nipper Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Well Blue and I are home. New engine hasnt used a drop of oil in 3000 miles. Blu will get an oil change this week. Now one more problem, im just too tired to fiddle with it, but i think i need a battery, the one in the car is of undetermined age. 1997 OBW 198000/3000 miles The car fires right up, but the battery voltage is low (11.8) right after start, and doesnt build back up for a block or two (which really angers the black boxes in the car). When the car runs, the new alt puts out 13.5-14 volts, even with a full load. Since the car was run down to nothing once on the trip, and the battery was showing signs of wear, I am guessing its time for a new battery. I was thinking there may be a slow draw on the battery overnight, but the car cranks too well in the morning, so i dont think thats it. Oddly i noticed if the ABS light and brake light comes on, it means a bad alt, if the battery light and brake light comes on, its a low battery. Go Figure. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Boncyk Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Yeah - sounds like it's time for a new battery. You could absolutely rule out the slow drain (load) idea by pulling the negative side of the battery and letting it set overnight -- then looking at the batt voltage before you hook 'er back up in the morning. But, from everything else you say, it's a 90% sure bet that it's the battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 since it's you nipper i don't think i need to say it...but battery terminals/connectors will give these signs as well if dirty or not tight. welcome home hotdog. 5 main bearings forever, 2.5 headgaskets rock, synthetic oil sucks, what is TB, can i run without an airfilter?....welcome to the FUN>>>WOO HOO!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron917 Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Nipper, is that a Subaru battery in your car? My '99 still has its factory battery. 7 years is pretty darn good! I'll be replacing it, just for peace of mind before winter. I'll be taking it out soon anyway so I can replace my engine (seized camshaft, engine from CCR should arrive Friday). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 If you are home alive you win! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoahDL88 Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Nothing better than comeing home after a long road trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Boncyk Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Nothing better than comeing home after a long road trip. Unless it's maybe planning for the next long road trip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 Unless it's maybe planning for the next long road trip? 5 weeks 9,000 miles isnt enough? nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 it should do for a while, at least enough for an oil change on the new baby. Be sure to give it baby oil.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 ...2 engines... 5 weeks 9,000 miles isnt enough? nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Reminds me of a guy with a VW van that started cross country with one engine in the rear and slept beside the other. When he got to CA he only had one engine left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 but the headgaskets were still good .... nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 ...2 engines... i don't get it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 the VW vans blew so many engines that intrepid travelers with old engines were well advised to bring a spare. They were easy to change and you got some practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 The Nipper saga included replacing the engine before making it back across the Donner pass. i don't get it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 i don't get it?? technically one engine (HUGE hole in the side of the crancase where the engine temp sensor for the ecu is) and one altenator (explains why my little black boxes were angry at me) But even after payinhg a premium for the engine, it uses zero oil in 300 miles, no leaks, plenty of power, cruise control is much happier, transmission doesnt hunt anymore, and six 1000.00 payments is far cheaper then 300 a month for 60 months (or whatever 30,000.00 over 5 years is). I basically told them if i am going to do an engine, i don't want to open that hood for anything besides fluid changes for 8 years, make it happen. I had an 06 Outback for nine days. I liked mu 1997 better. It seemed more responsive (dual cams) and there was not a single thing in the new car that made it better then mine. In fact the awd seemed very FWD biased. When i took it mountain climbing the front wheels would throw rocks before the rear wheels hooked up with a learch. My 1997 (new AWD unit) feels seemless. ALso the inside of my 1997 feels bigger then the 2006. Gas mileage was the same. The 2006 had a really high and hard brake pedal. I will say that the cruise control is still to aggressive, and downshifts too far when a squeeze of the gas would suffice. Thats actually when my engine blew, the cruise decided to stomp on the gas, shifted down too far and BOOM. That and the previous owners habit of chainging the oil once a year weather it needed it or not didnt help. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msmithmmx Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 It's that 2.5 causing your problems. Get a 2.2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnlyfnd Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 ....but the 2006 has 1.1" more ground clearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 ....but the 2006 has 1.1" more ground clearance. ooooooooo .. but i did notice the car felt more twitchuer , that explains it ... nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Boncyk Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 5 weeks 9,000 miles isnt enough? nipper Not for some of us! Seriously, I guess you can wait until next year.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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