yosemitescooby

Hi Rick, I'm new too. I would advise you to change bearings on both sides as that is a wise thing to do since you will be using all of the same tools on both sides. This will give you peace of mind to know that all is fresh. Make sure you pack the bearings well with axle grease. Gary

Thanks for the response. I am not hearing a valve tap; I think that the opposed 4 cylinder motor is just not as smooth as a vertical 4 or other engine. The sound is similar to a V-dub water boxer. The car has no vibrations in the body whatsoever. I have never seen a car with 200,000 miles on it with absolutely no vibrational sounds. Cool! Good to know that the leaks are normal. They are minor. Can anyone answer my other questions, like what's up with the check engine light coming on for around 1/8 mile when it is cold and then turing off? BTW, the AC on this car is GREAT!! It will freeze you off. Wierd that the heater will not heat up much. Gary

Hello Subaru owners! I am a new owner of a 1991 Subaru Loyale 4WD Wagon. My neighbor had it parked outside and for sale. I am a hot rodder and a crazed owner of over 20 cars. I have old Chevys, Desotos, Willys, Caddys, Buicks, Pontiacs, and even have old FIATs and an old powerwagon. I do all engine work, bodies, custom paint, and mild and radical customs. I have never owned a Subaru... until now. What a cool little wagon! The Loyale was so inexpensive that I purchased it and then plan on fixing it up for the winter snows and black ice that is common in the mountains near Yosemite National Park here in California. I was scared at first when I first opened it up and the engine sounded like it was going to tear itself apart. I have built 500HP motors that were still smooth sounding. This engine is VERY different sounding. Do old Subarus always sound thrashy like Volkswagons? When I hear the motor it sounds like a Porsche waterboxer motor. Looks like one too. I talked to a local mechanic who works on Subarus and he said the motor was normal. He said that the motors wiggle when they idle and that they often leak oil like old Triumphs. Is that correct? The Subaru passed smog just fine. It seems to be getting great mileage... around 26 mpg mountain. I pulled the plugs and all of the old plugs were in really good shape. Someone has done head work on this car as I see newer RTV on the valve cover gasket areas. It has over 200,000 miles on it. How many miles do unrebuilt Subarus generally go? I changed the oil and filters. I was impressed with how easy it is to do all of that on the car. Whoever designed this car at Fuji Heavy Industries was thinking. Are all Subarus so well designed? At around 4500rpm the little 1.8L motor starts to pull and at over 5000rpm it gets fast. It just sounds so thrashy. It is a general motor sound, not any valve train problem. It rides smooth, corners fine and sure carries a lot of stuff. All of the Subaru owners in the area who see the Loyale say that they are really great in the snow and ice as they have 4WD not just AWD. What do Loyale owners put on the tires in the snow: Cables or chains? On front or rear wheels? BTW, how hard is it to change the clutch in the 5 speed? Mine is a little near to the top of the pedal. I bought paint and will fix a few dents on the wagon and then will paint it the original silver, which is peeling off the roof and hood at present. More questions... The heater doesn't want to put out heat. It is just warm. Maybe the thermostat is missing hiding an overheating problem. Do any of you have trouble with your heaters? Also, the CHECK ENGINE light comes on when I start up and then after 1/4 mile turns off. How do I run codes and why would it go on, then off? Thanks for any info you share, and it is nice to be a Subaru Loyale 4WD Wagon owner! (Car 23. I have lots of hidden land and a very understanding wife! Yes, I'm a sick man.) Gary;)