Rooster2

The known head gasket problem that you are considering buying affects all Legacy models during the model runs of 1996-99. It always presents itself as an engine over heating problem, as the head gasket fails, resulting in exhaust gas entering the cooling system. Initially the problem is an on and off problem, that only gets worse. It does not result in oil mixing with coolant or vice versa. It is pretty much a given that all 2.5 engines of those model years will suffer a head gasket problem eventually. Sometimes it strikes with less then 100K miles, or could strike later. In my case, my 98 head gaskets broke about 165 miles. The head gaskets on my 99 broke at about 190K miles. Once repaired with better designed head gaskets from Subaru, it is pretty safe that the repair will last for another 100K miles. Otherwise, Subarus are rock solid reliable, and will run for a long time. My 99 model has 231K miles on the odometer, and the motor still runs strong, with no squeaks or rattles from the body. I expect to drive more then 300K miles with this car. I am confident I could drive a 2,000 mile round trip, and not have any motoring problems.

I read something about that too, but never have seen the evidence. Seem to remember it being pointed out that the corners are where to look for the head gasket sticking out a bit.

Your original post was 2/15, and follow up today. Guess all is well with the replacement diff. Installing a used diff was a smart move. That is what I would have done under the circumstances.

I have a 98 Outback, been a good car. Head gasket trouble is the weak point on this model. It presents itself as engine over heating, not oil mixed with coolant. Doubt that the dealer will have any vehicle history to tell you that the head gaskets have been replaced. Unaware that there is much trouble with the auto tranny.

Well, so much for the sticker saying the unit passed "triple checked in Malaysia". Maybe going to a quad check system will improve quality. Hard to believe a reman shop in Malaysia would export their work to the USA. You would think that shipping cost would eat up too much of their profit. All the parts stores sell reman products with varying degree of creating a quality product. Just impossible to learn what company did the reman work. Over the years, I have heard a number of stories of remans returned to AZ, but not so much so to Advance Auto. It has been my experience that all the parts stores have no problem in swapping out a defective reman product under warranty, usually with no questions asked.

I, too, have had good luck with Advance Auto starters and alternators over the years. AA always has coupons available on line to cut cost. Couple weeks ago, I had the alternator go bad on wife's 98 OBW, with 1995 2.2 motor. I was able to buy on line, and with coupon, cost was about $80.00. Part was in stock, for quick, and easy pick up. I guess I am lazy, as I did not want to find brushes, and try to do my own rebuild. I just don't have enough time and energy for that. An alternator swap out is easy and quick on a Subie.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...............................Rooster2

if rated for 300 lbs, I wouldn't think an extra 10 pounds would make any difference. Just would not push the weight much more then that.

Sounds like your shifter bushings are worn out. Sounds like you are experiencing a lot of "slop" with a loose shift lever when changing gears. Check the archives on this subject on this website. Lots written on the subject, and how to replace the bushings. I have never done that job, but seem to remember reading that it is not a difficult job. Just need to get the car up on a lift to gain access to the shifter. A repair garage should not charge much for this work. Don't think it is labor intensive. The lever "slop" could also be the source of your back up lights not working. I wouldn't be surprised that the shift lever is not depressing the back up light switch. If so, then the switch is not activated to turn on the back up lights.

A common problem is to not have a clean mating surface for the knock sensor to mate up with. Also, just a light snug when tightening is all that is needed. The knock sensor will crack and break if over tightened.

Congrats on finding a solution. Perhaps you know, but if not..........don't run the pump motor for more then a few seconds out of the tank. The gasoline is used to cool the motor. If no gasoline, the motor over heats quickly.

Have you replaced the fuel filter?? That is what I would do next. I was amazed on my 98 OBW, how much better the engine ran with a new filter. The new fuel pump could be defective. Not the first time that has happened.

Does engine make any clicking or knocking noise, which could be a sign of metal on metal contact leading to metal in the oil??

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info............very helpful..............Rooster2

Can anyone ball park me a figure on shop cost to replace my valve cover gaskets. My oil leak has gotten to the point of needing this work done. Thanx..................Rooster2

I have done well ordering parts on line from Advance Auto Parts. Sometimes the part I want to order is in stock at a nearby store. Advance always has discount coupons for on line orders. My last $50 order for a Subie valve cover gasket kit, antifreeze, and oil filters was discounted 30% on all items. I picked up the part at their store. Price was then substantially lower then any other vendor on line. If I needed to return, that was easily done for a complete refund. Not always can you find Subie parts in stock, but often enough. Even if shipped from a warehouse, the part can be returned to any of Advance stores easily. That works out so much better, then returning something to an on line car parts vendor hundreds of miles away, then hoping and waiting that a correct credit amount will be added back onto your charge card.

I am not familiar with the Uniroyal Tiger Paws. However, since you state they are Touring tires, they are at their best on dry clean roads. I am guessing the tread pattern is non chunky, prolly with many straight lines, with few cross pattern cuts, which is typical of Touring tires. Driving soft-road and in the snow would be a challenge for the Tiger Paws. The price is certainly good, but count on sliding around some on these tires, when the weather turns bad.

Ask the owner if receipts of maintenance and repairs available. That will tell you a lot about how the car was maintained. If the car drives as good as it looks, at $4,500 that is a good price.

Don't think a K&N air filter will help much with performance or MPG. If it were me, I would stick with the conventional type air filter that came with the Subie.

List on USMB, "Market place - Vehicles for sale, or your local Craig's List. Should sell for as much as $1,000. Unless you just don't want to mess with it anymore, then donating the car to a charity that auctions off vehicles, would be the way to go. Don't recommend taking to a wrecking yard, since you say it still runs.

You say "clanking noise," check the exhaust system for broken pipe hanger. That sure could cause the noise.

Imdew............Thanks for the advise. Having a mechanic friend install the Felpro kit tomorrow. I got a better price from Advance Auto Parts on line with a 30% off coupon, when purchasing the Felpro kit. Sparkplugs I replaced last Fall. Good advise though. Just doesn't look like much space to do the work. Hope my friend doesn't cuss the Subaru design too much doing this job.

Take a good look at the rad hoses, and heater hoses for leaks. Even a small leak will empty the reservoir over time. Keep a watchful eye for any leaking coolant spots that may form on the driveway or garage floor, that would indicate leaks. Your Subie motor is prone to external head gasket leaks. Subaru sells coolant conditioner (stop leak) to somewhat fix the problem. If the leak is too severe, then the head gaskets will need replacement. Others on this forum have used the coolant conditioner before replacing the head gaskets, and had good results

+1 on checking tensioner. That could certainly be your problem.

Belt should not squeal upon start up. Check that belt for looseness. Belts generally don't stretch, but a cheapie belt will stretch. Cheapie belts, I bought from Autozone would stretch, but would not break. Learned my lesson to buy most expensive belt, no matter what brand name the belt is.