Olnick

Be happy to share everything I know about prepping your vehicle for cold weather, driving in deep snow, etc. Unfortunately . . . ! j/k--you'll find lots of great help here. Welcome aboard!

Well you sure found the right place! You'll find tons of Subie info here, both in the files and in the very helpful people. Welcome aboard.

Ah, you're a lucky lad, madmike! That's a beautiful land you're wheeling around in your Subaru. Some of the nicest people I've ever been amongst too. Welcome aboard.

Any part that costs $600 is ridiculous! Any salvage yards around or any mates down under who could help you find a used one? It shouldn't be all that difficult to swap in.

Congrats! Good luck with the swap. Keep us up on your progress.

Hi kevin. I'd start with some general maintenance if it hasn't been done recently--air & fuel filters, new PCV valve, check vacuum lines for leaks, clean the IACV (idle air control valve). Are you getting a CEL? Did you use Subaru OEM plug wires (you really need to if you didn't)? I'd replace the plugs too--they're relatively cheap. I kinda' doubt that it's the ECTS (engine coolant temp sesor) since you say the car runs fine after it starts. Are you getting a CEL? Good luck.

Well, I shoulda' figured they wouldn't make it easy! Thanks.

John--glad that Jerry was able to answer your question here, but you'll generally get more "readership" if you post in the New Gen forum. Good luck with your swap.

Just curious--how do you r/r that window trim? Does it just pry off and snap on?

Nope. '97 is interference. Last non-interference was '96.

If it's the linkage, which it sounds like, it's actually external to the tranny. Try a search here under "Shifter Bushings" so at least you'll have some basic knowledge of the problem area when you talk to a mechanic.

Welcome Monte. Yeah, your thread title says it all--exactly the way I felt the first day I found USMB! Your gonna' love this place!

But is it a ratchet, ratchet?

In my book Bosch makes an excellent product (Hey, they invented the oxygen sensor!) Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the front and rear O2 sensors are identical on a '96 Legacy. If you want a great price check out Amazon.com--$42 with free shipping. Part #15726, it's a "universal" so requires splicing but they include a coupler and pretty good directions. Good luck.

Congrats, phyllys14. Aren't simple fixes a great feeling? And good catch, Gloyale--thanks!

When you say you "found the wiring harness melted" do you mean the plastic socket that holds the lamp and fits into the back of the headlight reflector unit? Did the aftermarket replacement come with wire pigtails? Did you match them up properly to the old wiring and make good solder connections?

Welcome aboard, Cashflip. Let's see . . . 5 months, 2 Subarus. Yep, you're hooked! Good luck & enjoy.

Looks good! Brings back nice memories. Best of luck with her--enjoy the ride!

Just go to Classified and start a new thread. Might want to post locally on Craigslist or check auto salvage yards in your area too. Good luck--hope someone can help you.

Welcome Noob. By all means stick around. This is a really neat place! What's it like wheeling a 2.0tt around Merrie Olde?

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures, Rene. Your vehicles and the beautiful countryside look great. Send us more once in awhile.

For your viewing pleasure, RMDAV, the picture in this article shows the various idlers the timing belt travels over. All should have been checked carefully by your mechanic buddy when he was in there. (By the way, the pic was apparently flipped left-for-right in publication, but you get the idea.) http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/102001_08.pdf Good luck getting it sorted out.

Awww, come on now . . . "mountains of Alabama"?!! Just kidding, Bama. Love your beautiful thoughts--spoken like a true Subaru lover! Welcome aboard, you're gonna' love this place.

Welcome aboard, tricked. Being a newbie ain't no big thing here (unless you want to ask really stupid questions!) Can't speak to your questions but I'm sure you'll rouse some knowledgable responses. Enjoy that OBW. Hope your man used the latest version OEM HGs--might want to ask him.

Welcome aboard, gibsonsk. Try posting your question in the New Gen forum--you'll get a lot more response there. Good luck.