moosens

Ok don’t all applaud too loudly now but the engine is finally at my storage hole just a nickel short of a buck with being on the stand and beginning the work. Have to dig up some long bolts to secure the block/bell housing to the stand. But this party starts really soon.

Just shipped the fuel tank from my 1979 4WD wagon to Moyer in PA for their patented RENU process. For those in the future wishing to do the same my tank shipped wrapped in cardboard - not a proper rectangular box but wrapped and well taped. Overall dimensions were right around 34” x 24” x 8” and weighed 27/28lbs. FedEx handled this one after my boycotting them for a few years. Their charge to me was $56.34 today 10/18/2022 from Stratford CT to Greensburg PA Will add a review when it returns whichshould be in only 2-3 weeks they told me. Moyer - http://www.gas-tank.com

Off to Moyer Fuel Tank RENU if Pennsylvania. For those in the future wishing to do the same my tank shipped wrapped in cardboard - not a proper rectangular box but wrapped and well taped. Overall dimensions were right around 34” x 24” x 8” and weighed 27/28lbs. FedEx handled this one after my boycotting them for a few years. Their charge to me was $56.34 today 10/18/2022 from Stratford CT to Greensburg PA Will add a review when it returns which should be in only 2-3 weeks they told me.

I had to play the role of one of the gorillas this morning. I’m ok ! So at this moment my back is doing pretty well. Don’t feel bad if you need me to help out. I know it’s a temporary deal. Just not this afternoon, going to see my dad and watch the ballgame.

You have my number if you need me to run over. Hope you get much better very soon. I’m bringing home two gorillas from work to save my back. They’re going to lift the old 1600 out and put it in the back of my 94. Good luck!

It’s too sad to even dwell on for folks my age. Back around 1977 or so I went to a local corporate headquarters and saw reel to reel computer servers and the first internet. Folks there were communicating with other locations of the same business. It was clean. Only business and maybe a little social content. Example:It was SuperBlow - super bowl- time and the Minnesota Vikings were playing the Pittsburg Steelers. And I was, through the adult working there able to “speak” with the folks at the company’s PA location - they of course wanted the Steelers to win. It was all just green letters in a black screen. But nobody was disrespectful and nobody tried to sell anything to anyone. There’s too much to talk about. And everything Rick mentioned I’d also thought about. It goes well beyond what Rick mentioned as well. The phones are invasive, detective, and capable of things that’ll scare the crap out of us. Hence my opening line above. Read the input on sites like phys.org and read between the lines. Great scientific input there from actual developers, research scientists, etc etc But also don’t forget to let your kind wonder - NOT wander when you see it termed “may help one day”, “may be the answer to...” , and similar. You can often easily see the real reasons such products or systems are developed and it ain’t for our well being kids. Best of luck to all going forward. ok let’s get back to our cars. Don’t need more anchors tied to my heart.

It’s a Brave New 1984.

Tank is down and ready to send out for complete treatment. Should last a few decades - we hope. And there is NO baffle and nothing should have been obstructing the flow while emptying the front spout. It was just clogged with crap. Feel free to delete. All set , moving on.

New people, we have down this twice in the past. PRP says they’ll get back to me. This would be our third order of these same exact gaskets for you folks who haven’t been around the USMB for more than 10 years or so. Still have to hear what they say and also if they will stock the item as well. Thanks for replying with a number. I know I’m looking to have three. Two cars and one backup.

Best of luck with the Mazda and all going forward. I’m fairly sure I/we are going to follow Rick’s advice (GD) and for my better half we’ll lease something. Maybe Subaru maybe not. Me, I’ll tough it out with my beloved old cars, for now.

Oh man lucky me I get to contort my body and stick my head down there. Ok next chance I get. I’m bouncing around cars these days. Should be back in the 94 soon. Thanks guys !

Coming along now. I have the filler tube rubber hose removed and tank about 99% drained. The metal filler tube does have a flapper at the base of the tube but I’m guessing my siphon hoses just didn’t want to make the bends. I recommend the pump siphon at AutoZone and not so much the harbor fright version. Once the tank is down I will investigate the inside and why mostly black crap flowed from the front spigot. Lots of weird stuff about this car. At least one person asked me if I was going to “just see if it fires up” but I’m very happy to take the long way on this one. It would have been a disaster to draw the fuel from this tank into the engine. Anyways.... If anyone ventures into FB and the 4x140 or GTFO Classic Subaru group you’ll be able to see pics of the old gasoline (1980’s!) and some of the process of bringing this car back to roadworthy.

That makes sense. Thanks ! My first thought was that one of his grandkids stuck something down the filler tube. After this nap I’m going full force on getting this tank safely down. Hey while I’ve got your attention, if you see a good filler tube, large rubber inlet hose, or sending unit for a wagon I’d be interested. Mine may all survive but for sure the rubber should be replaced, and I just expect the almost 40 years of gas to have an ill effect on the sending unit.

