I didn't know about that valve issue when my mechanic had the cover off so I can't report on that. But evidently that wasn't the issue, but good to know. I do have a new problem to ask you experts about. I live in a small town without a Subaru authority so your input would be especially helpful. The problem is my engine is now having a really low idle. In the past each time the battery was disconnected it took the car about 6 to 10 starts and then it would get itself back to perfect idle. Its been almost a week now and its not resumed course. If you have any advice I can pass on to my mechanic I'd appreciate it. Can the fuel flow be manually adjusted in the engine or is it all computer driven? Incidentally I no longer have a check engine light on.