Tuneup Advice - 88 GL Wagon 4x4

[Deener]

Hello All,

 

I would firstly like to thank all of you for answering some of my issues in the past. You have helped me through some tough issues and your advice is invaluable to me.

 

I have an 88 GL Wagon 4x4 and I want to keep it going as long as I can. This is my first Subaru and also my first 4 wheel drive. I am just wondering if there is anything outside of standard tune up/maintenance procedures that I should be aware of to keep my car sliding effortlessly through the snow, sideways, uphill, as I pass all the people with their jaws on their laps?

 

I am not an idiot driver, I am just remarking on how much control is available in the slippy stuff.

 

Heres what I have done so far:

 

Plugs

Dist Cap (rotor was good)

Oil/Filter

Air Filter

Front Brakes (debating about swapping the back shoes for discs)

Battery

Alternator

CV Axles (front)

Thermostat/Flush

 

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Dean

[Gloyale]

Heres what I have done so far:

 

Plugs

Dist Cap (rotor was good)

Oil/Filter

Air Filter

Front Brakes (debating about swapping the back shoes for discs)

Battery

Alternator

CV Axles (front)

Thermostat/Flush

 

 

Why would you try to save 5 dollars here? replace the rotor too.

 

Also replace the fuel filter.

 

I hope as well you used a genuine Subaru Thermostat. I would replace whatever you put in with a genuine one or you risk overheating.

[Deener]

That was a fast reply. Yes, I did the fuel filter...I just forgot to mention it. I have read a bit on this site about using OEM T-stats. I honestly don't know what type I bought, as I got it from a small local dealer here in Vancouver (Vancouver Auto Parts). I had him confirm the open/close values for me that I found in my Haynes manual. You are right, I should have got a rotor as well. I wasn't trying to save 5 bucks....I am just an aspiring backyard mechanic. I just took advice from someone that I shouldn't have about the rotor.

[Skip]

I am just an aspiring backyard mechanic. I just took advice from someone that I shouldn't have about the rotor.

 

Then please also do as Gloyale says

and get an OEM thermostat.

 

No transmission is mentioned

but if it's automatic

a fluid flush ia also a good idea.

[Skip]

One more thing about the rotor

If this is an SPFI EA82.

the rotor

is held on my a small screw,

blue loctite is a good idea when replacing it.

[Deener]

Thanks Skip.

 

Yes, It's an automatic, with the best red button on the stick that was ever invented. (on demand 4 wheel) I'll do a search on how to do the tranny fluid flush. I would assume there's a some kind of plug.

 

I think it is an SPFI. I honestly don't know how to tell the difference between EA81 and EA82. Is there an easy way? I think mine is an EA82. Most of the same car years/models I see here list that as their engine type.

 

As far as acquiring OEM parts goes...is there a Vancouver BC favorite shop or do I have to bow to the dealer?

[zyewdall]

In the north american market, the '88 wagons were all SPFI EA82's, I believe. Overseas, there was more variation.

 

Z

[The Dude Abides]

What type of plugs did you use. They recomend NGK for plugs and wires. Sounds like you did lots of the stuff already. Rear disc parts arent hard to find but proball cost you just 100 in parts alone.

[Deener]

What type of plugs did you use. They recomend NGK for plugs and wires. Sounds like you did lots of the stuff already. Rear disc parts arent hard to find but proball cost you just 100 in parts alone.

 

I can't remember what plug types they were. I think Bosch actually if I remember the package correctly. NAPA up here has some brake shoes for 50 bucks for a full set. I am in the middle of attempting my first wheel bearing job and I am noticing too much wear on the shoes so they will get replaced first, conversions at a later date. BTW - with a disc conversion like that do you not have to balance the pressure distribution somehow or does it do it on its own?