terryb52

It was a clattering sound like something being eaten in the fan. I checked the levels of the fluids and didn't see anything amiss. I am taking it to a garage this morning, just hope it makes it there as it is about 3 miles away. I also hope it is nothing major but fear the worst! Will let you know the results!

No, it was more acrid and almost like something burning. I didn't see the temp gauge spike. When I popped the hood at home there was a boiling sound and I'm not sure how long it takes for the coolant to boil normally. This was a very short trip of maybe 4 miles total.

I hope someone can give me some direction on this one as I am leaving for a cross-country trip tomorrow morning unless it's something major! I was on my way to gas up tonight and as I drove up a very steep hill, power faltered, there was a really loud rattling coming from under the hood and a very stinky white smoke came out. I made it to the top of the hill (slowly) and lifted the hood. By then I didn't see any more smoke so proceeded to gas up. I drove carefully home (about 2 miles). I called the mechanic where I ususally go for major things and will get it over to him tomorrow morning first thing. Any ideas of what I might be facing. It is a '92 TURBO Legacy wagon with 158K. I had all belts done last year. All head gaskets replaced. Turbo problem? Thanks! It's just me and my dog going on the trip and I don't want to get stranded in Nebraska!

Any old brake fluid??? I can't believe it could be that cheap and easy!!! They wanted to charge me $250 EACH for new headlights!

Out here in CO subaru repairs cost a fortune. Not sure why. This was the lowest quote out of 4 that I got for the timing belt work. Not a dealer. Wouldn't turbo oil smoke be continuous rather than stop once the car is warmed up? That was my thought.

Brake fluid???? Anyone tried this?

I've got the same problem with my '92 Turbo wagon. I've had 2 different diag.: that my turbo is blowing oil and failing and the other says it's an oil leak from the valve cover gaskets. I tend to believe the second. It isn't so bad when the heater isn't on except when I get to a light I have all this smoke billowing out from under the hood about 10 min. into the trip. This seems to be what has accumulated overnight as it doesn't do it later in the trip. It freaks the guys out next to me at the light tho! It is also very stinky. What are your opinions on cause. Can it continue without causing bigger problems as long as I check the oil regularly? I just plunked down $600 for timing belt and water pump and can't afford anything else for awhile!

I just got the car back from the shop. At 148K it looked like it may have been the original timing belt and thermostat! I'm glad I had them changed. Also, what this mechanic thought was the smoke was from leaky valve cover gaskets. I did also do what you folks suggested and got a new water pump while I was in there. Thanks for all your help! Still have the gas smell tho. He said I would probably have to replace lots of stuff to really figure out which was the culprit. Maybe later.

It's blowing white smoke out of hood scoop, not the tailpipe. Only after I've driven hard up a hill or fast.

OK--another stupid question.... what electrical parts need to be covered?

can you suggest a shop on the south end????

I got 2 different quotes for all belts, battery and water pump that run $650 to $800. I will probably end up doing it all if it looks like the timing belt hasn't been changed recently. Wish I had some repair records!

This may seem like a really stupid question, but how do you clean the engine? Is there anything that shouldn't get wet? Just take it to the carwash and use the engine degreaser setting? Thanks! BTW, It used to smoke the same way when the power steering fluid was leaking onto the metal. I replaced a small hose and it stopped.

BTW I've only had the car for 1 1/2 years, bought it at 135K. I have replaced the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, trans. mounts, tires, and regular stuff (tuneup, oil changes, fuel injection cleaning). I really can't afford to do a lot at this point!

I will get second opinions and estimates if they tell me I need a timing belt--they had told me it would runa round $600 for that alone! I would love to find a good shop in Colorado Springs. I go to nearby shops, Precision Motors, Big O, Don's Fillmore.

I will be taking my 92 Legacy (148K) to a shop for a battery this week. They are going to check to see if I need new belts and timing belt before a trip (I have another post with other questions). How do I know if I REALLY need new belts, especially the timing belt. And how much should that cost? I hope to avoid it. I hope it was already replaced before I got the car but I have no records. Thanks!

148K. I've had it since 135K, 1 1/2 yrs.

Also--looking for a reliable subaru mechanic in Colorado Springs!!!!

You all have really helped me in the past and I have some questions for before I take a 3000 mile trip. I just had a trip checkup and they tell me my turbo may be going. It blows smoke out the hood scoop after going up hills or after the turbo has engaged. It shows when I stop at a light or stop. I don't use the turbo much as most of my driving is city but here in CO we have pretty high hills and that's when it blows smoke. The mechanic said it may be seals in the turbo and suggests a new turbo. How bad does it sound and will it be OK to keep driving as is, especially across country? Next, I smell a strong fuel or gas smell when the car is idling or after I stop or at a light. I had my fuel injectors cleaned and a tuneup in July. Any connection? What should I look for? Lastly, the mechanic told me he should take a good look at my belts and timing belt. How will I know if it really needs replacing and I'm not getting ripped off to the tune of $600 or so? What does a worn timing belt look like? My other belts are kind of dry but we couldn't see the timing belt until we take off the cover. Thanks for your advice!

I had no idea I was a speeder:grin:

Just to let you know---I've got a '92 Turbo Touring Wagon. How long have you had yours and what's gone wrong or what have you discovered about yours? I've had mine for a little over a year and have put in a fuel filter, oxy sensor, trans mounts (questionable as to whether they were needed), and tuneup/fuel inj cleaning. Hope that's all I'll need for awhile (except tires this summer).

I currently have 205/60/15 on my '92 Legacy wagon. I went to one tire place and they said I should revert back to 195. What do you think? What is the reason for either size?

I've looked at old posts on this kit from Walmart. I take it, it will work on a turbo? Can a backyard mechanic do it properly? When I priced having it done at a shop it was terribly expensive. I have a slow leak and I don't want to keep spending $100 plus to fill with freon. I don't use the ac that much, but need it for a trip this summer.

Actually, at this altitude the mid-grade is 87 octane. When I travel back to the midwest, I go with the mid-grade there which is 89. No pinging or knocking in the past year but did have to replace the fuel pump. Could that have been anything related???? It was an expensive repair.