EA71 Engine - Is Not Running for Several Years a Big Problem??

[Crabman]

Hi there,

 

I am brand new to the forums. This is my first post. I just bought a 1979 Brat GL that's going to need a little work before it becomes my daily driver. I also plan to fix it up and make it look nice. I know I am going to have several questions as time goes on. This is just my first! I was very happy to find these forums as there seems like there is a great amount of subaru knowledge here.

 

The car is virtually rust free, reported to have very low miles which I'm not sure I trust. is it possible to tell if the speedometer has flipped? But over the past 4 years its gotten very little use, the owner said maybe 20 miles in total. And it has been sitting for the past year due to a dead battery.

 

My question: The owner said it ran strong before he began to neglect it. I have read somewhere else on the net that if these old subaru engines sit too long it can be bad for the seals. Is this true? Have I got something to worry about?

 

Let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance!!

[86BRATMAN]

It is true that sitting cam make seals leak when a car is put back into use. But doing a reseal on these motors is suber easy. The ones to watch out for are front and rear main seals, oil pump, and valve covers.

 

On the gen1's there is no way that I'm aware of to tell if it has rolled over, as they only have 5 digits. Chances are at this age it has at least rolle over once.

[Crabman]

Hey thanks for the quick reply. I guess when I get her, I'll run her for a while and watch those seals. You mentioned valve covers and that reminds me of another question I've got. The last time I owned a car with a flat four, it was a '68 Volkswagen Beetle, and as part of routine maintenance, I had to adjust the valves every 3000 miles.

 

My question: Same thing with the EA71 engine? Do I have to worry about adjusting the valves periodically?

 

Thanks in advance,

Tony

[DerFahrer]

Yeah, you do have to adjust the valves, but not THAT often.

 

If it makes you feel any better, my 79 wagon was sitting for two years before I bought it, and it has sat on my property for over a year, and has probably spent all of about 60 seconds running total in that time period.

[moosens]

Headgaskets tend to soak along the lower edge when old Subarus sit a long time. But I doubt you'll see any problems,just keep an eye on the headgaskets too.

 

Consider getting a good engine cleaning done and that'll make it easier notice any leaks.

 

The Gen I Brat you have is becoming more and more accpeted in the world of vintage automobiles,there's no doubt about that. I hope you enjoy it and keep it healthy.

 

Exhaust systems tend to rot out where condensation is an issue,and the car sits for too long. Probably not a problem for you out there. Expect the brakes to be rough,you know the deal.

 

But most of all,show us some pictures!

 

We just did our second group purchase of windshield gaskets. For around $50-60 total,shipping included,we all have security from leaks.And they all leak eventually regardless of climate,location,etc. I'm pretty sure I can swing one more out of the remainders I have here if you need one.

 

Give it a good walk around and make a "Wish List" and please add yours to our "Wish List" in the Historic Forum,right here:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=39656

 

Good luck with it!

 

Paul

[Crabman]

Hi Paul,

 

You know I don't actually have the car yet, I bought it over the net. But when I do get it (early September), you bet I will give it a long look over, take plenty of pictures for the forum, and begin to construct my wish list. I've never bought a car over the net before, I really hope I don't get burned!

 

So as of this point I am not sure about the windshield gasket, although the seller has told me that the windshield was replaced about 4 years ago when the car had lots of bodywork done.

 

The seller has indicated that it will just take a little work to get it back on the road and boy I hope that is true, as of this point it just needs a CV boot replaced (current one cracked), and new exhaust.

 

But yes, to your point, there is no doubt that the brat is a special vehicle with a unique place in automotive history. In all honesty, I think part of the reason I bought this car is because I know it's going to turn a lot of heads.

 

Crabman

[Caboobaroo]

My '78 Brat I got after it had sat in a junkyard for 15 years not running. The guy who got it from this junkyard didn't know how to get it running quite right so I traded him a Justy for it. Took some tinkering for me to get it golden but it ran awesome for awhile. However, I ran into the problem of the gaskets being old and was starting to leak oil more and more every week. I finally replaced the engine since I had an extra one.

 

You can do a complete reseal on this engine in a day and that includes pulling it and doing a valve job.

[shift]

my suggestion is to consult some one who works at an orilleys auto part store. you will be a regular customer if you stick with them, they are by far the best and only store that i know of that has NEW and rebuilt parts for really inexpensive prices

[Subieguy]

My 78 Brat was sitting in a field for 10 years when I found it. I had it running the day after I got it. I have had it for a little over 3 years now and it leaks oil. Runs well though. I have a brand new rebuilt engine for it. I just need to put it it. It is unique for around here. I had some people stop at my work yesterday just to check it out. Sometimes the younger kids don't even know what it is. Kind of funny when you explain what it is and when they see the seats in the back that really throws em'. Out of my 2 Brats the 78 is my favorite over the 84 Brat. But they still are both cool!