1989 Subi GL questions

[fbh]

Hi folks,

 

This is my first post on these forums. I've got a few questions about the 1989 Subaru GL, as per the topic title

 

First off, what motor is it running? EA82? (it's non-EFI)

 

Then comes the clicking noise the engine makes. I believe this is because of the lifter gaps, or whatever you call them, lol. We have feeler gauges here and I think I know what the gaps should be (0.14" for the intake, 0.1" for the exhaust, or something like that, does anyone know for sure?). The real question is, how do I pull it apart to check/adjust the gaps? Taking the tappet covers off would be a start, but is there anything to look out for? Oil gushing out, brittle gaskets (seeing as this thing HAS done upwards of 250,000km / ~125,000 miles), etc?

 

And the final question - Clutch. Can anyone tell me how to fix up the clutch? it's pretty worn, it slips quite bad and only about 1/4 of the pedal's travel to the floor actually does something, the last 3/4's of the way to the floor it's completely disengaged. Does anyone here know exactly how to pull this thing apart and replace the clutch plate/release bearing?

 

Cheers folks, and thanks

[[HTi]Johnson]

Hello. Welcome to the board.

 

I am assuming this is a Subaru wagon, not a hatch (2door plus hatch) if it was a hatchback, it'd have the EA81 motor in it. The EA82's are overhead cams and EA81's are push rods.

 

As for the lifters or as you know them, tappets. They are hydraulically controlled. No adjustments needed. But they can start making noises.

Some common reason for the noises are oil pressure, too thin of oil, or debris in the HVLA(Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjuster).

 

How is your oil pressure? According to the Factory Service Manual, it should be from 14 to 26 psi at 2000rpms at operating temperature and 34 to 46psi at 4000rpm. What's your gauge say it's running at?

 

If it is normal pressure:

The first steps you should to try are an oil change with some sort of oil additive that cleans the engine...like Marvel's Mystery Oil (or even Auto Tranny Fluid). Just be sure to compensate for the ammount of additive you put in. I forgot how much oil these take but say it is 4 quarts...you'd put 3.5 quarts oil and .5quarts oil additive. Drive your car like this for a couple days.

 

If it isn't normal pressure or the above doesn't work. You may need to change your oil pump gasket. When my lifters were noisy, this is what fixed it. It's not a hard job, but it isn't easy. If you need to do this, just ask the board for help, if you need it.

 

As for the clutch, I'd say adjust the cable. If that doesn't work you're gunna have to replace it. There are two way of doing that. You can take the engine out (most people say this is easiest.) or pull the tranny out.

 

Hope I helped,

Justin.

 

ADDON: The noise your lifters are making is refered to as the "Tick of Deah" or "TOD" which is just a name for it, it usually never ends with the "Death" of anything/anyone, just annoying.

[fbh]

Hi Justin,

 

Thanks for that. It's a wagon yes - though, where do I find an oil pressure gauge? never seen one - either that or I'm not all that observant

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll have a look first as soon as I can. What kind of oil should I be running?

 

The half scary thing about this is, these noisy rockers/lifters/tappets/etc - it's not permanent - it goes away, comes back, goes away, comes back, etc... very weird.

 

Thanks, and a happy new year!

[86subaru]

on a gl there should be a oil pressuse gauge , everyone has there choice of oil , but after trying mmo, tranny fluid, use a wix, oem, napa gold, mobile 1, oil filters, . in my opinion 5w-30 is to thin , in the summer i have used 20w-50 , winter 10w-40 , i just started using wal-mart brand full synthetic 10w-30 , in my 88 turbo a/t full time 4wd wagon, [111,000,mi] , 12.67 5qt jug, , now in my 88 gl d/r 5sp wagon with 192,000mi i am using amsoil 10w-40 , aleast 5-10lb more oil pressure and drips less ,but while trying tranny fluid or mmo for a few day , go to wal-mart and get there regular brand 1.16 qt , [ like 20w-50 ] + add tranny fluid or mmo

[Syonyk]

I'd suggest some Seafoam & high RPM time (5k+ RPM for a minute or so once it's warmed up). Half the seafoam in the oil, half in the gas tank, then just find your favorite winding road & let the RPMs get up into the range where it's not pulling as hard.

 

Worked for mine. The lash adjusters were loud when I got it, a bit of seafoam later and they quieted down, but were still clicking on occasion. Another bottle of seafoam a few weeks back, and it's purring beautifully. Even my dad commented (when I was home for Christmas) that it sounded a lot better.

 

-=Russ=-

[fbh]

Thanks for that though it seems mine doesn't have an oil pressure gauge, nor does it have a battery voltage meter. Weirdness?

 

Quick question: what motor would be a drop-in (well, almost) replacement to this carb'd 85-horse EA82 it currently has, apart from another EA82? 85 horsepower isn't really too useful for dragging a 1.5-tonne beast around

[BlueRidgeSE]

another vote for the seafoam treatment. Great stuff!

[fbh]

sweet only question - I'm in the corner of the globe, good ol' New Zealand. where to get seafoam here, if the guys even have it here?

 

Cheers for all the help folks!