Subie

Car fixed!!!!!!!!!! It turns out the the starter they sent me was the wrong one! I ended up asking a sales guy at a local Napa about it, who was able to check the universal part number. He confirmed that the starter they sent me was the wrong one. I think that several of you were on the right track. This very well might have been for a manual. I also don't think the bendix extended out as far as the old one. Just a note for future reference, the Bosch rebuilt starter that I ordered online seemed to be a sturdier, more heavily built, all around better starter than the on I picked up at Napa. The bendix gear mechanism especially seemed way better. While I can't testify to the longevity of one, I would definitely recommend a Bosch rebuilt starter. If you have to order one, just pray they send you the right one! Thanks to all those that put some thought into my problem and helped me figure this one out. Go Subarus.

Cougar Thanks for the welcome. Also, something I might add. The new starter dimensions seem identical to the old one. The bendix drive extends out the same distance, and I believe is also the same exact diameter. Subie

SEA#3 I am sorry about not mentioning my transmission type. It is automatic. While I am quite confident that I ordered the correct starter, it certainly seems like that would be a easy mixup for the seller to make. I will have to look into that. tcspeer Thanks for the idea. A friend also mentioned that. I was able to take a mirror and visibly check the flywheel. None of the teeth are missing, nor are they worn. Thanks, guys

This is my first post, so be nice! I have a '91 Legacy Wagon LS, and I am having trouble replacing a starter. When I install the new starter and turn the ignition on, the starter motor spins, but the bendix drive does not engage the flywheel. I have tested the starter to make sure the bendix was working by separating it from the engine while all the wiring was still hooked up. Upon turning the ignition on, the bendix drive pops out and starts spinning, just like it is supposed to. I can't find anything wrong with the starter, and there is nothing foreign up against the flywheel to block the bendix drive from coming out and grabbing the flywheel. I am clueless. I anyone has any ideas, I would be most greatfull. P.S. The new starter is a Bosch rebuilt from www.maximumautoparts.com/