? These must have had center differentials, as some of them have the “diff lock” button.

     

    Is the Full Time 4wd in these cars (GL10 Turbo wagons are the ones I see most frequently) inanyway similar to the AWD on my Forester XT?

     

    The 86 - 89 EA82T RX2 (Leone /Omega - Rally)  coupe had a full time AWD dual range 5MT (20% reduction) with a centre locking diff (electric actuator / button) and rear LSD

    And the SVX coupe  in 1991 with VTD and VDC?

     

    Superior to any other Subaru AWDs  until VDC was introduced in 1998 into some 2nd Gen Outbacks / 3rd gen Legacys  (BE / /BH platforms)

    apart from some H6 2nd gen Outbacks that got rear LSDs  along with  earlier Legacy GTs, 

     

     Not sure about Forester XTs or GL10 Wagons  in US.

    Would imagine the Foresters would be the standard full time AWD setup of a centre diff with a viscous coupling in manual versions and the multiplate transfer clutch in Auto versions.   

     The GL10's if full time AWD would have been similar

    Don't know for sure but maybe Forester XT got a rear LSD.

  9. You should probably do an oil analysis. You would be very surprised how long a rod bearing will last. Also they tend to get loose, then tight, then loose again. The bearing insert will collapse inward on itslef and "grab" the crakshaft causing it to be tight and lessening the noise. I know this sounds strange and you probably won't believe me but I've seen it many, many times.

     

    GD

    If that is true  - why haven't I had a big end bearing failure in 25 years with owning 5 H4s?

     

    In fact have had NO mechanical  internal issues / failures with any of my Subaru engines.

     

    2 reasons why there haven't been issues: 

    1/  changing oil/filter at regular intervals   (using mineral oils - NOT synthetic oils)

     2/ flushing the cooling system  (including the heater core)    every 2 years as recommended by Subaru

  10. i wouldn't  think octane rating of fuel  would be much of an issue - i would imagine regular would be fine ,  that's what I would use.

    Ea engines are fairly robust haven't heard of any  / many valve issues from using unleaded fuel.

     

    Setting the correct ignition timing for type of fuel used would be the main issue . 

    (10 degrees  BTDC  @ 700/800rpm  with vacuum advance disconnected and plugged for EA71 using 87 fuel - according to my Haynes manual after reading more thoroughly )

     

    The best  thing would be to tweek the ignition timing  ie retard it by 2 degrees  if it  is still detonating a bit when accelerating  from low rpms in a high gear.

    • Like 1
  11. Older engines designed for leaded fuel,  will run on unleaded  93 ok  but its harder on the valves  seats  they don't last as long. 

     

    Engines since the late 70's / early 80's designed for unleaded fuel use, have hardened  valve seats and don't have this issue.

     

    There are fuel additives available to replace lead to protect valves / seats in older engines http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/valve-shield

     

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiknock_agent

     

    http://www.city-data.com/forum/automotive/1074988-old-automobiles-running-unleaded-gasoline.html

     

    Avgas  (100 RON most commonly used)  still has lead additives  (tetra-ethyl lead)  as aircraft engine integrity is more critical. (used in racing engines also)

     

    The EA71 ( from 1976  - 1994  ) with a compression ration of 9.0:1  should run ok on regular fuel.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_EA_engine#EA-71

     

    Just because it doesn't have a catalytic converter  doesn't mean you can't use unleaded fuel 

    As the Ea 71 was produced from the mid 70's   (1976 ) I would imagine it would be ok without unleaded regular fuel.

     

     

    Just read though my manuals and there was no info on fuel use / type etc  for EA71 / 81

    • Like 1
  12. Agree one of several things tyres, wheel bearings, drive shaft universal joints / carrier bearing, cvs / axles (the replacements could be faulty) , transfer clutch etc, bearing going in rear diff (think GTs had LSD rear diff) , exhaust vibrating / resonating against something , worn rubber mounts somewhere.

     

    Agree the clunking could be the driveshaft / rear diff.

    Noises can travel and fool you so it pays to investigate all possibilities.

     

    ps had an old RWD car that used to resonate at 55mph will no passengers in back seat but used to go away when passengers in back Tracked it down to worn lower rubber shockie mounts. And exhaust vibrating / resonating against something on another occasion.

  13. Considering salt affected  vehicles,  the  70s and 80s   Subarus were good for rust., so not many good ones left now on the road.

    ie Gen 1   and Gen 2  (Gen 3s fared better - apart from around front and rear windows in particular )

    Those in a dry, low humidity climates that didn't come into contact with salt  fared better.

     

    1st  83 GL wagon  JDM started  to surface rust along sills under doors before selling in 1995

     

    2nd 86 GL wagon NZDM rusted around windscreen - put off the road in 2009,failed NZ 6 monthly road worthiness / compliance  test for that  - regarded as structural.   

    NZ authorities take a hard line on rust affected vehicles.  Any rust around door frames  around wheel arches in subframe,  roof,  around  front / rear windows  regarded as structural will be put off the road unless welded / repaired.

     

    Salt isn't applied to NZ roads because of the potential  damage it would cause to  the vehicle fleet.

    Roads are gritted (course sand)   and  CMA (calcium magnesium acetate deicing agent) is  sprayed on /applied  in drier areas.

     

    Have people lined up waiting to buy my 87 Brumby (Brat)   - no rust in original condition - came from one of the driest places in NZ. (Alexandra)

    It's not for sale as it was my late fathers so has special value.

    People aren't prepared to pay for  what its worth considering  condition / miles (130K)  anyway.

