kibs45

Sorry I should have been more explicit. The distributor in the car is the Crank Angle type so only one cap and one rotor fit it. The wires replaced with Subaru wires. There is spark on the other end of the wires the car just won't start.

So I was getting ready to do a tune up on my 87 gl non turbo, and I replaced the cap and rotor and the car wouldn't start. So I troubleshooted everything else and it all seemed good. I went to replace the spark plugs and found that both the front cylinders holes have no threads, the last person who did it put them back in with heli coil. Anyway long story short, anyone think this might be part of the problem? If I get the heads replaced any ideas on how much it will cost me? Or are there any other options, this wouldn't be such a big deal but I just was in an accident that totaled my wifes car and well we need something.

Well I posted about the tranny governor apple coring and not being able to get one to stay good and I talked to a transmission shop familiar with Subarus and apparently my car has an internal bearing that is shot. Oh boy, I guess its time for a manual transmission swap... What is the better to go with a dual range or electronic high and aside from the pedal assembly swap is there anything else I should know about? Looks like I should be able to piece together parts for 2-300. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Well I just tried a second (after the one that was already in it) valve, and this time it didn't even shift. Instead I hear a whining and pull the valve back out and yes it is apple cored as well. This is within minutes of installing it. By the way all three gears were steel. So my guess is the internal gear is apple coring the new gears and it never spins fast enough to shift, the ratcheting sound I am hearing I would assume is the gears eating away at each other or at least jumping teeth. I guess my biggest question at this point is can I get another differential without the transmission and swap just that out (I think that valve is in the differential? Correct?) or is really all thats left swapping the transmission and that differential. By the way I live in Portland Oregon if anyone has one nearby I would definitely consider taking it off your hands.

UPDATE: Pulled it all apart again and new governor gear is apple cored...cleaned the rest of the valve assembly (as per instructions) and put it all back together, car will still not shift. I am assuming that the other gear is bad enough to simply eat the new governors. Anyway I might be able to prolong this until I can get another transmission?

The only interesting thing is that the tranny only makes the noise when it isn't shifting...ie after I replaced the valve it made no extra noises at all actually it functioned extremely well. Oh well I will wake up and do it all again and see what happens. Thanks again, from the subaru novice.

I am suprised that the apple coring is supposedly not the problem...As I replaced the whole valve and the replacement was clean and in great shape. However I will pull the whole thing apart again. P.S. When the tranny drops out of third it makes an aweful ratcheting noise. Actually it makes the noise anytime you are decelerating. Again thanks for the help.

One other question...is that really a part of the transmission assembly or is it a part of the differential. Hard to tell on that car. Again thanks. Joel

Yep looks like that one except its not full time 4wd, and alas no spoiler. Anyway just interesting because I couldn't get a blue book value on the car. Thanks

Well less than 500 miles later and the problem is back...bummer. Anyway I guess I will need to get my hands on the internal gear, or is swapping the whole damn transmission recommended? Any thoughts about and or on this and the easiest way to fix the situation, and or estimates on how much time it takes would be appreciated. Off to the junkyard to see if they will let go of just the internal gear... Joel

I recently purchased a 1987 GL and I assume it to be a 3 door coupe, it has a rear hatch but it doesn't look like all the hatchbacks I have seen, it does look more like a coupe with a hatch. I know this may seem silly but I am new to subarus and just don't know much of the history. It is a great car but I can't seem to find a body style that is similar anywhere on the web. Any thoughts?

It was indeed a apple cored gear. I felt the one on the inside and it felt ok. Replaced with a used part and car shifts fine, albeit maybe a little slower than I expected but probably just readjusting the brake band should fix that. Thanks.

I know this issue has been addressed I just wanted to see if it is reasonable or if there is something else I should be looking at. The car shifts fine from 1st to 2nd as long as you are doing it manually. From 2nd to D the engine rpms raise quite a bit and the gear never catchess. If you are cruising in 2nd the car stays in second, ie it doesn't start in 1st and shift to 2nd. I have switched the fluid in the diff and the tranny, both look good. I have adjusted the brake band with no effect. And I have also switched out the transmission modulator and double checked the vacuum lines. Problem still remains. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Joel