Redhat

What I've been reading on other boards is excessive oil consumption. 1 quart per 1200 miles. Every third fillup you're adding a quart of oil. Is this the average to expect?

I've been driving a 96' Legacy for years. EJ22 with close to 200K. Did a valve job, head gaskets, timing belt pullies and tentioner, struts, coolant senser etc this summer and she runs great but shes old and I've been thinking of a new outback. I wanted to hear it from you guys what the thinking is about Subaru's new issue. Oil consumption, CVT etc. Hoping all is well in new Subi land.

One other thing. I've been running 5-30 weight. The motor has 170K. Is that recommended?

Well mines a 96 too. I've been running about 5k on each synthetic change. This is the first clacking. I guess I should think about changing sooner. Autozone has monthly deals. For 25 I get oil and filter. Usually Mobil 1. I'll see if changing helps.

That's interesting about the filter. I usually get autozones gold version. The clacking started last week. About 2500 miles into a fresh oil change. Maybe I should swap the filter.. I'm still thinking there's an oil additive that would help clean things out. Is this advisable?

Clack clack clack from passenger side bank on start up. Not too bad.. and goes away after warm up. 170K on the ej22. I've been running full synthetic for a couple of years. Could I do Seafoam in the oil or something else. Anything I might do besides get used to it. Thanks

Thank you. Brake fluid level is good. I first noticed the switch sticking last winter in the cold. I always use the P Brake. In the cold, the light would stay on and after a little driving would go off. Worked fine in warmer weather. Now it just stays on.

The handle is down and the cable is loose. I guess the plunger switch is sticking but I don't know where it is or how to get at it. Wonder if anyone else has had to deal with this. It's really not a big deal but I thought what the heck if it's easy. It's on a '96 Legacy wagon. Thanks

Thanks guys. Once I looked, it was self evident. Man that plastic cover makes the filler tube rot out. New one on the way. Looks easy to replace. Thanks again.

I think I got it. I'll pull the tire and take the cover off. I imagine I'll be smelling gas pretty good by then if that's the issue. I guess lowering a tank full of gas can wait till it's closer to empty. Much appreciated.

Thanks. Just so I'm clear. In the fill door I'll find two screws which hold the plate on and I can cut it in two to get it out. Then I assume I'll be able to inspect the filler pipe for leaks. Am I thinking right? Can the filler pipe be replaced from here too? Thanks again.

A bit more info. I believe I only began to smell gas once I filled the tank a few days ago.

Will do. How do I get in to see it? Is it easy to see once I get the wheel off?

Noticed it the last few days when I get out of the car. Pretty strong smell of gas. Nothing obvious under the hood. No wet spots etc. I suspect it could be the fuel line coming from the tank before it gets to the engine compartment but I don't know how its routed or what to look for. It's a '96 legacy wagon with 168K miles. Otherwise well maintained and runs fine. Seems gas milage has gone down a bit. Average 24mpg. I'll be crawling under it tomarrow. Appriciate any advise.

Thank you, that's really the best advise/ way to look at it. It'll do it.. but. It could be time to start thinking about getting a better gas milage truck than my 73 F100. Thanks

Trans cooler.. that's a good idea. I will look into that. I was already thinking of droping the trani pan and changing the filter. It's got 168K with one trani flush about 60K ago. Fluid is still nice and red. My only worry was messing something up that aint broke.

I have plans for a 16 foot wooden dory I'd like to build this winter. The boat and trailer should weigh about 1200lbs. The 96 Legacy 2.2 manual rates for max 2000K and 165lb tongue weight but I'd be drivng 150 mile round trips through some decent hills. She's my baby and runs like a top so I don't want to kill her just to go fishing. I can see going out about twenty times a season. Love to know what you guys think. Will I be killing the auto transmission etc. Doesn't make sense if I'd be putting too much strain on my get to work car. Thanks ps. Maybe I'll build her and have budies drag her around.

Is it advisable to use the same manufacturer for both struts and bearing plates? I mean, is there a compatibility issue?

Both bearing plates or 'high hats' are bad on my 96 brighton. Struts are fine. I just wanted recommendations. If I'm in there replacing the bearing plates, I guess I should do the original strut assemblies too. On ebay, Car Parts Wholesale lists a set of strut assemblies for $73 dollars. I plan on keeping this car for a while. Is this a decent choice.. I need recommendations on that and what bearing plates to get. Thanks and all the best.

Thank you for the pic. In fact I popped the rubber cap off the top hat to reveal the bolt at the top of the strut and looking in, what do you know, there's a race of bearings. I was able to spray right down in and all around. In fact, it forced the old grease right out. I cleaned everything up and now I'm back in business. Thanks again. All very easy. Just the way I like it. Cheers.

Ten four. Thanks for the help.

Excellent new. I was worried about safety but I guess not really an issue. The cartridges are still fine. I'll try tightening the nut and spraying some lithium. Are you spraying the top hat as looking from under the hood or underneath the wheel well..?

Oops, sorry for the double post.

Sounds like the strut mount kits are wearing out. When I drive over uneven ground (slowly) I hear lots of knocking coming from above the front wheels. Looking under the hood at the top of the mounts, they look fine. Just wonder what I'm getting into/ how to proceed. Never done it before. It's a 95 legacy wagon ej22. Thank you for any help.

Sounds like the strut mount kits are wearing out. When I drive over uneven ground (slowly) I hear lots of knocking coming from above the front wheels. Looking under the hood at the top of the mounts, they look fine. Just wonder what I'm getting into/ how to proceed. Never done it before. It's a 95 legacy wagon ej22. Thank you for any help.