johnny9k

I have a 97 Outback with 204,000 miles that is seeping oil onto the engine. Not enough to make a difference in oil level between changes, but enough for it to be smoking pretty good after driving up the big hill to my house. This is the original engine. I'm a rookie at auto repairs, but this spring I've successfully fallen in love with the local scrapyard and replaced the muffler and 2 doors for under $60. Is this a gasket replacement job? Or a sign of something larger. Would love some tips at what to look for and any repair advice to expand my education. I don't believe it is related, but my CEL is on for a dying knock sensor. Still getting 25 mpg and light is intermittent so I'm holding out for a $4 replacement from the scrapyard (every Subaru they have was stripped of this sensor...interesting)

Here was my last muffler after 3 NY winters. Yes, I was driving like that Here's my new one. I spent $18, but could've gotten it for $12 if I'd left the extra pipe I didn't. Next time the scrapyard has a muffler sale I'm going to grab another one to have ready. Unfortunately, they don't resell cats so I'll have to buy one new whenever mine dies. 204,000 miles and counting. Next project is replacing the knock sensor and investigate why I'm seeping oil.

Thanks for the advice. I ended up grabbing a muffler off a 97 Subaru in the scrapyard. Was in great shape and unbolted easily. The one on my Subaru took a little more elbow grease, but once it was off it was a piece of cake to make the swap. The other pipe and cat will probably rot soon enough, but for $18 I'm happy to have a quiet car again.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I discovered the wonders of the local scrapyard and purchased 2 rear doors for $15 each and had no trouble making the swap. Still hunting for front doors and a hatch.

Here's another question...what do I need to get access to the exhaust system? Are jack stands enough? One thing in my favor is that I had the rear cat flange replaced back in November so hopefully those bolts haven't seized too bad.

The muffler on my 97 Legacy Outback needs to be replaced. I'd like to learn to do some of this repair work myself. Is this a job a fairly handy DIY guy could do himself? I found several replacements online including this one for $95. Looks like it has the pipe all the back to the cat flange. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Subaru/Legacy/Replacement/Muffler/1997/Outback/4_Cyl_2-dot-5L/REPS961102.html?loc=Center&tlc=Engine+%26+Drivetrain Would love to hear some advice on this job and recommended parts. Also what tools to get. The whole point of DIY maintenance is so you can get new tools, right?

How do I detach the wiring? Do I need to open the interior of the door or do they just unplug? I'm planning to use some scrap wood to build a door lift to help me get them in position. Thanks for all your help!

Thanks! I'm going to aim for the newer model (98/99) doors since they'd have less rust. I've noticed that all the similar model OBW are rusting in the exact same spots.

Where can I found out what other years/models have the same doors? I've found a 97 Imprezza Outback and a 98 Legacy Outback are new at my local scrap yard.

My 97 Legacy Outback is running great, but the road salt in upstate NY is taking it toll. The latest victim is all 4 doors. How hard is it to replace the doors? Any special tools needed? Any considerations for this job? Thanks, John in NY