J A Blazer

Thanks guys. I suspected the mirror controls was separable from the rest, and actually found one on eBay.

2000 OBW, 155K. Suddenly the 4-way rocker control for the side mirrors has failed in one of the directions, for both mirrors. Anybody been there with this problem? Simple fix? Is that control separately replaceable, or must the entire assembly (including door window controls, etc.) be replaced? TIA.

Question: Is leaking oil really evidence of a bad head gasket? I thought the leak would be coolant, not oil. Maybe what your mechanic is seeing is oil from the valve cover gaskets, not the head gasket. I'd get a second opinion.

Amen to what everyone else has said. I would add that, regarding # 3, it is not the valve cover gaskets per se that are bad; its the seal between the spark plug tubes and the underside of the valve cover that will leak over time, causing oil to coat the spark plug and the plug wire. But in order to replace them you have to replace the valve cover gaskets, the bolt hole grommets, and the tube seals. But that is an item of repair that can be deferred a long time, and as others have said, would be included in a head gasket job.

I may have looked, but I have a local source - Arlington Armature - in Springfield, VA. Cost about $15.00.

Thanks everyone. Removal, rebuild, and reinstallation all successful.

I finally was able to remove the starter from my 2000 OBW. Replaced the contacts, and am now ready to reinstall it, but thought it might be a good idea to test it first. Jumper cables to the battery, I assume, but what about that small wire contact next to the positive terminal on the solenoid? What do I do to/with it? TIA.

Does my 2000 Outback Wagon have a similar setup?

I was able to remove the top bolt with no trouble. From above although I could position the socket on the lower bolt I could not get enough 'swing' to get it loose. From below, on jackstands, I simply could not get my socket on the bolt. No doubt I could have gotten it done were it on a lift, but the DIY facility that I have used in the past unfortunately just went out of business.

Rooster: Trust me, I tried, from above and below (jackstands but no lift), but simply couldn't do it. And I don't easily give up.

Actually, I got the contacts intending to rebuild the one that is in the car, but I'm not able to remove the starter myself (I tried) and therefore I will probably have to take it to my independent mechanic, where I simply won't be able to be around to 'rebuild' the starter.

2000 4 cyl OBW, automatic transmission, 155K. I need to replace the starter. RockAuto lists several from various (re)manufacturers, at various prices. Any reason to pay more than the minimum? Any to particularly avoid? TIA.

Isn't there a place in Denver? http://www.CCREngines.com?

No, it is not immediate. What plugs on the bellhousing are you describing? Thanks.

Yes I reset it, several times now.

2000 OBW, 153K. Replaced the knock sensor (with a new OE one) but still get the CEL 325 code. I installed it according to specs as best as I can tell. Is there some other condition that will throw this code?

While installing a new knock sensor I encountered slight resistance with the bolt, and rather than risk cross-threading it, I installed the knock sensor in a different location that took the same thread. It is slightly towards the rear and towards the drivers side, higher up on the block. Will this work?

If I were you, I would get a 2008 6-cylinder LLBean Outback wagon. It has the facelift that was new that year, the 6-cylinder does not require premium fuel, and the automatic transmission has 5 speeds. If you look hard enough you will find one; they are routinely listing in the low $20s.

Let me echo what GrossGary says. In my 2000 4-cyl OBW, all it took was the two o-rings.

Keys to a successful knock sensor installation are cleaning the surface, aligning at the proper angle, and the right torque.

When my HGs were done at about 115K I was told (by the dealer mechanic) to continue to use it.

Admittedly a minor point, but there was no H6 Outback (or VDC) in 2000; didn't start till 2001.

Could you please post pix of exactly what you are talking about?

My recommendation would be to closely monitor and inspect the car at regular and frequent intervals during the trip so that problems can be spotted and corrected before they disable you.

Year? Miles? Is this the original knock sensor? In any event, sounds like too much torque was applied last time it was installed.