86GLScooby

Hey, I would appreciate any input... I stated on a road trip and got about 60 miles out when my car overheated, pulled over and saw the coolant gushing out under where the water pump is located. Haven't opened it up yet, but I assume the water pump is broke. In more detail: When I was driving I decided to put on the ac and it worked for a little while and then started blowing hot air. Thinking that the ac just broke and not knowing any better I turned it off and kept on driving... I should have checked to see if it's overheating at that point in time. (yes, I'm kicking myself in the rump roast) So after a little while I turned the ac back on cause it was way too hot... FL and then saw that my car was overheating. Pulled over and saw the coolant gushing out. Had it towed to a mechanic and when he started the engine white smoke was coming out of the tailpipe... head gasket I hope. Now my question is, what are my steps for repair? Change out the water pump to see if I can drive it to a shop and have them do a pressure test to see if the head is cracked? Then if not, do a timing belt kit change with head gasket change, I know there's a lot more stuff you can do while you're at that point, but would those be the basics? Thanks for your comments, Kevin

Okay, just got back from seeing the GL. The body is in good condition, allmost no rust, was a CA car and then FL car. It would have been nice to get it from the first owner, because it looks like the 2nd owner had a lot of fun with it... The interior is rough, I don't mind cosmetics, but this was pretty bad. Guess that's normal for a car this age perhaps? In my opion, definately not worth $1000 as advertised on the window... would make a good parts car though, but I'm not throwin down $500 for it.

Thanks for your comments. I was wondering what you mean by, "If it pulls to the side"? If the car pulls to the side? They say that all the electrical stuff works inside. Also, the AC has been converted to the newer ones, sounds like i have to get the coolant drained before changing the compressor and then have it recharged. I don't usually use my ac thinking it saves on gas... so I don't mind driving around without it for a while. Winter will be here soon... but not soon enough living in FL. I do have a second car... but it's still no fun getting stuck on the side of the road. For some reason I feel like taking on a project. Wonder if you can get AAA for these?

That's what I was thinking... $300 and I'll take it As for the AC compressor, I was looking on ebay and you can get one for $100 or less. The cv joint, $60 or so... clutch $150 to $200. It also need a rear tail light, $25. Gates timing belt kit, $125. Taking out the engine and overhauling it... priceless. As for the price, first they wanted $800, then $700 and now since no one has bought it and they don't want to junk it, $500. It will sit there and ants will nest in it. I'm not sure what the reasonable price is for this, but perhaps they will let it go for cheaper instead of junking it... aspecially if it goes to a subie enthusiest. We'll see, I'll post after taking a look today. Thank you for your comments.

Also, How do I check to see that the tranny is in good condition? Is there a way to do that, he said the clutch needs replacing... but that could be tranny problems also right? Can you find replacement trannies on these older subarus? FL salvage yards do not have many if perhaps one of these... Thanks

Yes, I'll have to ask when that was last done and do a timing belt replacement... in addition to water pump and some idlers and so on I assume. I'm not very familiar with this engine yet. I have a question about ease of working on these model subarus. This would be my first car that I would be working on myself as I would love to learn to do work myself rather than have my mechanic do the work, allthough he is great and gives me good deals. Is this a good or easy car to learn on? I have some experience, but not much. I like learning though and I feel confident about it. I appreciate your respnses, thanks.

Hey all, new to the forum here, but I've read and learned so much already. Thank you. My '97 legacy GT blew the head gasket finally and I'm searching for another soobie, but an older one... one I can work on myself and spend some time with. Not too much time though Found an '86 GL Wagon with the AWD Hi and Lo and 188k miles on it. It was a mechanic son's car, they worked on it together, brought it back to life at 103k miles. Right now it needs a CV joint, A/C compressor and exhaust manifold gasket and bolt. I told the owner that I would like to work on the subaru myself to see what he would recommend I do and he said to start with the clutch since the engine is in good condition and then move to the head gaskets later on. I'm going on a test drive tomorrow to see how I feel about her. Any advise as to what to look at? Rust for sure... I only have $1000 to spend total for now and need to keep the repair costs low. Thanks again for this forum and I hope to get a car soon! Kevin