tracedog67

I looked in my manual for '97 OBW and it shows the dipstick for the 5 speed manual directly on top of the tranny. What is the bes way to access this? it looks as if one would have to do it from under the car? what's the best way to drain and replace the fluid? Tdog

Fellers, Well saturday I finally replaced all 4 of my plugwires and 3 of my sparkplugs. That last plug in the rear on the driver's side was just about impossible down next to the frame so i left that one in for now. the instructions found here saying to remove the airbox, the washer reservoir and the battery box really made it much easier. When i pulled out the front plug on the driver's side the gap on the plug was practically nil so hopefully that is why i have been getting crappy mileage lately. Or possibly i hit the top of the plug when i pulled it out. I bought the cheapest wires ($38, i think) from BMA and they seem just fine so far. Went with the $4 per plug Autolite platinums because i couldn't find the NGKs anywhere here in northern Cincinnati. thanks all Tdog

What is the easiest way to add tranny fluid back in on a 5 speed munual? I believe there are 2 plugs on this one, I assume the top plug to fill it back up? What is the best fluid to use on a manual tranny? thanks Tdog

Hawksoob, About where is this bracket located? What does it look like? I have a Haynes Manual, will this help me? much thanks for the heads up. I was expecting about 300-400 for getting one side fixed also. Tdog

With this cold weather when I hit a bump or pothole i get a very hard clunk or bang from the rear driver's side shock (or strut?). Is this a DIY project or should I take it to one of the locals, the dealer, or a national muffler/shock place? What is the OEM shock for these cars? thanks Tdog

So, Are you saying for a '97 OBW the buttons to light up the function for the climate control can be replaced without removing the dash? This would be great if so. My '97 OBW climate control buttons work when you push them and the bottom light then come on, but you cannot tell which button you have pushed. thanks Tdog

I am going to change my plugs and wires tomorrow on my '97 OBW and looking for any clues or advice. Is there anything I should remove before hand, is it easier from above or below? Please respond for my wife doesn't want to listen to me cussing and throwing things in the garage. thanks all, Tdog

I have a '97 OBW limited with 211k miles on her. Bought it in Sept of 2002 with 182k and had to have the head gaskets done at 191k miles. I recently found a '96 OBW for my mom with 140k miles and it is showing signs of the headgasket problem! Luckily I got it at a great price so I already factored in the head gasket fix when she bought it. I had Wyler subaru in Cincinnati, Ohio do my head gaskets, timing belt, water pump, and few small items and total was about $1,250.00. this price was much better than estimates I got from independent garages. So far at 211k miles the temp gauge never moves more than halfway and I've got a good guarantee from the dealer. Most limiteds have leather, weatherband, better rims, heated seats and mirrors. Tdog

What are the original sparkplugs for a 4/'97 OBW , denso or NGK? thanks Tdog

Yes, the OBW I went to look at this morning stated it had a 2.2 engine which is why I went to look at it. But, as usual, this was a used lot not a subaru dealer so they didn't even know correctly what the engine size is. Do most of the 2.2 outbacks have the manual tranny? Being a country gal my mom can drive a stick but I was just trying to find something easier for her. Yes, it looks like the legacy wagon is more of an option plus they would be cheaper. tracy

Been looking for a '96 or '97 OBW for my mom in the 4000 to 5000 range. I looked at two of them and both of them had blown or leaking head gaskets. One was a private owner with 180k miles and just 13 months ago he paid to have the gaskets replaced and now they are leaking again. The other was at a dealer outlet lot and the temp gauge shot right up as soon as i got it out on the highway. After replacing my own head gasket on my '97 OBW I'm beginning to wonder if I should look elsewhere to replace my mom's '91 Legacy wagon that is front wheel drive. She wants an AWD car since she lives in a rural hilly area, but i don't know of any others to look at other than subaru. any suggestions from anyone? thanks Tracy

yes the heads were sent out and checked when the gaskets were replaced. The seller is checking with the mechanic who performed the work. tracy

Folks, Went last night to pick up the '96 OBW with 180k miles for my mom as mentioned in previous post. Car is one owner and the guy has taken excellent care of the car with all records intact and all maintenance performed as recommended. In Sept of 2002 he had the head gaskets replaced just like the rest of us have gotten zapped. So I am driving the car home on the highway about 65 mph max for about 30 minutes and no problems. Get off the exit and am about 5 minutes from home, driving at 40 mph and the temp gauge goes full tilt. RASSA FRASSA BRACKEN!!! Pull over, let it cool, get home and add water to radiator and overflow tank. About an hour later I take the car out on the highway again for about 50 minutes of 75 mph driving and temp guage doesn't budge from midway. I think OK maybe it was just low on water. As i literally pull into the garage the temp guage starts creeping up higher. Pop the hood and I see bubbles in the reservoir tank. Would this thing blow another gasket after only one year? The owner is a very nice older (50s) guy who I completely trust. Has anyone seen these things go again so soon? I'm starting to lose faith in SOA if they aren't going to stand behind their designs. thanks Tracy

What is your best guess of the value for a '96 OBW with 180k miles? Good michelin tires, head gasket already fixed year ago, new hoses, plugs, wires, brakes. Green paint in good condition, one owner, heated seats and mirrors, newer water pump, timing belt, main seal. Original owner has all recepts. whada ya think? Tracedog

Hey all, Since i've got 207k miles on the odo I figure the OBW may need new plug wires. What would you recommend? OEM or are there aftermarket that will enhance performance and mileage? whattaya think Tdog

Howdy, I have a '97 OBW Limited with 206k miles on her. At 197k the head gasket went so I replaced them, timing belt, and water pump. I am the 2nd owner and bought it at 181k miles last August. Recently I've gotten more piston slap on the cold mornings but the car runs good. combined mileage ranges from 22 - 25 mpg. Every little gadget still works perfectly including the power antenna, heated seats, and mirrors. who's next Tracy

I have heard many good things about Redline oils but where can I get them? I live near Cincinnati so I am near any retail sources? thanks fellers

Howdy, Have had my '97 OBW for about a year now with 206k miles. Fuel guage has always been somewhat sporadic but I could always tell how much left by my trip odometer and the fuel warning light. But this morning on I-75 in Cincinnati I RAN OUT OF GAS!!!!! This means my light didn't work and I am getting crappy mileage on top of that!! What's the final word on these guages? thanks Tdog