98 Outback - Theft Recovery no Clutch?

[lmdew]

Well, I've sold this Outback 2 times now.  First to a Co-Worker and then to a Friend.  

Two weeks ago, it was stolen out of her driveway.  Who steals a 98 Outback with 240K on it.  Yes it's a Subaru.

Anyway, the police recovered it.  The oil was way over filled and missing the cap. Battery dead.  I charged the battery and changed the oil and filter.  Put some gas in it and the 2.2 started right up.I did the 2.5 to 2.2 conversion about 5 years ago.  I love those 2.2's.  The transmission seems to shift into all but 1st just fine.  The clutch pedal feels good and the input fork is moving.  There is absolutely no transfer of power from the flywheel to the transmission.  No loading of the engine when you let the clutch out with the transmission in gear.

The only other time I've seen this was on a 2000 Forester and when I dropped the trans the center hub of the clutch was completely disconnected from the clutch disk.  It looked like they downshifted from high speed or were rolling backward and popped the clutch.

More then one Mechanic has told me they have changed Subaru clutches with the trans pulled back to the end of the long bottom studs!  Is that really possible?  

With my change of jobs, I have limited time and limited space and the owner has limited money.  Just thinking I may be able to get them back on the road in an afternoon.

I don't like the idea, but I'd be willing to try.

Thanks,

Larry

[montana tom]

Larry ;  I don't think that trick would work and I'm not convinced that you need a clutch...Of course you won't know till the disk is in hand. I'm wondering what they did to that transmission?  I'm thinking they may have broke the shaft inside. Your friend might be needing a transmission not a clutch (lets hope not)  Besides to pull back the trans that far you will have disconnected the drive line and the mounting bracket. About the only things left are some wires and the  c/v axles .  Why bust your knuckles... just finish the job and bring that tranny to the ground . 

Edited September 6, 2018 by montana tom

[montana tom]

If it were me, heck with working underneath,  I would rent a cherry picker and with hand tools in 1.5 hrs or less that engine would be hanging and if all it needs is a clutch , 30 minutes later your reinstalling.

[lmdew]

Yep, just can do it out on the road and my drive is 30 Degrees up.  Not getting it into the garage.  

Craigslist I believe.  No time and No work space, since I switch jobs.  So it goes.  Nice Rust Free Outback for someone.

[Toadspit]

I have changed clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing with fork, retainer clips and all while just sliding the mt back after removing exhaust and drive shift but I wouldn't count on it being a clutch failure. I'm guessing you've already washed your hands of the deal by now but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents

[lmdew]

Yep, sold for $500 to a local Mechanic.  I ask him to let me know what he finds.  If he does I'll update the post.

Thanks

[Toadspit]

please do because the suspense is killing me lol

 

[el_freddo]

That sucks for the owner Imdew

Cheers

Bennie

[lmdew]

No I sold her a 99 OBS that use to be the Daughters so it will be good for years to come.  Another Happy Subaru Owner.

[lmdew]

The clutch friction material was completely off the steel disk attached to the hub.  It looked like a bird nest in the bottom of the trans.  

[el_freddo]

Yuck. Easy enough fix if you don't inhale that stuff!

Cheers

Bennie

[Toadspit]

thanks for sharing your findings. I've been pondering this for a while now. I was stuck on someone stole the car just to joyride and I was imagining the smell of burnt clutch that might be in the car.