Hey all -- First post for me -- hope to get some advice.
I am currently going through Head Gasket Hell with a '97 Outback that I just picked up used - luckily the HGs were warranteed from the dealer where I bought the car. *sigh* But now my car is at the mechanics and the engine is out. I just got the list on all the _other_ things he thinks should be done to bring the car up to snuff.
I'm definitely doing a new clutch - the old one was doing the flakey jumping after cold starts (no, i'm not just a crappy 5sp driver). How do I know that I'm getting one of the new improved clutches that don't have this issue so much?
Also, new rear seals; check the radiator, thermostat, timing belt all understandable fixes.
BUT! The kicker is that he says that the timing belt pulleys are somewhat noisy and I should replace all 4 pulleys at about $110 per pulley. OUCH.
Questions:
Could someone give me the lowdown on whether this is VERY BAD THING, something that should be done while the engine is out (like the clutch) or is this a "would be a good idea to" item, but can be done either with the engine out or in. I realize that this is an interference engine and that a timing belt failiure due to a seized pulley can be super bad. I've also noticed that the car would shake a little on idle - I initially wrote this off to the warped heads - but now I think it might be these pulleys? Any opinions? Advice? Help!
I read on another thread about folks using a syringe to inject some more lube into the sealed bearing housing for these pulleys. Is this something a mechanical moron like me can do (most i've ever done is alternators, headlights, and oil changes.) Does it work? Pitfalls?
Thanks much for any insight to my predicament -- i'm looking for a reliable car and wondering why the outbacks aren't as bomber as my '87 wagon, my '92 wagon or my deer-mauled '95 wagon. A little frustrated.
cheers, Dirk