    So not prepared to give it away.12565429_10201381793263478_5045514923745

  14. Sure agree - not as economical and more emissions  without extra emissions plumbing and   but more simple and less to go wrong  with   heat / age and less hp  lost. 

     If I was in the US   I would probably do the same thing - throw away the hitachi and bolt on a weber  but not necessary here as they run fine in this simple form.

     

    Has  "summer / winter"  manual lever operated air intake flap control.

    If carb icing   -  a reminder switch air intake flap to "winter" (warm air drawn off exhaust manifold via flexible hose)

     

    My 1987 NZDM  Ea81 Brumby  (Brat) has breaker points distributor (tried to post pictures from 2 sources but this site doesn't seem to like me doing that)

     

     

    I'm guessing the reason why the NZ authorities here didn't require the full emissions treatment and electronic breakerless distributors

    is that it was a truck / pickup so requirements  were probably less stringent.

     

     

    But Gen 3 GL carbed cars here  had breakerless electronic dstributors at this time.

     

    We didn't see fuel injection until after 89 in some GL models although Turbos then were fuel injected. 

    This was the original setup for earlier models here as well.

     

     1988 on .- most all new cars here in  NZ from that the time were fuel injected and electronic managed ignitions.

  15. I'm guessing  the reason that many have issues is because of the extra emission stuff  added to satisfy  US emissions .- hoses etc failing from heat / age.

    The hitachi carb is a good carb but has been ruined by the addition of all this stuff and is destined to fail.

     

    Had had 3 of them,   2   EA81s (still have Brat )  and  EA82 and no major issues apart from messing up a rebuild when rekitted one on an EA82  Had to buy another 2nd hand replacement one. One learns from mistakes made.

    Also they don't like being messed with.  (and had one EA82 with auto choke  -  horrible)

     

    Also they have been been ruined by the addition of automatic chokes.     These are horrible and need to be ripped off and thrown away as far as possible.

    Reason  not good for cold starting as they over choke and fast idle not high enough  and as soon as blip the throttle  - loose fast idle.

    Manual choke far superior especially for cold winter starts  - can adjust / bend linkages for a better / higher fast idle.

    Set all mine to 2000rpm on full choke.

     

    Have seen imported second hand imported US  carburettored engines here (Chev V8s)   and we shake ours heads in disbelief.   This emissions stuff here gets ripped off and thrown away.

  16. Not very high in standard form (EA81)

     

    Other reasons  -  2 valves / cylinder single port intake and exhaust port heads / small shared manifolds (limitations to air flow increases for limited performance gains)

                              -  similar for EA82s

     

                           - OHV  limits high RPMs also

     

                           - Agree, 3 main bearing crank  - bottom end  not as  strong for high rpms  (EA82 similar)

     

    IF serious about performance gains , EJ engines with 4 valves / per cylinder  bigger manifolds,   better  for air flow increases / performance gains - especially ones with 4 port heads DOHCs,      with freer revving OHCs,     better for higher rpms.

    Also 5 main  bearings on crankshaft  - bottom end  stronger for higher rpms.

     

    Wouldn't and didn't bother to try and modify my EA81 / 82s for those reasons.

     

    The only one I would consider modifying is , if  had an RX2 AWD 5MT D/R  with EA82T  would replace heads with  4 port heads / manifolds etc  upgraded internals etc  ,do it properly.

    Power gains from 115hp (stock)  up to 200hp

     

    Also EA82 OHCs are more free revving so a better platform to start off with    than  clatterly  old school  OHV EA81s best left stock.

     

    PS  EA81s are mid rangers  ie work best keeping motor spinning between 2500rpm  and 3500rpm  (ie max torque at 2400rpm  max hp at 4800rpm   

    Nothing to be gained in exceeding 5000rpm just to prove a point apart from trying to destroy an engine .that isn't designed for high rpms.

    Ea81s are bomb proof simplicity (gear driven cam) but over revving them is a sure way to try and kill them.

    • Like 3
  17.  

    Hi, I am new to this forum.

     

    Also, does this model has 4WD HI and LOW? Because when I push the lever all the way down the car moves normally, If i push the lever to the middle it just revs when I let off the clutch, and if I push the lever all the way up I can feel more traction and the RPMS are higher so I am assuming that is 4WD HI. ???

     

    Thank you! And sorry if my english is poor, Greetings from Baja, Mexico.

     

     

    It depends on which transmission you have fitted to your car.

     

    If its 4WD part time selectable hi/lo range

     

    Dual ratio selector lever  Up is for low range  4WD / off road / snow / hills  (increase in Rpm for speed)

     the middle position    4WD Hi range for on road snow ice  etc                                   

    Down is high range  2WD (FWD)  / highway  / on road  (normal use)

     

    In between these positions there are false neutral positions.   Its not recommended to hold lever in these positions and try to drive car.

    Also with these transmissions , it doesn't have a centre differential so. the transmission / drive line binds when when turning on hard surfaces in 4WD .    So 4WD  should be selected only on slippery surfaces or if driving straight.

     

    If it is an AWD hi / lo transmission,    down  (hi range) is for highway  , up (low range)  is for offroad etc  (increase in rpm for speed)

    no turning issues as this transmission has a centre differential.

    The middle position is a false neutral not recommended to drive in this position also  

  18. Hitachi carb?

    If it has an hitachi carb it could be the accelerator pump not working / spraying fuel  properly.

    Or maybe an ongoing vacumm / air leak somewhere as you mentioned

     

    As this is is an intermittent fault,  agree also,   it could be the ignition coil.

    Coils  do funny things like cause intermittent problems when failing,    especially when / after coil warms up, and especially under load.

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