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.

yep, gotta make sure that soldering is secure & done on the front & the back of the PC board... & the screw fix is good until a nice bump...

It turns out to be a simple (easy) fix! you need to remove the cluster & re-solder the correct wire (front & back of the circuit board) there are SPECIFIC instructions on this board.... I fixed it once (solder only the front) then again soldering both sides of board... try it.

a piece of a previous transmission gasket?

from another Central Oregonian... sell them here.

hmmm. I'll look for a vacuum leak in the moring. Yes, less than 750 (closer to 700 RPM)... 189K on engine... I've used "the seafoam treatment" sucking through a vacuum hose... in any event, I'm hoping for a minor vacuum leak. later, Peter

btw.... 2.5 liter engine.

1999 Subaru Outback Wagon. Newly replaced spark plugs & wires. My knuckles have healed enough to type now. Runs great. Good mileage on a recent 1,000 mile trip. But at idle (like a stop light) there is a "stumble" every now & then... not consistent. almost disappears totally in neutral... the idle speed is low but can't see the how to increase that. later, Peter

I'll sell him my 1999 outback 30th Anniversary edition (2 moon roofs, heated seats & wipers, great stereo with woofer upgrade, power & heated side mirrors & more...) for 1/2 of that $23,000! (& it runs great, too)

I have one. It's the 30th Anniversary edition (costs more for all the features) I heard all the reservations about the head gaskets etcetera. Although, everyone I asked that owned a Subaru of that model, had no problems. Anyway, the only problems I've had in 140k miles are: the time a mouse chewed through the wire to my #3 fuel injector AND When my alternator died (@ 165k miles) & I, mistakenly, replaced it with a used one... love the car. feel safe/secure dollar amount seems a bit high though unless it has low mileage (sort of does) & it depends on where you live. Rustless Subarus command a higher price in snowy mountain country. & all those extras (2 moon roofs/heated leather seats/heated mirrors/heated windshield wiper/am/fm/cassette/cd/weather radio/seperate woofer... )get more money, too. later, Peter

just came back in from seeing if I could undo without the "zapgun" (which I could). & I placed a floor jack under the rear bar where it hooks into the link... too easy. NOW if those parts would get here! UPS where are you? later, Peter