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,

This is interesting. I may take back what I said about this being a short between the tail light and ground since the side lights stay on. If the tail light isn't working I would expect that the side lights would not work too. Sorry, I'm as puzzled as you are.

Sounds to me like there is a short between the ground the the tail light bulb.

The bumpers on many campers are rated for very little weight and many manufacturers do not recommend mounting a receiver on them for hauling bikes, generators, etc... Many campers also already have the spare tire mounted onto the rear bumper. I've followed some of the trailer forums and have read stories of people still doing it; some have said it's fine, others have reinforced the rear bumper, and some have had their bumpers break, losing bikes or whatever else was mounted on them. Mounting the bikes on the roof may be your best/safest option.

Thanks Grossgary, I had read a post where one of the steps was to replace the oil but now see the Youtube video showing it can be done with.

Thanks Grossgary. I saw the hose on Amazon and Rock Auto while ordering the 2 upper and 1 lower radiator hoses. The description says "pipe 2 to engine" at both sites. This is the first I've heard of replacing the oil cooler gasket. Rats, I recently changed the oil. I wasn't sure what was in the 2 lines coming off of the thermostat housing, It looks like the hoses between those pipes may be candidates to be replaced over to the oil cooler. Thanks again.

Doing some preventive maintenance on an 2002 H6 with 100K miles including replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses. Amazon and Rock Auto has a by-pass heater hose listed Amazon Amazon but I don't see this on the car and I haven't found a reference to this part in the Subaru service manual or through Opposed Forces, except for the 4 cyl. Has anyone out there with an H6 ever seen this hose on their car? Thanks in advance.

I just bought a 327 mini from ebay and couldn't get it to work with my phone or tablet (both android). Tried it on a 1999 Chevy Astro and 2004 LL Bean. Phone/tablet would recognize and pair up to the device via Bluetooth but couldn't extract any data from the OBDII. I've read codes off of the van so I'm fairly sure, but not positive that it is working correctly. As Fairtax4me said, some people have had success.

It sounds like a good deal. I've had an LL Bean for a couple years and think it's a great car other than having to unplug the sunroof drains twice. High octane fuel is recommended. Check it for torque bind before you get it. I used to live in upstate NY, so I understand your rust comment.

I just bought a bosal exhaust for a 2002 LL Bean and paid less through Advance Auto than I would've paid through Rock Auto. I took advantage of the coupons that you find on the interweb. Another advantage is if you have a problem with something with Advance you can return it at a local store.

Thanks to your post I was able to replace my heater bulbs without breaking anything. At first the Radio Shack clerk didn't find the bulb but I persisted and found them in the back of a drawer. I believe the part # is 272-1092. Here's a link: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103780 Thanks again