lmdew

Clean & replace the boots. The CV joints are pretty tough. If you remove, clean, inspect and reboot them they will most likely be fine. Same with the rack. If it's just in one turn direction and comes and goes when you turn/apply a load, it's most likely the bearing in the knuckle. You can get a used knuckle and install it pretty easy.

Also make sure the trans pan did not get pushed up/dented. The fluid pickup is very close to the bottom of the pan. It may not be getting the fluid it needs. Larry

That's the old style tennsioner. I"m not positive when they switched, but it's an easy check, just pull the drivers side T-Belt cover and look into the center section. You can see if it's the old style or new. You can switch new to old as long as you have the block that bolts to the block and the Pulley. Old styles are the better of the two, IMHO.

I just got a 2003 and the PO assumed someone took his fuel door skin. How are the zip ties working?

Sold, well traded for a 2003 that needs motor work.

Pics at: http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5296085681.html 04/90 on the door sill if my memory is correct.

Drain the gear lube and check for metal. Yes a used trans you can put in yourself will be cheaper than getting your's fixed.

A friend is selling a 90 XT6, Auto. Silver. 138K It came from Alaska, there is a little bottom rocker rust, which has been primed. Silver, some clear coat pealing. It runs and shifts great. New Tires He's asking $1000 Larry

The better half's 98 Outback Alternator went out, the shop says. The car is back at home and I FedEx a good alternator to Valpo. It should be there Monday. Done by a shop for < $90 with the alt I sent. Thanks, Larry

Pic? Smaller dia bolt on the top will also help.

Do you have a Security system installed? Aftermarket ones can cause problems! You could have the Mechanic install some lead wires off the starter contacts that would go to a meter to check the voltage at the starter! The next time it happened you could check voltage: 1) going to the starter 2) to the starter control contacts 3) at the starter motor

If you can, pull your rear struts and take the top mount along to match up the stud pattern and match it to the spring style. Yes, the Outback trailing arm mounts.

Top mounts bolt spread can be different. You may have to switch tophats over.

Outback or Forester struts will work. I use the trailing arm aft bolt, get and extra set, for the top strut bolt. It's about perfect. About 2" of lift. The trailing arm is the same, you need the bracket that mounts to the frame/body Nice lift and extra caring capability. I did one for a Painter and he's load 10 5 gallon buckets of paint and his compressor in the back and it would be just fine.

If it's an aftermarket system, I'd remove it. Not worth the pain. Subaru Systems are good.

No they last forever!

Yep, Load Ground Power. The three items in any circuit. What is providing the ground? What work was done just before this started happening? Subaru or aftermarket radio? Good Luck, Larry

Drop in a good old 95 2.2 and drive it for another 10 years.

Good folks at CCR.

There are a couple of relays in the engine compartment fuse box that control the voltage to headlights. You could pull the relay and jump the main contacts to see if they work directly. Check the fuses in there as well. Load, Ground, Power those three components make up an electrical circuit. Search Load Pro on you tube, you will find some great electrical training videos by Dan Sullivan.

It would help to know the year and engine installed. Also check your radiator when it's cold. Make sure the radiator is full. Coolant loss: External leak, park one a white sheet or large cardboard piece and look for leaks Head Gasket Leaks, coolant can go into the combustion area or be pushed out of the overflow bottle by combustion gasses. Water pump, hoses, water pump, all external leaks Heater Core leak, inside the car, you'll smell it and the carpet will be wet.

When it does it, I'd have a spare plug and plug wire you could hook up and see if the plug is firing. No spark - cam or crank sensor could be bad If you have spark do you have fuel, pull the intake off and put a cap or two of gas in the intake and see if it starts. If so, the MAF could be going out. Good luck, Larry

What's your email? I'll send you a plugs pic. Larry

Subaru and they look good. I may swap them out with spares when I have time to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the info. Larry

Deposits were hard and very heavy. Rear Plugs White and crusty Front Plugs Black and hard With the mileage at 218K and the fact that it's a DOHC, I think it's time for the 2.2 swap.