6 replies to this topic

[HENRY LOPEZ]

I just joined, I have a 1998 legacy gt wagon, I noticed it leaks oil from front of motor, between the plastic timing belt cover, Is there a seal back there ? Also where is the pvc valve? It does not always leak just sometimes. Please help. By the way I think these are quality cars.

[Sweet82]

Can't help you on this one but....
Welcome the the board Henry!

Good Luck,
Glenn
82 SubaruHummer--leaks oil everywhere
01 Forester--better not start leaking...!

[outback_97]

Welcome Henry!

Sounds like an oil pump seal... this is what mine did:



There was oil leaking from the timing belt cover gasket. Is this what yours is doing? You may want to change the timing belt if it's gotten oil on it.

Steve

[HENRY LOPEZ]

You hit it right on the button. Is this very difficult to replace? I can handle timing belts but how far do I go ? I also want to thank you Guys for the welcome & help.

Welcome Henry!

Sounds like an oil pump seal... this is what mine did:



There was oil leaking from the timing belt cover gasket. Is this what yours is doing? You may want to change the timing belt if it's gotten oil on it.

Steve

[outback_97]

52 minutes, not bad! But certainly nowhere near a USMB record. You'll find a lot of helpful people here. This is my favorite place for questions like that.

I am not as mechanically inclined as many here, and when mine was leaking the car was covered by a warranty (not Subaru's, but a 3rd party). So, I had the oil pump seals fixed and had the t-belt changed for just the cost of the t-belt and small deductible. There are instructions for changing the timing belt somewhere around here.

This is a common "feature" of this engine, so it may be covered in another thread. Try searching on "oil pump seals", or "oil pump o-ring" or something like that. The search function here is very good.

Oh, and on my engine the PCV (not PVC) valve is on top of the engine, real easy to get to, easy to change with a deep socket. You'll probably find a photo of that too by searching.

Steve

[Commuter]

I just joined, I have a 1998 legacy gt wagon, I noticed it leaks oil from front of motor, between the plastic timing belt cover, Is there a seal back there ? Also where is the pvc valve? It does not always leak just sometimes. Please help. By the way I think these are quality cars.

Common ailment of these engines.

There are good write ups on doing the work, if you are so inclined. I have some Motor Mag articles that walk thru it pretty good.

Typically, you will want to replace the crank and camshaft seals, since they are prone to leaking. The oil pump needs servicing as mentioned. There is an o-ring, plus the screws on the backing plate are known to loosen and they need to be checked. You might want to consider water pump, depending upon milage and how much driving you expect to do. Check all t-belt idlers and the tensioner. Tighten the bolt on the crank pulley to proper specs (most books are incorrect). That's all I can think of right now.

Commuter

[hvnbnd]

Common ailment of these engines.

There are good write ups on doing the work, if you are so inclined. I have some Motor Mag articles that walk thru it pretty good.

Typically, you will want to replace the crank and camshaft seals, since they are prone to leaking. The oil pump needs servicing as mentioned. There is an o-ring, plus the screws on the backing plate are known to loosen and they need to be checked. You might want to consider water pump, depending upon milage and how much driving you expect to do. Check all t-belt idlers and the tensioner. Tighten the bolt on the crank pulley to proper specs (most books are incorrect). That's all I can think of right now.

Commuter

Just finished replacing evrything up front. Cost about $300.00. It is not an easy task, so plan on changing it all and only take it apart once.