Allanlester

We have a 1990 Subaru Loyale 1.8 liter with push button four wheel drive with 207,000 miles. I have been using Penzoil High Mileage 5w-30. I've reduced the oil leaks to the point that I do not see any visible leaks beneath the engine on the ground. This I have done simply by replacing the valve cover gaskets, and 'breather' tubes atop the valve cover gaskets. The oil consumption is about one quart every 2,000 miles or so. Though I did not replace the oil pan gasket I did tighten as many of the bolts I could comfortable reach. I have recently been advised by an Amsoil rep. to perform an engine flush using their Engine and Transmission Flush and then use the Amsoil OE 10W-30, and a WIX filter. After 3,000 miles repeat the process. A mechanic at a local shop advised against that because of the molecule size of the Amsoil product, they are all the same(smaller???) as compared with the Penzoil. The result would be more leaks. Any thoughts/experience folks have to offer?

The resolution of the push button four wheel drive engagement problem has been resolved. I discovered that when I pushed the button on the stick shift neither the indicator light lit up on the dash nor did the rear wheels engage. I brought it to a local mechanic shop and within 30 minutes, or about $50., they found a vacuum line that had become disconnected. The line was at a junction in front of the window wiper motor on the driver side/engine side of the firewall. You have all assisted me greatly with this. Thank you. Allan LaValier

Okay folks, it is not my intention to create the tone of engagement that we are all witnessing and beholden to and would prefer to conduct these interchanges in a respectful manner. The car is presently in my daughters possession until her travels to Ecuador on Dec. 30. We have time to figure out the protocol. I have received considerable wisdom from all of you and am ever so thankful. I will post again after I have performed some of the tests and examinations that have been recommended. In appreciation, Allan

Thanks, I will do that.

Thanks. Would that be the engine side of the firewall on the drivers side?

Thanks, then that is where I begin!

I so appreciate your comments! What I have been experiencing is that it was taking an extended period of time for the light to come on that indicates it to be in 4WD. The light did not light up right away as it had been doing. However now it seems to not come on at all. I will have the car after the holidays and will check out the suggestions you are making. Would you suggest I check the vacuum hoses first and then if that does not work check the switch in the rear of the transmission. Thank you!

Thanks! It is a manual. Our daughter has the car this weekend and she says she will be able to know if it is engaged or not when the button is pressed. I will know more later and will make another reply. When I have the car over the holidays I will check the vacuum lines. Now the vacuum lines. I'll need to know where to look for those.

Our daughter is driving a 1990 Subaru Loyale push button 4-wheel drive with around 200,000 miles. It has served her well since we bought it in 2011. The green 4-wheel drive light in the center of the dash is not lighting up consistently when we press the 4-wheel drive button. I believe it is engaging but not so sure all the time. Any suggestions for solving this? Thanks.