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ronemus

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Posts posted by ronemus

  1. On 9/24/2022 at 11:01 AM, jonathan909 said:

    Is there an affordable (the Subaru tool lists for about $1100) approach to depressing the lifters for shim removal?

    Otherwise I can't see getting these things in the yard without taking an entire engine - it's just not practical to disassemble the timing cover in order to remove the cams - or even the heads.

    I've done it by popping the camshaft out; they can then be easily removed with needle-nose pliers.  It gets a bit fiddly keeping track of which shim goes where and what the clearance was to calculate the new shim thickness, but it avoids buying an expensive tool.  I've only ever done this once on any given vehicle and I keep mine 12+ years, so I couldn't justify the price tag on the tool.

  2. Be sure to use the full kit (belt, idlers, and water pump), not just the belt.  I thought I'd get away with just the belt on my '02 at 60k and do the full kit at 120k - WRONG!  It failed 400 miles from home and put me at the mercy of a mechanic the locals said was good - WRONG!  It was expensive, frustrating, and left a whole series of Easter eggs for me to find and repair.  Really, who breaks the head off a bolt and just epoxies it in place?  There's no harm in shortening the maintenance interval if you are concerned - much easier than totally re-engineering the engine and controls.

    • Like 3
  3. On 1/17/2022 at 1:14 PM, ThosL said:

    Is there that much difference in cat converters for Subarus? I saw this thread:  https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/7k-for-catalytic-converters.533802/

    OEM cats are required to last for 100k miles/10 years, but aftermarket cats are only requires to last 35k miles/4 years (not well publicized facts).  I tried a couple of aftermarket cats and guess what - they lasted <40k miles!  The aftermarket cats are not any sort of good deal - stick with OEM (especially if you're paying a mechanic for installation).

    • Like 2
  4. Upgraded sways do make a difference, but they should be paired with upgraded shocks/struts (Subarus are underdamped in stock form).  I have Whiteline 24 mm front and 22 mm rear bars on my '17 Outback, along with Rallitek overload springs in the rear, and Bilstein B4 struts in front and B6 shocks in the rear.  That setup in combination with a custom alignment (0* toe and -0.5 * camber at all 4 corners - Moog adjustable rear lower and front arms needed) leaves just a bit of understeer.  I also use Enkei Raijin 19" wheels and Continental DWS 06 tires in 245/50-R19; the tire/wheel upgrade has the biggest effect, but all of the other components have a noticeable effect.

  5. On 8/23/2021 at 5:08 PM, lmdew said:

    Can always cut a slot in a block of wood and put it where the car jack goes on the body.

    I got some slotted polyurethane pucks on Amazon that allow me to use the lift points for the OEM scissors jack; the slot allows the pressure to spread to the body and protects the pinch welds.  I like having the jack stands as wide as possible for stability, and feel much more comfortable using this method.

    I also got a slotted puck for my floor jack to protect the lift points, and occasionally use it on the scissors jack lift points if necessary.

    By the way, I found a long-reach floor jack at a reasonable price - it makes it easy to use the recommended lift points.

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
  6. There is a transponder in the key that must be paired with the ECU in order to start the car - this is a dealer process, not the user.  Either they pairing was lost and can be restored, or the transponder is bad; only the dealer has the tools to diagnose and repair this.  You really need to have a second working key because if one is lost or destroyed the process to repair it is long (ECU has to be sent to Subaru) and expensive (I've seen prices upwards of $600).

    • Like 1
  7. Could be a bad oxygen sensor, which in turn makes the car run rich and reduces mileage. Exhaust gas analysis will instantly tell whether this is the case, although getting the test run will probably cost at least a much as replacement sensor; if you're a DIY type you'll be ahead if you just replace it.  I'm assuming you've checked for leaks and haven't been driving like a maniac or idling for hours.  You should be able to get 400 miles on a full tank on the highway, even at 65-70 mph.

  8. Do yourself a ffavor and buy one of these: Arcan Jack on Amazon.   The long reach makes it MUCH easier to use.  Yes, it costs more than a basic jack, but it makes reaching the under-body lift points much easier and the 24" lift makes it easy to get some room to work underneath.  Once you try one, you'll be spoiled for life and curse yourself for not having ought it sooner.

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