rweddy

Unfortunately it is not a matter of if but when. Change your coolant frequently, and keep your fingers crossed. I have seen them go at 40k and up. There is a thread of someone changing them before they are an issue but not sure what the consensus on this is

Look on ebay for a nice Thule rack.

Clutch Master Cylinder This is not that big of a fix, you can rebuild it yourself or get a rebuilt one.

You have a major head gasket issue!! O wait you have a 2.2 never mind! Perfectly normal, the ac condenser take quite a bit of power to run. I am not sure if there is an ac idle sensor or screw, I am sure someone on will know. I will grab my Service manual tonight if no knows the answerer off the top of their heads.

Well after much research I found out that TAF-X, (Syntorq here in the states) is GL-4. So after reading so much good about it from Setright I was going to run it but I could not stomach the $130.00 it would cost. ($30 per quart plus tax) So I have had very good luck on other vehicles with Redline MT-90 which is a GL4 tranny fluid. I put some in on Saturday and have driven well over 200 miles since then and it is awesome!! Plus it is only $7 per quart!!! Finally crunch less up and downshifts in my wagon!!!

The 96-99 2.5 blow head gaskets so keep an eye out. It is not a matter of but when. There has been several discussions about doing them before they blow but not sure what the consensus is on this action.

BTW I just called the local chevy dealership, $29.93 per quart!

Damm the specs on Syntorq here in the states is GL4 only.

I agree. The motors and resistors are very easy to replace, just pull the glove box and you will see them there. Goto the junk yard and you can get one for cheap. Plus if you have a pull it yourself place you can practice pulling apart a junk, as to not damage yours in the process.

Ok got this info Syntorq LT SAE 75W-85, API GL -4 is a premium high performance, synthetic gear lubricant for synchronized manual transmissions. Syntorq LT is available through General Motors (Part #12346190) and Chrysler (Part #4637579) dealerships. Please contact your local dealership." So Syntorq is still not the correct spec for a AWD Subaru Transmission. Subaru calls for GL-5. I was told that running GL-4 in your AWD Subaru tranny will hurt the front differential. If I was going to run GL-4 I would get Redline MT-90 which is same specs as the Syntorq and readily available, and works great in all manual transmissions that I have run it in. Back to square one!

Is there anyway to put an aftermarket sunroof in a 1st generation outback? Thanks

I know we (esp. me) do a lot of Subaru 2.5 bashing here on the list because of the head gasket issues but just wanted to pass this info along from a similar Toyota on-line discussion board. "Re: TOY: Problem with my '97 T100... Sorry about the HG problem. I have had failures in the 22-RE (140,000 miles) and a 1FZ-FE (90,000 miles). I firmly believe if you have Toyota with a cast iron block and an aluminum head, you will have a HG failure, just a matter of when." I am not excusing Subaru for the issue, just letting everyone know that the 2.5 is not alone in the world of head gasket issues. And that being said I am sure that fixing a them on a 2.5 Subaru is cheaper than on a Toyota!! Bring back the 2.2 !!!!

Ok I know this point has been discussed before. But I need a good single thread consensus. I am getting ready to change mine and I am trying to decide what to run. I was told by redline to use 75W90NS, not MT-90. I have heard great thinks about Catrol something, but we cannot get this in the united states correct? Does anyone have any insight for me?? Thanks

Nice, you will love it!! I am sure it is a radiator or hose. 2.2 almost never had HQ issues. My last Subaru was a 86 GL-10! You will be amazed at the changes to the Legacy from the older models.

Just do a search on head gaskets. The 96-99 2.5 phase I has a major head gasket issues. If you are lucky only the head gaskets will fail, if unlucky the bottom end of the engine will be toast. Buy a 00 or newer (The still have head gasket issues, but leak externally, not internally) Or stick with the tried and true 2.2 in a 90-96 legacies. You can find 2.2 in a manual 96 outback, only year though. Good luck

Actually with the phase I 2.5 they do not tent to leak that much coolant, but they allow air into the system causing the overheat.

Actually the conditioner is for 00 and up 2.5, they leak externally and the "stop leak" from Subaru helps seal these up. 96-99 2.5 leak internally so the stop leak will not help you on the phase I motor. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but....... This is the early indicator of internal HG failure. Tempature spikes from air being introduced into the system from a leaking HG.

Best to use spark plug boot tool. It is basically pliers with plastic ends that do not damage the boots.

Is this a 2.5?

Well 91-94 Subaru are holding up quite well. BTW there is not difference in size, speed, look, etc ..... from 90-99. (Actually 90-94 Turbos are faster) And my criterion for a new car purchase is that it will last 200k without major design issues and breakdowns is not outlandish. Honda and Toyota have been doing this for a long just like Subaru did until 96 and up models with the 2.5. All Car manufactures have had issues with designs but Subaru ignoring the fact that they have a fatal flaw on their motors for 5 years and maybe even into 00-04 models is detestable. I am not here to burn Subaru's or to be super negative towards them, I am just honest. I think from my signature you can see how many I have owned. When I went to replace my trusty wrecked GL I wanted a newer outback and then after doing the research I found out they had lots of troubles. I would love to drive a new Subaru. I am hoping that 05 models fix the issue but only time will tell. And if the last eight years are any signs of things to come, I am very afraid.

I would think a reputable shop could rebuilt one very easy. It is just a mini radiator. Plus they can bench test if before you get it so you know it is in good shaper before you put it in. Much better than a junk yard part imo.

$2300! :-\ I guess I am too old school Subaru because that sounds unbelievably high to me. I believe many people on this list like myself are upset because of what Subaru's used to be. This is my 9th Subaru and have put on average of 180,000 to 220,000 miles on each one I have owned. I have never had to repair replace any thing on these 8 vehicles during my ownership, other than the typical wear items, tires, brakes, belts, etc. To go from this level of utter durability to a vehicle that has head gasket issues, clutch chatter, bearing issues, etc. is very disheartening. Subaru's never have been main stream, they have always been a little quirky. But after what I have read on this list, and my friends & family with 95-99 2.5 ( 6 with 6 head gasket failures) I am not sure what I will do when my 91 wears out. If there are not any available lower mileage 90-94 Subaru's I too may look elsewhere...

Be careful, many of the aftermarket warranties do not cover gaskets or seals. So if they fail and cause issues you are sol. Read the fine print very carefully, there are also clause for maximum payout on them. I had a Toyota Land cruiser a few years ago that needed a new tranny because of 1st owner neglect. The ext warranty only cover a max total of 4500 and the tranny was around 6,000. I had to fight it out with the dealership to get if fixed since it was a know issue when we purchased it.

I would check boneyards for parts. Or just take the deflector out completely??