bratman2

Well my wife's XT finally hit the 105k mark. So Monday I started on the timing belt install. This is the fifth timing belt I ever installed, she was tough! Replaced all the components but the water pump. Finished Tuesday because I also changed the transmission fluid, brake fluid, installed new Denso irdium plugs, thermostat and off course the coolant. Glad I won't have to do this again for a long while. As an update we bought this brand new and to this day it has not seen the inside of a shop or had any component replaced except for what I just completed. My wife loves her XT!!

I got my Subaru ATF fluid off Ebay. Full case for around $60.00 shipped. That is around $5.00 a quart for the Subaru fluid. Quoting $200 for just the fluid is ridiculous. I'd suggest you find someone else to work on your Subaru.

I do drain and top off on my wife's Forester XT starting at 30k and then another next oil change. Same at 60k and then the following oil change. Last one done at 90k and next oil change. I was getting about 3.5 quarts or a touch more if I lingered too long changing oil and rotating tires. I don't think getting all the fluid changed is required unless it has never been done. I did a F150 a few years back with the bucket and hose method and it was really super easy.

I just checked the kit I bought for my wife's Forester XT. A small pulley was made in Korea and is so labeled on the box, T41239. Waterpump is made in China and will not be installed. The belt is made in Japan and so stamped, tensioner and all other pulleys are stamped NTN Japan. Maybe I got lucky. Bought mine 4 months or so from Rock Auto. Glad you posted this as I might not have noticed with the waterpump.

A good 2-3 thousand dollar car for the teens would be the smarter choice.

If passing or merging at speed is need when loaded the XT is hard to beat. My wife bought her 2011 XT Touring new in 2011. I really wanted her to get a n/a version due to simplicity and better mpg. She has no regrets what so ever. The XT has better tire wheel packages so handling may be a step above other Foresters. The newer 2.0l turbo engines with the cvt seem to get pretty good mpg with the turbo. I do think the XT is still premium fuel required if that matters to you. We are a tad pass 103k and have had no issues or repairs beyond typical maintenance. Was looking at new 2016 XT a couple of months ago but wife passed due to stick shock for the touring version. Decided she will just drive it a couple of more years and maybe opt for a XT premium.

Windshield gasket leak? Might be allowing rain water to seep under your floor mats. Check for any dampness.

I live in the middle of nowhere so I have to order MT90. Worth every cent in my book. I have a Moto Guzzi that specs for 10w-60 motor oil so I conveniently order plenty of both.

Going to step out on a limb here, could part of your problem be your motor mounts or transmission mounts? Maybe both? During acceleration would make me suspect of their condition.

I thought the 2015 Outback has a cvt transmission, if so there is no recommended service to it at all much less at 30k. Besides air filter, cabin air, and oil not anything should be needed.

I use Redline MT90 in my Brat. It is a GL4 which is recommended in the owners manual. Pricey and not usually on shelves. It has helped my nearly 240k transmission out. Though I used it first many years ago. My Brat would occasionally want to scratch gears shifting, rarely ever does it now. Yes, the clutch cable is properly adjusted in case any one wonders.

I use the Accel SuperStock yellow. I bought mine over 15 years ago, have had the Brat 19 years so far. It has caused no issues what so ever. Many forum members were using them way back when and was recommended by a few old time members. They have since outsourced that coil and the quality has dropped so your pick maybe a better choice. From my experience, over 15 years, a higher output coil will hurt nothing unless there is some other difference I am unaware of.

Thanks!

Wife's 2011 Forester XT will soon be needing a timing belt kit. Was curious if the newer Subaru's use or come with the leak conditioner from the factory like earlier models? Plus my daughter has a 2010 Impreza. Still many miles to go for her but was curious just the same.

I put RS seats in my Brat. Same as a WRX only the 04's didn't have side air bags. Been a long time ago but seems two bolt holes line up. Two others have to be tabbed over. Was not very complicated at all.

I have collectable insurance on my 87 Brat with Farm Bureau. Agreed upon value of $8500.00. Has collision and comprehensive. Only cost maybe $30.00 more per 6 months. My agent took pictures of it and sent in to their head office and it was approved. Also I was able to show that I only drive it around 3.5k miles a year.

You may need the Peugeot lug nuts. They have a "U" shaped washer made onto the base that fits the curved portion of the rim. I have the older 505 steel rims with the larger center cut out but my set required that lug nut. If it doesn't have the chamfered hole I don't think there is enough metal to bevel it and get a good seat on the lug nut. I seen some 505 steel rims that had the proper seat for a regular style lug nut.

Pretty basic design, like 60's or 70's, no o2 sensor either. I am surprised the cat lasted this long. Most would have plugged many years ago.

If the Peugeot steel wheels are the same as dfoyl described I found a sheet metal plug that fits them. It is made by Au-ve-co products, part#18804, 2 1/2" hole size, 3" head diameter. Since they are designed for sheet metal and the rims are a little thicker you will need to mix a small amount of JB Weld and smear around the lip with a tooth pick. They are a flat plastic black plug. Look good too!

Not a fan of Goodyear either!! The B.F. Goodrich are considerably cheaper too! Last AT tires I had in 195/75-14 were Cooper Discovers and they were pretty good. Looked similar to the Goodyears but way cheaper. Sadly they don't make them any more. Your welcome for the reply. With an EJ swap you should have no trouble turning them, lol!

The smallest All Terrain tires I know of are 195/75-14. Goodyear and B.F. Goodrich both make them. Without a lift on an 80 model you most likely will have some rubbing. I have not seen any 70, 65 or any other series in an AT tire for a 14" rim. You can mount snow tires. Many do have a more aggressive tread pattern, but softer rubber and wear out quicker.

No, you don't have to split the block. Seal goes in from the outside.

That was what I thought mine was too, a front oil seal. Not the easiest place to look at and determine origin. Replaced the seal to determine it still leaked. That was many years ago.

If it is leaking from the oil pump you need to pull it. Find out if you need a gasket or new pump. Valve covers and pan are pretty easy. Mine was leaking at the original pump also when I bought it. Turns out my pump had a crack in the casing. They are not too bad to pull, but if it is the factory pump it will take some effort to dislodge it from the front of your engine. You can order a new pump if needed. Check Ebay!

That is possible on the oil. The spring loaded port is not that terribly big. Long time since I have looked at the pump to see if the bypass is before or after the filter. I can't imagine a piece of build up plugging a port inside the engine to cause a pressure spike. Too many other routes for the oil to take. Why not pull the pump and inspect. Our EA81 motors are not designed with 5w-30 oil, so I would pass on that thought. I also run 10w-30 high mileage, Mobil 5000. I use WIX or NAPA filters. Don't care too much for Fram. Doubt that is your problem though. Not a terrible job to pull your pan and clean it also. I have done mine twice in the 19 years I have owned my Brat. To replace the gasket both times. It was very clean the second time. On one oil pump I had installed as a replacement the bypass fail open. Oil pressure fell by half when it did! Lucky it had a lifetime warranty and was replaced for free. As a side note our gauges are not considered the most accurate around. With that in mind maybe something got hung up in the pressure sender, if that is possible. Another easy check if you felt up to it.