provin1327

Looks like the previous owner just did a tune up, wires look new. I'll pull a plug tomorrow to see. It has 185,000 miles, didn't check the pcv vavle

1996 Impreza Outback, 2.2: 5 speed has developed an intermittent rough idle. I noticed it when I came back from a highway drive. It only happens at idle, it takes off fine and runs fine, no check engine codes either. I replaced the fuel filter, put some seafoam in the vac line as well as a gas tank because I am thinking it may be a dirty air idle controller or a dirty injector. What confuses me is that it doesn't always run rough. Sometimes it runs perfectly smooth at idle, warm or cold, then 5 minutes later it will start to run a little rough. Not a misfire but a sort of out of balance engine feeling in my seat if that makes sense.

Sounds like the center diff is shot http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f89/center-diffs-how-replace-them-46979/

How did the replacement go, I am guessing this is whats failing in my transmission.

So I just picked up this 1996 Impreza Outback sport 2.2L 5 speed a few weeks ago and I am hearing a clicking/bind/banging in the front end when turning both ways at full lock on dry pavement. I did a bit of research and found it may be torque bind in the front diff? I just reolaced the trans/diff fluid after finding out it was a quart low and dirty, filled it with 80w90 gear oil which seemed to cure the sound for a day but now it's back. Anyone have any suggestions on what this may for sure be or how to cure it?

Replaced the radiator and coolant, now thats what I call HEAT!! Whew, the inside is nice and warm now

Yep, Ive had to replace radiators in three different Jeeps so its nothing new, just wish I had a garage to work in :/ I will report back in about a week once it warms up and I can get the radiator in.

I believe further inspection has answered my questions. The radiator overflow works on expansion and contraction, if there is a crack in the system then it can't (efficiently) draw coolant from the reservoir which is why it's full. The clunking I heard may have just been a piece of ice because there doesn't appear to be any damage under the hood. I checked the radiator and it's empty :0 so I am guessing the -10* temps outside plus the fans running have been enough to keep it cool. The fact that the heat was working and has now stopped probably means there was enough coolant but since I have been running it these past few days it has dried up through the leak...maybe. I will replace the radiator and follow up.

Looks like this sub zero weather put a crack in the radiator, where the plastic meets the metal, just above the fan. I was sitting at a stop light and started hearing a clunk, like something was hitting the fan. Started steaming a bit and noticed the crack when I parked. Now I also have no heat from my interior HVAC and the fans stay running the whole time. I know the radiator is an easy replacement but what about the heat problem, why would that start? Could there be a clog in the system which also helped the crack form? The radiator fluid looks a little dirty and it's overfull. When the engine is at full operating temperature the overflow bottle is totally topped off, shouldn't it only be at the full mark when it's at full operating temperature?

Sounds good. Just have to wait before it gets above -15* to do anything :0 I haven't had a chance to really poke around this guy since it's been so cold and I don't have a garage. Thanks for the advice guys. I won't be modifying this Subaru but if I ever need any help on repairs or maintenance I know where to go

Also, I cant seem to find a good sticky or FaQ on fluid levels and fluid types. I would like to change all of the fluids once it warms up. The only info I found was some good gear oil for the transmision, a castrol oil that is only sold via GM. What do you guys use for viscosity in the diffs and engine?

Good to know. I replaced the battery today and drove it in the snow. Wow is this thing AWESOME in the snow!!! I'm used to a big, short, stocky Jeep with 33" x 12.5 tires that just float on the snow and track everywhere. The Impreza cuts through the snow and that's without a nice set of winter tires, I can only imagine what a set of Blizzaks would feel like. I don't have any evidence for it but the owner did say the water pump and timing belt were both just replaced. The only thing that catches me is a whine in the front diff once I get up around 40 mph, is this normal? I am assuming the gears are just a bit worn and it may get quieter with a fluid chance, either way not really a big deal. Also, the air bag light is on. I haven't done a search on the forums yet but what is a good place to start so I can get that annoying red light off?

Whoop whoop

Besides driving it over a speed bump and feeling like you're in a boat, is there a good way to check struts? There didn't seem to be any rust at all on the underside, and the downpipe of the exhaust looked like it had just been replaced. I'll turn the wheels lock to lock to see if the boots are split but I didn't see any noticeable globs of grease or any grease that looks like it has been thrown out from the CV joints. I gave him a call and told him I should be buying it tomorrow after one more test drive (in the snow hopefully after the 4 inches that may fall tonight )

You guys rock, I think I am going to pull the trigger on this old beater

What are some things to look out for? Anything common that goes out? I heard that there is a head gasket problem on early 2000's 2.5L but not much about the 2.2L. Both Jeeps and Subarus are very popular in Colorado, for good reason. Are Subarus fairly easy to work on? Jeeps are like a tin can, that's what I am used to.

I posted this on another forum and got quite a smug response, I'm just looking for some advice from a few people who know a thing or two about Subarus. I'm looking to buy an old 96 Legacy. I live in Colorado and have been a Jeep fiend for years but I need to sell my current Jeep and buy something cheaper for financial reasons. I am looking at a 1996 Impreza Outback Sport 2.2L with 186,000 miles for $1,800. The drivers fender needs to be painted, the hood has a bit of surface rust from a small fender bender and the windshield is cracked (normal Colorado thing) but for the most part it seemed to run fine mechanically. The engine sounded like it had a bit of a whine but this is the first Subaru I have driven and I'm guessing it's normal because there was no sign of a knock or tick and the sound got louder in the higher rpm range. The interior is alright, just needs a little TLC, power windows and locks work fine, AC needs to be recharged but for the most part it's all small cosmetic stuff. I am moving out for college and can make about $6,000 if I sell my Jeep and buy this Impreza for $2,000, normally I would not buy anything this old or with this many miles, but finance is what is pushing me to consider this old car. My only concern is the mileage. Do these things run long before they have major mechanical problems? I am a gear head and know my way around cars due to years of 4wheeling and modifying Jeeps but I don't have any experience on cars or flat 4 engines. Owner says timing belt and water pump were just changed and the tires are practically new. Does this sound like an ok deal for $1,800? I just need something that will do decent in the snow and last me another 3-4 years with fairly small amounts of driving.