In the process of removing tank for complete clean and seal. I don’t think it makes a difference but this wagon is a 1979. Mostly concerned that the front outlet is kind of clogging at it drains , not such an issue but when I shove a wooden swab in the spout it’ll flow better but still not great. I can feel something in there. Maybe debris. The old gas is just filthy at the bottom of the tank but what little I was able to siphon off the top was bright yellow/green. This gas has been in this tank since supposedly around 1981 but I think maybe a few years later. Car had been on jackstands since 88 they said. So for sure before then. Does this tank have any baffle inside ?

Oh I should say this. The NAPA axle I installed feels like it’s lacking grease. At least I don’t recall ever feeling such a void within the boot. Just saying.

The spring pin was in. I didn’t screw that up. But I shook that drivers side axle at the box and I got about 1/16 travel in and out and about a strong 1/16 to make 3/32 travel in the up and down direction. It didn’t feel any better when I replaced that axle. I tried to push it in and there was no travel inward. I did a quick check of the passenger side and it seemed very snug. No travel at all best I could tell. Still making that ratcheting noise when I put it into park. Sometimes just a buzz (probably that parking pawl just dangling?) and other times it’s loud and stays there unless I shift or shut it down. And at least once or twice it didn’t make any noise. Only had a few minutes. It continues to roll back down the incline in park. And all symptoms above still persist. See ya soon.

That 18 month old TO bearing , was that Genuine Subaru or an aftermarket?

Thanks for the details which I will pass along. He’s a great young man. Did downhill bicycle until an eye issue. Not a new driver, currently owns a Forester for a couple years now. Sure the insurance was discussed at the head. That alone should kill the deal. They still want it ....

Thanks Larry I did notice how that seemed to work the first time. I think the second time my brain mess up the order or something... ok I gotta sleep. Thanks !!

All the things I said too. Thanks guys ! I advised the mom but the son was already on his way to see it. And that’s when she told me there a SALVAGE TITLE. So I said whoa momma ! Stop that boy. And she read the lengthy text I had sent her to him as he was still enroute to the WRX. Haven’t heard back yet. Basically I mentioned pretty much all that you nice folks had said. Older turbo - going to need attention- same crap I’m telling my own son and luckily he’s getting to the age where he is listening and Agreeing !! Now he needs to sell his own little turbocharged Ford thing. But that’s his story. I told the mom it’s like this: if the car runs well the kid is going to throw money at it thinking he will find some “gains” and if it’s not running well he’ll be tossing money at it that way. Yeah , I didn’t have it too easy either. Two older brothers, one had a VW beetle and the other went for the muscle cars. I went for the little Japanese “crap boxes” those guys didn’t want. First one of my very own was a 68 Le Mans with bald tires. 350 mild tuned. A slug really. That’s one of the reasons I leaned into the smaller cars. And once you’re a teenager and find out the front seats fold flat !!! Whoa !!

Ok thanks ! Yeah that electrical switch has to engage mechanically and I’m just thinking that part of it might be sticking etc. Old school they had a plunger shaft and then I think the “hairpin” contact if I recall. So far the last couple of trips I haven’t had too much trouble with it. Seems playing with the parking brake at the right time also helps. Or it’s my brain again. But I’m going to try the method you suggested Heartless and see if that does anything.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1441791703003933/ Friends down in NC have a great son who is looking at this car above. He’s a great kid - young man - and we’d all like to see him healthy and in decent financial standing. So me being cheap I’d immediately advise against it. But how are these things for overall money dumping ? To me it’s a turbo right ? So I’m past that age. I know a turbo with age is going to be an issue. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks !! Heartless that sounds like I could have maybe just maybe forgotten to put the roll pin back in. Crap. I’m hoping I’m wrong. I did two axles recently on two different cars. And my life sucks for sleep and it shows with memory lapses. I can see where maybe I rushed. Praying I’m wrong and praying you’re right at the same time. I don’t mind being a little embarrassed but I don’t like creating more problems while trying to fix one. Will give an honest report back soon.

It’s an automatic so no hill holder. Yes Larry I always use the parking brake. Are you saying put the parking brake on before I turn the car off ? You can feel that brake pedal isn’t quite right, a little too much pressure. But then it seems to get that millimeter of travel when you can feel the brake pedal settle that tiny bit. Or it’s my brain. Always trouble with that thing. I know this seems weird like why is this guy insisting it’s some pressure related deal and not just talking about the switch. Can that switch when wearing down create these symptoms? Probably haven’t changed out one of those since an early 80’s maybe Loyale late 80’s car.

Maybe I’m not seeing something. Will look further but this issue is still random. Sometimes it’ll work as normal but when it gets stuck it’s becoming a joke. I realize there’s a switch but the brake pedal feels like it’s holding a bit extra pressure until it gets so I can finally work the selector. Maybe the switch itself is a bit worn and sticking and on its way out which causes that pedal to feel as it does. So not maybe vacuum but it really feels like it with my brake foot.