Setright

Oh, sorry! I get it :-) I am glad it's still above 7 on the Ph scale, but I am plannin to replace it soon. I am not impressed that it has only lasted such a short distance.

Could be internal tyre damage. If one of the plies has separated or broken you will get a thumping noise at specific speeds.

Oh yeah, that's a good point! Disconnect the crank sensor and the engine won't fire. Leave the plug wires on the plugs.

Yeah, just keep the plug wires off. The starter can handle the compression.

Spoke to a chemist friend of mine and he immediately suggested that the coolant must have changed PH value, and therefore changed color. PANIC!!! Is my cooling system full of acid? I gave him samples of unused mix and some of the mix from my engine. New PH 8.3 Used PH 7.7 So, it's a sure sign that the coolant is "wearing out". By the way, checking the mileage in my logbook, it's actually 6500 miles since I replace the coolant, or 3½ months. Panic is over, but I am gonna change the coolant soon, it makes me worry that the color is fading. By the way, adjusting the PH back up on the used coolant did NOT bring back the color, so the dye is gone forever.

Lol!

I have used Varta maintenance free. They don't seem "fragile", and there is no discernable drop in cold morning current - based on starting. Optima is made by Banner BAtteries, and I had a bad experienc with their maint free batts. The posts are too small a diameter, my earth couldn't get a tight fit. So I returned it.

Dang it, it really does sound like a bad t-stat. I know its a pain to open the cooling system again, but I would recommend you start by replacing the t-stat. OR, block off part of the radiator with a piece of cardboard to avoid overcooling. Which brings to mind: Is you radiator fan running? Like all the time?

Nice going :-)

Could it be some sort of courtesy function? Like to light up the way to the house door when you get home at night? Or a Daytime Running Light installation that's wonky?

Remove the dash cowling and pull the dash out. Find the ABS bulb and remove that!

Silver! Gold is only for 555 Mica Impreza's - with 280hp

Something odd in that story..keep us posted please!

Yeah, is it a genuine Subaru t-stat? The problem you describe is typical of aftermarket t-stats on any brand of car. Yes, we read the "OEM t-stat", but OEM is kinda meaningless, unless you meant OE. "Genuine" is my word :-) Oh, and is it the correct t-stat for your engine?

Dont use additives! The only thing I can recommend in that department is RedeX fuel injector cleaner. Leave your oils alone!

If you want something done properly....do-it-yourself :-) An old adage maybe, but still true!

All in all, it sounds like Subaru haven't lost all their old charm. My Impreza was over two seconds starting up on a frosty morning recently. What does the ECU do? Determine temp? Oil pressure? Time the engine has stood still? Before sending the OK signal to the injectors? What a shame that a really cold start is accompanied by piston slap ;-)

Yeah, I just checked inside the rad, and that is losing color too. Wierd. You would think Castrol could do better. No additives. I am not an additive kinda guy, I trust the chemists to make a good product from the outset. The only thing I ever add to anything is RedeX injector cleaner to my gasoline.

Is it a European import? We have had a Forester XT, with a "detuned" Impreza WRX engine giving 177bhp for quite some time. Including the old shape. Not sure what was offered stateside, though. But I must agree: Pop the hood. OR, just leave it closed, because it will have a scoop for the top mounted intercooler if it has a turbocharger.

Hi everyone! During a rountine fluid check I discovered that the coolant in my overflow tank is almost completey clear. It's 50% Castrol antifreeze and 50% pure water. It was very blue when I poured it all in about 3000 miles ago. I haven't opened the rad to check the colour in there, it's too dark outside right now. The coolant level is perfect, it's the colour that has faded. Shell's 50/50 mix which I used to use never did this. What's up with that?

That's what I thought Josh, I just wasn't sure and I can't claim to know the speedo cable route for every Subaru out there :-)

Good point Blitz! I will use that as my argument if anyone complains that my car is "slow" to start. Thanks man :-)

Search for "coolant replacement". I did a thread on a sure-fire way to avoid air pockets. Also, you might want to remove and flush your radiator.

friendly, it very much depends. What's the corner's radius? What gear are you in? What tyre pressures are you running? Is it wet? "Traction Control" was actually invented to counter the otherwise sound advice you are giving. Too many drivers think they will have an accident if they go through a corner off the throttle. So much depends on how you entered the corner. There are no rules of thumb. Except that a Subaru will give you time to think about it before it spins you round!

We're here to help! So, is it auto or manual tranny?