excalibur5

Does anyone know what is the first year Subaru equipped its cars with LATCH car seat anchors?

Got it off last night, pretty easy once I realized there was the inspection port on the top of the transmission. I just jammed a large screwdriver in there to stop the flywheel from spinning, and the bolt came out pretty easy (it did take a 1/2" breaker bar and a cheater pipe, however). I did note earlier, that while running, the pulley does appear to wobble (not too bad, about 1/32" - but enough that the wobble was visible when running. What do I look for with a damaged crankshaft? The keyway on the crank appears fine. I assume if someone has taken the pulley off before and improperly torqued the nut, it will allow a bit of a wobble in the pulley, and can enlarge the keyway so there is slop on the timing gear and the crank pulley. Is this correct? If this is the case, what are the repair options, short of replacing the crank? I do note the car has 130K, and this is the first timing belt change done to it (bought it from the original owner, so I know). The car runs great, but idles a bit rough when fully warmed up. I was assuming it might be due to a dirty injector causing a bit of a miss, or a bit of a stretched timing belt due to its age. The idle has improved with a bottle of injector cleaner run through it, but is still a bit rough. Any thoughts?

What do you mean by the "starter motor technique"?

Everyone, thanks. The links were exactly what I was looking for. The chilton manual is lacking greatly in detail (for instance it forgets to mention removing the crank pulley). I've done this before on a '86 DL, and a timing belt on a '86 BMW, but this one is a bit different. Thanks again! -Joe

Thanks. Do you have a recommendation for how to hold it? I hear either a strap wrench around the pulley or jamb the starter gear. Will these work?

Probably a stupid question, but I have a '96 legacy with a 2.2L, and am in the process of installing a new timing belt. It appears I need to remove the crankshaft pulley in order to take off the center timing cover. Assuming this is the case, does it require a puller (I would need to go buy one), or can you do it another way? In addition, for clearance, I removed the radiator fans. Should I pull the radiator as well? Seems like a pain to do if not necessary (a bit hard to get at the tranny cooler lines). Thanks!

If it all needs to be replaced, I have had good luck at NAPA, ordering their pre-bent pipes. The pipes are thicker than the tube-bending places, and seem to hold up pretty well.

I just bought a '96 Legacy. It was from the original owner, so at least I have an idea of the maintenance history (he had the reciepts). It has 129K on it (it is the 2.2L) and basically has had the oil changed regularly - very little else done to it. I am in the process of catching it up on P.M. So far: -New Plugs (NGK Platinum) -New Fuel Filter -New Air Filter -Changed Oil -Changed ATF (not the filter) I bought one of the E-bay complete timing belt kits with all the seals, and intend to reseal the front of the engine (looks like it is leaking from the cam shaft seals) and also do the timing belt and water pump while I'm in there. I also will remove the radiator and flush the cooling system during this time. First question - any idea how much time I should budget for this one? I was guessing 4ish hours (I am pretty handy). Second question - the car runs much better with new plugs and filters, but still idles a bit rough. It runs perfectly when driving, but while idling in gear, there is a bit more vibration than I would deem "normal" - maybe even a slight miss. Is this likely due to a stretched timing belt screwing up the timing - The previous owner had never changed it. Third, as this is one of the Ebay kits, I am a little skeptical, but also don't have a ton of money to throw away at $100+ genuine subaru timing belts. I am debating just running the kit belt and checking it in a few years. What kind of luck do you guys have with the kits? Lastly - I got the complete kit with waterpump. Mine is fine at the moment, with no leaks, but should I replace the waterpump while I'm there?

I have a '96 legacy LS that is in need of some new tires. I am having a hard time finding good used all-seasons in the P195/60 R15 size. Does anyone have any experience with other sizes that will fit without any issues? If it makes a difference, I have the factory alloy wheels.

We'll just see what I end up doing.. I'll offer the guy probably $800 and see what his reaction is, any more than that and I can't see the car being worth the trouble. Thanks for all the help guys, and I'll keep you posted. -Joe

I thought the clutch would likely be no big deal to do myself, these things are pretty easy to work on (I owned a 1985 GL wagon years ago).. I need reliable & reasonably cheap transportation to replace our old car, which is proving to be tricky in this area.. I guess I will just have to see how willing this guy is to wheel & deal tomorrow. Anyone know of any older subies in the area in good shape for sale?

I am in Paradise, about 2 hours north of you. I thought the price was insanely high. If it checks out otherwise on the inspection tomorrow, we'll just see how negotiable his price is. (I know for a fact the car has been on his lot for about 4 or 5 months now, likely because of the price..) I have pulled an engine on an '85 GL wagon before, is the '84 easier? I know there was a dramatic difference in the models..

I have found a cherry 1984 2wd Subaru GL wagon with 96,000 miles on it at a local dealer in California. It runs and drives beautifully, but has a couple problems, and I hoped you guys might be able to help me with how much the car is reasonably worth. It has no rust, still has glossy paint, new tires and new brakes, clean interior The clutch engages right at the floor, indicating it likely needs to be replaced soon (it is not slipping) The dealer is asking $2200 which seems quite a bit steep. I am guessing its real value is 1000-1500, anyone have any idea as to its value? Other question, anyone ever replace a clutch in one of these? How much does it cost to have someone do it? (ballpark is fine) Thanks for the help!