Mechanic Needed, Caroll County, MD?

[skelly]

Gary - in an early post, you mentioned a reliable mechanic in caroll county that is able to fix spark plug threads, if necessary. Currently my 97 Impreza has a helicoil. Now I need a tune-up, so might as well get everything fixed properly. Please supply contact information for this guy. Anybody else have suggestions? I live near silver spring, MD. Any location near King of Prussia, PA also OK.

Thanks

 

PS Have steady Engine code reading indicating oxygen sensor defective (rear). I have high mileage, 134K, so this repair is to be expected, right? Any suggestions regarding preventative maintenace at this mileage?

[idosubaru]

PS Have steady Engine code reading indicating oxygen sensor defective (rear). I have high mileage, 134K, so this repair is to be expected, right? Any suggestions regarding preventative maintenace at this mileage?

 

i have to go soon but 134k is not high mileage at all. you're like half way through the life of the car if it's maintained well. you have an EJ22, those things are awesome (that's why my wife has one). preventative maintainence if you want this thing past 200k then you want these addressed:

 

timing belts, all the timing pulleys, water pump. you could wait until the next timing belt change at 194,000 to replace the water pump - at 10 years old i'd go ahead and replace it now but your original one probably won't fail either so you make the call. you'll want the ebay timing belt kits - at $200 for parts, dealer prices will be $500+ JUST for parts alone.

 

automatic transmission - have the ATF flushed.

 

have your battery terminals all cleaned, tightened and checked. it's good to check and keeps your alternator and battery from failing early.

 

make sure you get the right parts replaced for that O2 sensor code, can you tell us the exact code (not someone's interpretation of the code)?

 

remind me what you need worked on...i can't keep everyones cars straight in my head.

[skelly]

Hi Gary -

In an earlier exchange, you mentioned that you knew a mechanic in Caroll County, MD that is dependable, reliable, trustworthy, etc. and who would / could repair a spark plug thread in the most correct, economical fashion so helicoil would not be necessary. Could you please give me some contact information?

 

Now for just increasing my overall knowledge:

There was one post to this forum that recommended oxygen sensors be replaced after 5 years. Now that I have a steady code for the rear oxygen sensor (thanks to Autozone), and since it is the original, I am just trying to learn if these things go bad around 130K. In addition to regular maintenance schedule for timing belt, etc., I am wondering if additional parts need replacing: ie, 130K may be high mileage for some parts, but not overall for a Subie. For example, I still have original alternator- do these things have a life expectancy?

 

Imprezza 2.2L EJ22 133K

Thanks

[idosubaru]

a helicoil is a proper repair for stripped threads, they are permanent fixes, not band aids. why would you want something different? if you want something "more correct", then replacing the head is i guess what you're after but i would not recommend that. and if you did i would have someone with subaru specific experience do that. my friend is a mechanic but has little subaru experience.

 

i see what you're saying - O2 sensors are not typically 100,000+ mile parts, so you are right in thinking it's not a bad idea to replace them. they are often recommended 60,000 mile replacement intervals, though longer intervals are common.

 

alternators can last quite a while if your battery, cables and charging system are in great condition and you don't have a lot of drains on the electrical system - constantly having things like laptops plugged into your car. but...i drive XT6's and i typically replace the alternator or have a spare in the trunk (subaru alternators are super easy to replace). they are one thing that can leave you stranded and don't necessarily give much warning, so not bad to replace.

 

the timing belt components are a necessity really if you want extended use of this vehicle - you have an interference engine if any part of the timing system breaks you will experience significant internal engine damage.

 

ATF change i already mentioned.

 

that pretty much covers the essentials i believe.