later, Peter

should be some sort of allen or star screw maybe hidden under some sort of cover....

There are so many "specialty Subaru shops"... They do head gaskets regularly (as well as other services). Trust someone that deals exclusively (or at least mainly) with Subarus. By the way, my 1999 Outback has nearly 200,000 miles... no headgaskets replaced.

ahhh. Mr. Texan, tests to be applied tomorrow or the next day... (don't think it's torque bind... all tires are of a matched set but, should check all the pressures)... Thanks again for the advice.

got a 1999 OBW 2.5 liter that made an occasional grinding noise when braking. Wasn't dirt in the calipers (checked) couldn't see any other issues. Recently took the FWD fuse out for the up coming winter months & the noise has returned... I didn't notice it when the fuse was in (you don't miss what you don't hear, I guess) but quite obvious now. Again, intermittent... braking is solid other than the noise so, what's the AWD doing? thanks, Peter

or try a body shop... I've gotten some internal plastic clips/screws/whatevers for the local body shops...

you have any enemies or practical jokers in you life? did someone put "super glue" into your lock mechanisms?

head gaskets or plugged radiator.... & if not refilled with coolant PROPERLY, you'll create more air pockets & the cycle starts again...

could still be the wires (check that they're tight on the plugs). have you re-set the CEL? (FLAPS or disconnect the battery for a few minutes). have you checked the wires to the injectors?... once had this happen when a mouse chewed through the shielding of an injector wire.... good luck.

I had to sell my 1985 Westfalia recently... & own a Subaru with 2.5l... always thought I make that transfer (2.5 for 1.8) but never needed to do so... the dream of long trips with out the paranoia of getting back home... ah. sweet peace of mind.

try the "Car Talk" web site...

reset!

be careful about getting *ALL* the air out of the cooling system... this was/is the down fall of many Subaru head gaskets...

I'm guessing you've re-tested your alternator... I had to replace the wrecking yard one for it's defect & the next one they gave me was also a problem... re-manufactured from Subaru dealer was like $80 & has kept the charge up & stalling out down (none)

love the Michelins... (Use the X-Ice for the winter months... lasts YEARS)

something's shorting out when wet... I'd start with new plug wires.