mdconvert

The guru that can answer this question is Cardoc that is on this website/forum: https://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/gen-2-2000-2004.110/

The manual swap idea is pretty tough. This guy is a guru on all things Outback and wrote up what is involved: https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/sleeper-vdc.47896/page-44?post_id=6479561#post-6479561

I'm not an expert by any means but trying to help. If there's a switch for "econ" or "econ mode", does turning that off help?

I was thinking of the metal fatigue/cracking on the tabs of the fuel pump or o-ring. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/symptoms-of-fuel-pump-o-ring-problem.41182/ Have you checked the fuel pressure?

Please let us know how the engine swap goes. I'm in a similar situation with our car and need to make a decision.

I would think it be good to buy one with the timing chain instead a timing belt. Off hand I don't recall when that started.

Given the OPs name could the smell be caused by something unrelated to the car? Until you find it you may want to carry a fire extinguisher with you and don't park it in the garage in case it goes up.

I learned of Super Rupair from this forum. From this site, do a search on "Rupair" and you'll see what others think, as well. Our daughter lives near Boulder and on one of our trips there I checked out Super Rupair. The place was large and full of Subarus. It seems that they've outgrown the one location and there are now 2 of them. I believe the Yarmouth Ave. place is where I went. They have quite a supply of used parts, too. My daughter's car had a cracked taillight. Instead of paying for a new one, they sold her a used one they had on hand for less. Was told to ask for Trent. I've met him once when we had problems with a seat belt.

If Boulder isn't too far to take it, this place is great: https://www.superrupair.com/

I recently bought 4 wheels from Hartlaub's. Fair price, good quality, and no BS. All around good experience.

You're very fortunate to have Cardoc in your area. Definitely the right guy in the Austin area, if not the whole US.

My daughter has taken her Outback to Super Rupair and so far they have been excellent. She met Trent while I was there - she couldn't grab the strap for the back seat to flip it vertically - he did it in about 5 seconds. Also had an o-ring replaced and recharged the a/c system. The other problem was there a noise that my daughter said was coming from the brakes - that was a stone caught in the brake system. In both cases they could have ripped her off by doing work that wasn't needed.

This is the OBDII tool I bought - works great. //www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought torque pro software and have been happy with that, too.

Thanks for your replies. I've passed on the information to her.

My daughter and our 2002 LL Bean is moving to Boulder soon. The car is in great shape and I'd like to keep it that way. To stay ahead of the problems I'm looking for recommendations for a inspection and repair shop in that area. Also, how well are the roads maintained in the city during the winter? Thanks,