jcstoke

Thanks for all of the help. I just talked to my dad and I think that the issue is that they want to do t-belts and seals and everything. It's still more than I want to sink into it I'll keep you all posted on what I am going to do. You guys are great...thanks for everything. Johnny

Ok, this is kind of a strange request and I'm actually not sure what I am asking so hear me out. I am living in Slovenia right now so my parents have been driving my '86 GL wagon around while I am out of the country. They just called me and told me that the water pump went out. My dad took it to the shop and was told that it would take around $600 to fix it. It's been a great car, but I hate to sink that much $ into it expecially since I won't be driving it for another 6 months or so. Does anyone have any advice to offer? The car is located in Vancouver, WA (Salmon Creek area) and I need to tell them what I want to do ASAP. It's in great shape so it's worth putting work into it, but maybe just not that much. Thanks for any advice or help that you can offer. Johnny jcstevensjr@comcast.net

Yeah, it's a safety nightmare, but how about the approach angle? Pretty tight ride though huh? If I can find one when I am over there I just might go for it:) Johnny

So here's the deal. I am going to be moving to Europe in a few months and I have started to try and figure out what I am going to do for transportation. Naturally I would love to continue my relationship with Subarus if possible and I am finding that there are other models that are available over here than were imported to the states. I was browsing the german ebay and I came across this: http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2459491616&category=18277 and if you want to translate the german Google Language Tools does a good job. So, with a wider selection of 'rues at my fingertips and a modest budget what should I do? Thanks for the advice and I'm looking forward to swimming in a deeper subaru pond Johnny

So now the real question that begs to be asked is how do you get Alaskan Amber 12 packs for $2.50? I found a d/r tranny at U-Pull it (already pulled) for $175. With 140k on it I wasn't sure how good of a deal that was. I think the beer/tranny trade sounds a bit better. If anyone has any leads on one I would love to hear about it. It's good to hear that they are fairly common. Now the only question left...what am I still doing up at 4:42am?...If you've ever played rook you might understand Thanks again for the info. Johnny

Yeah, it's the best $150 that I've ever spent. I work up at Mt. Hood so I've been loving it in the snow too! Anyway, I checked the trans lube and there was plenty so apparently that isn't the problem. I'll see if I can have someone else look at it (any takers?). If I end up needing to replace this tranny what is the best way to go about that? Again it's an '86 with 195k and it has the dual range x-fer case. Is it something that can be rebuilt affordably (the two guys that I saw quoted me $800-1600) or could I just swap it out with a used one that still has some life left in it? If that's the case (no pun intended :cool: ) how difficult is it to replace this transmission. I have a bit of experience working on light truck transmissions, but never on cars. Thanks again for any info, and this is a creat community! Oh, and as for the whrring/clunking/clicking it sort of a clicking sound when I accelerate in 2nd gear ("chick-a-chick-a-chick-a") and more of a subtle winding noise when it is powering (is there a technical term for that?) as well as under compression). That is more of a "whissshhhhhhhhhh............................" short of recording the noise and posting an mp3 of it I think that's the best I can do. Johnny

For the most part the tranny is just noisy. It makes a bit more of a ticking sound when it it in 2nd gear that you don't hear in the other gears. I'm not sure how much gearbox noise is common for these things so that's why it would be nice if someone would be willing to listen to it for me. I haven't checked the fluid level on the tranny...How am I to do that? It is often difficult to get into gear too. I don't know a whole lot about these things so any help would be great. Here are some picks to show off this great bargain! I am pretty proud of this install...one of the cleaner insalls I've seen in a subie. So there she is. Thanks for any help with this car, and have a great day. Johnny

Well a few weeks ago I picked up an '86 Gl Wagon in order to replace my '94 Integra. I thought I was taking a step backwards, but to my surprise I love this car. I got it from a friend's grandma and when I went to test drive it I noticed a bit of noise coming from the tranny (5 sp). I took it to a tranny shop before I bought it and the guy told me that the trans was shot. So I offered my buddy $150 and the car is mine. It still runs and drives fine, but who knows when I'll loose the trans (I guess that's why I'm posting). I've never owned a Subie so I'm not sure how it is supposed to act. I was wondering if there was someone in the Portland area that had a decent knowledge of these and would be willing to check it out and offer me advice. Johnny