Dickensheets

Your clutch may be dragging (I assume it's m/t). You might test the pedal for proper travel. rd

Common symptom of TORQUE BIND. Do a search of this board. rd

I would carry a 2 gal. gas can if in doubt about the light. I'm sure there is a way to test the lamp but you'll spend tons of time looking for the correct circuit to jump. I would just use the can. rd

Yesterday I replaced the valve cover gasket on my 92' Mazda B2200 because it developed a leak at 180,000 miles. Anyway I got all my tools out, bought the part, put my garage clothes on, chilled the beer, dimmed the lights to set the mood .. .. .. .. the freakin bolts were all loose. I removed the valve cover with my fingers!!!

Also try the cheap stuff first - thermostat!! Throw an autozone cheapy in there and test drive. Test the old one by cooking it in water and see if it opens at approx 180-190 degrees. Also visually inspect for collapsed radiator hoses, esp the lower one. rd

My 97 obw has a very loud injector. How do I fix this? Does this pose a problem or is it just irritating?? rd

What is this sensor? 2.5 DOHC. It's actually on top of the passenger side valve cover. I am planning a valve cover gasket job and valve adjust in the future. rd

Thermostat is probably at the end of the lower rad hose. At least on mine it is. Very easy to replace. Get a haynes manual. rd

Nice job. Do you think in hindsight you would do it without pulling the motor next time. rd

I love my '97 LTD edition. 104K miles so far. Great car for the family and occasional beach trip or muddy constuction site. The body style of the '00-'04 Outback always looked too busy for me so I went for the '97. Now I would go for the '05 if it was time for a NEW car. I am aware of the HG issue but don't lose sleep over it. If it happens I'll fix it and move on. Last month I replaced the T-belt and waterpump as a preventative measure, and for fun ( I know I'm a little wierd here) but the car has required no maint............knock on wood of course! If I can figure out posting pics I'll show off the new Liberator A/Ts in the mud. rd

I just did mine last week. Take the radiator out (2 12mm bolts), it gives you more room to see and do. Also you probably need to flush the rad anyway - right? The job is doable with it in but more knuckle busting in my opinion. Get a Haynes manual. It will walk you through if unfamiliar. rd

Anyone running Liberators on their Outback? I like the look of the tire. Priced well also. Ryan

Have you done anything with the air filter?

Oops... it's a 97 OBW.

Hi all, did an oil change today and while under the car started poking around. I found that if I grab the half shaft where it enters the front diff, it wiggles. Both sides do this. Is this normal or does it need new seals or whatever is in there? No oil leaking at this time. Ryan

That hose sounds like the "heater hose" that runs hot water up to your heater core. Look it up in your haynes manual if you have one. Easy to replace but you may have to pull radiator and timing belt to access it.

I run 10w-30 Mobil 1. Considering heavier weight for piston slap. Any reccomendations. I live in Texas, not too cold. Ryan 97 obw

I just did this job two days ago (97obw 2.5). The left sprockets jumped as soon as the belt was off. It freaked me out a little but I just manually moved them from where they came from (ie back to the marks). A second set of hands is nice to have to hold the sprockets while you put the belt on. ps - I bought a Subaru belt, it has timing marks on it. Use them!!! It's not necessary but it's an easy way to double check your belt placement if the paint marks line up with the timing marks on the sprockets. Ryan

Hi Sid, I honestly don't know if #1 was at TDC or not. I just turned the engine until all the marks lined up according to the Haynes book. The left sprockets will stay put but if you twist them a little either way (over center?) they spin about a half turn. I simply lined them back up by hand and threw the belt on. An extra set of hands is adviseable. Ryan

Did the water pump and t-stat also. I was very conservative and slow because it was my first time. It's not that bad just be methodical, and the left cams WILL jump out of your hand on the valve spring tension. Only problem was after car was back together. Short test drive and it got real hot. Back in the driveway I found the lower radiator hose collapsed flat. Pulled the rad cap and the hose expanded. I thought I was careful about air bubbles but who knows. Second test drive and all ok! Thanks to Haynes manuals, all the good advice found here, and to my dad who provided the beers. Ryan 97 OBW DOHC

My 97 is rust free, but it lives in Texas. It drives on the beach now and again but I wash it after. Ryan

I'll try a new cap this week.

Thanks for all the insight. I'll tear into it and report back. Ryan

About 1/2 cup per week. No overheating, no oil in the coolant. Where does it go? (97 obw) Anyone else have to occasionally top this off or am I totally screwed? Ryan

Same on mine. I routinely drive till the light comes on. 2 gallons left when it does or approx 30 miles (i'm being conservative because I'm sure some of that is unusable). Ryan