later, Peter

I think I am picking up a second '96 OBW (third 2.5 OBW I'd own now)... the CEL was on with the story: "it comes on when it's damp, rainy or deep puddles... then it'll go out in a day or two"... Had the codes pulled= #420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Does that mean, Catalytic Converter replacement O2 sensor replacement MAF replacement Better gasoline & a can of Seafoam any ideas, guys? Later, Peter

used to be a great shop east end of the Ross Island Bridge... I think they moved to SE 7th... Later, Peter

I had a sticky power antennae on the 99 OBW... I used 3in1 (sewing machine) oil. I had to pull & push (gently) the antennae to fully lubricate, then, in the up position, wipe off all the excess with a rag... works fine most of the time now, occasionally have to wipe off accumulated dirt. I think it's normal to only get clear reception when the antennae is fully extended. You may also need to check the selection on the radio, local, stereo, mono whatever.................... Later, Peter

I ran a can through the gas tank & my CEL (4th cylinder misfire) disappeared!!!! IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!! Later, Peter

Michelin's studless snows! Hardly ANY wear after one full year & sure footed on the ice as well as in the snow... & we get some amounts out here. Later, Peter

I have the opportunity to get (at a great price) a 96 OBW in wonderful cosmetic condition + new rack & pinion, tires & brakes... but it MAY need engine work... run it until it dies? buy a used engine (replace the belts, etc.)? or rebuild this one??? a shop near by will rebuild the engine or replace it 35k engine with a 2 year warranty for $2200... or any other suggestions.... it'd be the 3rd OBW I'd be owning. Later, Peter

No! not all 2.5 phase one's need head gaskets replaced. There seem to be a few theories of the original of the failure (cooling system design flaw, gasket design flaw) in any event... I spoke with MANY folks with Subarus with well over 100k on the odometer NO PROBLEMS! I have two 2.5's a '99 that I have put nearly 30k on in less than a year... NO PROBLEMS! & a '96 with over 155k... NO PROBLEMS! who knows though? you may get one of the 12% (although I seem to remember the SOA # was more like 3%... gotta go with your gut. Later, Peter

My 96 OBW threw a Check Engine Light, had it diagnosed as 4th cylinder misfire... no other symptoms. Poured some Seafoam into the gas tank & before I could have some more sucked into the intake... the CE light was out. GOD bless Seafoam. Later, Peter

the 96 OBW gets around 23 - 27 (hwy) has more pick up/power then the 99 OBW which gets 25/26 in town & over 30 on a nice highway ride (especially if my wife is driving). Later, Peter

well, I figured I'd do the Seafoam treatment while waiting to get the wires & plugs.... a can in the gas tank & while I had my wife keep the engine going as I removed the vacuum line from the brake booster, she noticed the CEL is no longer lit.... Let's hear it for the SEAFOAM magical mystery trip!!! (so glad it doesn't seem to be serious shtufft) Later, Peter

Just came home from my daughter's wedding... no changes to the vehicle have been made. The wagon ran as smooth as ever coming back... over Mount Hood in the heat of the day...NO PROBLEMS, hesitations or lack of power. I have to ORDER $80 plug wires (Beck-Arnley) for this thing & will change the plugs (they'll be NGK) at the same time. I will disconnect the battery & hope the code disappears after the change is made. Later, Peter

I am currently "on vacation" with the 96 OBW when this came up. Had the code pulled & was told: 1. probably wires or the plug B. if the "check engine" light isn't blinking it's not too crucial III. since the vehicle is running nicely, it's probably no big thing.... I did a search but it didn't turn up specific to this CE code & I will only have access to this computer until tomorrow am... then it's a hundred & fifty mile trip home in the heat over a mountain... any worries? Later, Peter

Own both: a 96 & a 99 OBW... been enjoyin the air conditioning lately... how much effect on the gas mileage should I expect? $2.50 per gallon, a trip coming up... gotta plan this out. Later, Peter

OR go on ebay & buy a used remote, reprogram it & you are all set. Later, Peter

gotta join the chorus here... I did the 99 OBW last week. the hardest part was getting the brake pads. It was so easy, I wanted to do them again to be sure it was really THAT simple. (I did actually remove on set of pads two times to put on the shim I had neglected to remove from the worn pad)... Anyway, have fun. Later, Peter

Although you stated you have checked the exhaust, I would tend to think that a specific vibration ("something vibrating in the wind") could be a heat shield or some other of the exhaust system sections.... have your wheels rebalanced too. if it occurs at specific speeds the vibration from the wheel (s) could cause other sheet metal parts to vibrate... Later, Peter

I believe the marketing reasoning behind the "lifetime" warranty is that you don't pay for the product, you pay for the paper. Working on the theory that you will eventually not want to take the company up on it's warranty (sell, wreck or just don't care about the vehicle or have the work done elsewhere, as has been mentioned in this thread). With that perspective, you didn't buy lifetime equipment but the paperwork good for lifetime replacements... take them up on it. You are talking about 1 1/2 hours every 2 or 3 years... not so bad... then write a letter to George Forman. Later, Peter

I owned a 99 OBW for a few months before buying a 96 OBW, as well. (w/ higher mileage & a dent in the door than yours. Yours sounds like a deal. I think the 96-99 OBW years are the best looking. Mantain the vehicle & it will run for a long long time. Corollas & Civics last forever too. BUT After last year's car wreck (I was in a 4runner) I have this need to feel the steel around me... but I also like the traction & the gas mileage. Later, Peter oh yeah, it runs on regular (I add seafoam to the gas tank about 3 times a year)

You are in a Phase II vehicle. the scary HG issues (which may or may not be so worrisome are apparently related to a Phase I cooling system design flaw= trapping air bubbles if not properly "burped") You, on the other hand, are welcome at the Subaru dealership & they will give you some coolant additive to "stop" the external coolant leak... should it happen. In the long run, with the proper maintenance, you should have the vehicle for the long run. Later, Peter:cool:

Hey Fly Fishing friend: I own 2 OBWs of that vintage... before you go into the "oh my God, the headgaskets are gawna blow, the headgaskets are goin' ta blow" mindset... just be careful when you have the antifreeze changed (or after your waterpumps have been changed) the weak design of the cooling system SEEMS to be the culprit... ANYWAY what & where do you fish? Later, Peter

I think I would be checking with other non-dealer Subaru mechanics... the quote for my 2.5 99 obw was $900, but I never had the job done. Although, still a wad o' dough, it's quite a bit better than $2400... This was by folks that ONLY work on Subarus Later, Peter

I think I would document all the "service" you have received from the dealer & contact S.O.A. & ask them if they would be so kind as to recommend someone competent... maybe the field rep would contact you with advice... Your Subaru is still a warrantied vehicle & IF the problem is currently minor it will escalate to costing them large dollar amounts. It's in their best interest. Later, Peter Also Click & Clack of Car Talk fame (PBS radio) has recommended mechanics on their web site but whether authorized Subaru... I'd doubt it.

Best bet is to burp the baby too.... It appears that many HG problems come from trapping air pockets in Subarus poorly designed cooling system... why let it get that far? this is a cost effective (free) preventative manuever.. check the archives. later, Peter

Imperial & US measurements are not equal... This engine requires 4.7 quarts US... that is 4 complete & almost one more quart container of oil... I believe this includes the filter being changed out as well... Have you checked your oil level lately? Are you 1/2 quart short? I have always used Castrol prior to reading the recommendations on this board for the Mobile 1. total dino or total synthetic... that's my route. Later, Peter