bstone

Valve cover gaskets. Just replaced mine (and the spark plug gaskets) and that eliminated the leaking. But I still have disappearing coolant.

Checked the fluid. It's fine and red, not black or darkened. The tranny is definitely going- no reverse, no 2nd and 4th gears. If you can help answer the above questions i would be indebted. Especially the one on the 43k tranny for $595.

Stay far, far away from CitySide Subaru. Absolutely, complete ripoff. They wanted $750 to replace a single caliper. Did it myself for $60.

My transmission is dying. I did a tranny oil drain 2 days ago, replaced the filter and gasket. It drove fine for about 100 miles until a few hours ago. I was on the interstate going 78mph for about 2 hours when suddenly the RPM went sky high. I pulled over and after some testing (and a consult with a local transmission shop) found that I have no reverse, 2nd or 4th gears. I am looking at trannies at junkyards in the area and at online sales. A few questions: 1) Will any other year of Outback work for my transmission, or only the 97? 2) I have a quote from swtransmissions.com for a tranny with 43,656 miles for $595, including free shipping and a 180 day warranty. Not sure if this is with the core or not, but it seems to be the absolute best price for the mileage I can find. Should I grab it? 3) Do I have to replace the torque converter or any other part at the same time? 4) I have been told by the dealer that the "PCV Plate" is leaking oil and is contributing to rough running and idle. I cannot find this part anywhere. Can it be replaced while the tranny is out? 5) Your advice and consolation would be greatly helpful. I was headed from Chicago to St Louis for the weekend to see friends, but had to turn around 120 miles into the trip. Ugggggg.