Mike104

As the others have mentioned Head Gaskets is most likely cause (2.5L Phase I). I wouldn't waste the money on a radiator. You could try a new rad cap but I would suggest to do a coolant test for combustion gases. You can buy a kit from NAPA or online for about $50 to do the test yourself. That will confirm the HGs and you know whats involved with that.

You will need to talk to the folks that look after vehicle registration in Humbolt county to get an explanation as to the vehicle registration costs.

I had an issue with the TC locking and unlocking at cruise and the CEL and ATF Light were the clues to what to do to fix it. Do what others have suggested and get the transmission fault code. That will help you solve your problem. Doing a 'mod' to fix something that is broken may not fix your issue and as Nipper says may cause you even more grief. Getting the code is free, bring the code back here and they will help you fix it right.

STAY AWAY FROM JIFFY LUBE and AAMCO unless you want to pay for a transmission rebuild. Drain and till 3x is the best bet. Find a rent-a-garage for an hour or so, will be much cheaper than either of the two places mentioned above!

I would probably have the seat cut and then lap it, but that is just my opinion. I think it would take a long time to try and lap it alone.

What John said! Here is what Subaru says: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/30110-tire-circumference-spec-confirmed-subaru-techtips.html#post294007 Short answer, not recommended.

I have used both places mentioned in the posts above and concur they are both good sources. I use subaru parts for you to find the part number and sometimes search for that part number on the 1st subaru parts website. Make sure you take into account the shipping costs for both sites. Another place to get Subaru part numbers is http://www.opposedforces.com

Here is a link to a post about how to change a HG on a DOHC (like you have). http://home.comcast.net/~skipnospam/Head_gasket_replacement.html Like the others have said, its involved and does need some knowledge, but many people have done their own. Good luck!

2.2L not usually prone to HG failure. Main issue to be concerned about is when was the last timing belt done. Squealing could be accessory belts or pulley bearings or related to timing belt tensioner or idler pulleys. Don't know where you are located so I can't suggest who to have a look at the car before you buy. Sometimes a good idea to have a well trusted/knowledgeable mechanic check the car out first. Other possible issues are oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, cam/crankshaft seals, rear oil separator plate).

Sounds like a quote from someone who does not want to do the job!

There is a big thread about this issue somewhere? IIRC Speedo/odo not working, no check engine light and cruise works = Speedo head. If Check Engine Light and cruise doesn't work, probably speed sensor. Try this http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/80-electrical-electronics/23730-1999-legacy-outback-speedometer-odometer-work-sporatically.html

There are three part numbers identified here: http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b11/type_45/engine/cylinder_block/illustration_1/ In order they list the following P/N's: 11831AA080 (Plastic) 11831AA150 11831AA210 The last part number is the only currently offered for sale by Subaru Dealers. From this photo of the 210 it looks like steel: I would say you do not have the plastic one installed. I don't remember if the aluminum one came before or after the plastic one.

Here is another one using the Subaru bulbs: http://www.scoobymods.com/legacy-hvac-bulb-replacement-t91.html?t=91

Looks like item 26 to me: http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=5898 Part No.: 20255AA300 The part that is bent in your photo looks like a lateral link because its parallel with the drive shaft.

Lateral Link?

Subaru Lists two O-Ring P/Ns here: http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partlistbymod.php?subcat=Suspension+%26+Steering%2C+Pump+%26+Hoses 34427AA060 34427AC000 Not sure which one you need. There is a rebuild kit for the pump like this: If you go to http://www.opposedforces.com and select your vehicle, it should give you the pump kit P/N. Or you can do as GD suggests (clean the gasket and reassemble it with Locktite 518).

Here is a link to a thread that has some info on doing a 2000 SOHC in the car HG replacement: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/7867-2000-my-obw-car-head-gasket-replacement.html Its a similar installation to your 2003

What GD said! This covers lots of lighting questions: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2498&page=1&pp=10&highlight=climate+control+backlight Unfortunately the links are dead here is one on the Fog light switch, rest should be similar: http://www.scoobymods.com/fog-cruise-switch-light-bulb-t3615.html Here is one for the HVAC on a 2004 Forester that should be similar to yours? http://www.scoobymods.com/diy-hvac-bulb-replacement-2004-t10816.html One for the Dash Lights http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/80-electrical-electronics/7427-03-ob-wagon-instrument-cluster-bulbs.html

The spin on filter is another great innovation. The only gripe I have is the cost. Pep Boys charges $25 for a Purolator! I have no clue why something configured like a $3 oil filter is so damn expensive? Here is a link to a thread that discusses the ATF Spin On filter. http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/23762-subaru-transmission-filter-different.html I bought mine from an online Subaru dealer as I was only going to change it once.

Some buy a name brand belt, like Gates, Dayco or Continental to replace the generic one in the kits. Your call. If you do use the generic one make sure you change it at the required interval.

+1 on what John and GD said. This guy ships worldwide and has Head bolts for a Subaru 2.2L http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-98-2-2L-Subaru-Impreza-EJ22E-Cylinder-Head-Bolts-/220594231292?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item335c70d7fc Why do you think you need new head bolts?

GD, while not asked by the OP thanks for this explanation of how the ECU detects Misfire. I have read various posts about misfires and I wondered how the ECU detected these, now I know!

My personal opinion about turbochargers (after spending many hours changing them on piston engine airplanes that cost as much as a nice car) I would stay away from them. That's just my opinion. The less complex something is the less to break. I have heard on some earlier subaru models the turbo has an oil screen that can get clogged with carbon and starve the turbo bearings of oil = catastrophic failure. Not sure if that is still an issue with the newer ones. Essentially it boils down to what you want. If you get a turbo, be religious about oil changes (3000 mi) and use a good quality oil perhaps a synthetic one. If you properly maintain it, there is probably a good change it may not be a problem in the future. 10k oil change intervals and count on it exploding at some point. Do some searches for turbo chargers on these boards and see if you come up with horror stories and ask your Subaru dealer mechanics what they recommend as far as maintenance on a turbo. Sales guys and dealer service advisors will tell you what they think you want to hear, as the guys with the dirty coveralls what you really need to know.

How many miles are on your current engine and why do you need to change it? How long do you need to keep your '98? I went through this same decision last year. I figured I had four options 1) Fix HGs on current engine (226k), 2) put a JDM engine in, 3) buy a rebuilt engine, 4) get a new car. Some advised against 1) as it was possible that with 226k the bottom end of the 2.5L may need work as well. For 2 or 3, I figured that I would need to spend $$$ doing other work before I put it in. I wasn't interested in doing 4) as I planned to keep the car till it fell apart. Give us some background on your needs and maybe we can give you some better advice on ideas. Are you going to do the work yourself or pay someone to do it?

I've owned both a '99 Forester and a '99 OBW. I have to say that I like the OBW much better than the Forester. The wagon has more inside room and is nicer to drive. It may have been that the Forester was a base model and the OBW is a Limited with heated leather seats, but I much prefer the OBW. If I had the space, tools and time I would consider buying the Forester with the thought of keeping it as another car. Most of the other comments from those that are in the business seem to not have had much luck with the Forester. I was told that the Forester was based on the Impreza platform not the OBW. Near me the 95-99 prices are nuts. Saw this '93 for $750 that was not a bad price but may need a transmision: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2040134718.html