MR_Loyale

Sometimes the tuition at the school of hard knocks is steep.

So how many of you folks from where I grew up are going to join our Subie Trek to WCSS in Longview on Sep 6? http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/139948-old-gen-caravan-to-wcss/page-3

+5 on the new oil pump suggestion.

Well technically for the AC it is called a condenser, unless it is the one inside the car which is the evaporator. Without the radiator, your car would not run very long. But I am sure the homeless person didn't care.

In September I am going to be doing head gaskets and probably a reseal while it is all out as well. It will be 35K miles since I last did a reseal in 2008, though I didn't do head gaskets then. Where all can I use the ultra grey? Cam towers etc?

I just got done putting a keyless entry on my Loyale and didn't connect the horn so it only flashes the light while locking and unlocking. Since your's is a new vehicle you should check with the dealer. I just found someone else had this procedure: 1. Sit in the driver's seat and shut all doors and the rear gate. (I think this should be written as: make sure that all doors are shut before you sit in the driver's seat). 2. Hold down the REAR (UNLOCK) side of the power door locking switch. (I think this should be written as: Insert the key in the ignition and hold down the REAR (UNLOCK) side of the power locking switch. 3. While holding down the REAR (UNLOCK) side of the power door locking switch, pull the key out and re-insert it into the ignition switch at least 6 times within 10 seconds after step 2. 4. Open and close the driver's door once within 10 seconds after step 3. 5. The turn signal lights flash 3 times to indicate completion of the setting. Apparently the isntructions are in your owners manual. See 2-10 in the owners mnual: http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/69529/pdf/ownerManual/069529_2013_XVCrosstrek/MSA5M1317ASTIS_9.pdf

Ok folks. Less than three weeks to go. If you are coming from a long ways away, you should be road testing your vehicle in the next week or so in case a major issue arises so you will have the time to fix it and still make the trip. Some more checks you can do: - Jack it up so the front wheels are off the ground. Grab the wheel with two hands and try shaking the wheel to see if there is any play: top and bottom - possible ball joint. Left and right - possible tie rod. - Check belt tension. A squeal when you hit the AC means the inner belt is loose. Adust the tensioner to remove the squeal. If any belt is over 2yrs old, replace it. Free thing you can do to help a bad idle: - Sometimes the distributor cap gets lots of carbon build up and the posts and rotor tip are not optimal. Unscrew the two screws on the cap(do not disconnect the wires) and lift it up and wipe the inside clean with a lint free rag. If the posts and rotor contacts are dull and tarnished, you can scuff them with a piece of emery cloth or fine sand paper to improve the surface.

I cam across some videos on youtube in which the topic of the cooling system was discussed and it was mentioned that the radiator cap should be replaced periodically. I don't recall what sort of schedule was mentioned. Should a radiator cap be replaced periodically? I have had the same one on my EA82 for the last 20 years. While it is true I am a cheap bastard at heart, I am willing to buy a new one if it is recommended. Just never heard of this before. What do folks think?

Yes, http://www.subaruparts.com/cart/?pn=380050100+

I like the EA82. It kind of grows on you. I have had mine since I bought the car new in 1994. I was quite shocked to see that it was dripping oil at 65K miles. I recall that at 85K miles the stealership tried selling me a rebuilt engine because of all the oil. Stopped going to that stealership, actually that is when I started coming here to get my info on fixing the car myself. By then the car was getting to the point in book value where the cost of failure was not so great, so I decided I could do just as bad a job as any buttcrack BOB and it wouldn't cost me as much money if it ended up broken. The one thing I will say about the engine is that every time I have turned the key,it has started up. That has never been my experience with any other car I have owned. That simple fact means a lot to me. It means I won't be stranded. It means that when life is throwing me crap, this won't pile on. Parts are still relatively cheap and easy to get for it. Lots of room in the engine bay. Fairly forgiving for the learning backyard mechanic. If you are just learning how to work on engines, not rich and want the highest chance of a successful outcome with a high degree of forgiveness for your mistakes, I would take an EA82 over any engine out there.

How did it just die? What are the symptoms?

Looks like your front grill is missing.

Since you are going through this car so thoroughly, I might mention that you can still get those splash shields: http://www.trademotion.com/parts/1990/SUBARU/LOYALE/?siteid=214857&vehicleid=1270055&diagram=7525092

Either Hitachi or Panasonic.

2013 Subie Trek Pre-Trip Checklist Suggestions 1) Hoses and Belts - Check your hoses and belts to ensure they are strong, flexible and not cracked, checked or brittle. If your belts are over two years old replace simply as a matter of preventative maintenance. If your hoses are over six years old, consider replacement. For non-turbo EA82 engines, replace that 1/4 inch bypass hose that goes between the thermostat housing and the block. Hoses and belts are relatively inexpensive and preemptively changing them is cheap insurance. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-inspect-belts-and-hoses/index.htm 2) Fluids - Before you leave and at every gas fill up, check and top off your oil, coolant, transmission and wiper fluids. Check the power steering and brake fluids and top off as necessary. You should know your car well enough to know if it uses or leaks oil and keep topped off appropriately. A small bit isn't a problem, but if your 1979 Subie leaves an oil slick larger than the Exxon Valdez down the interstate, you might want to bring it on a trailer rather than drive it. http://www.wikihow.com/Check-the-Fluids-in-a-Car 3) Tires - Now is a good time to have your tires inspected for safety. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots. Did you remember the spare? Do you know where the tire iron is located? Does the jack work? 4) Brakes - This is an absolutely essential safety device.If your brakes squeal, grind or the pedal is mushy, you need to get that repaired. If the brake hoses are cracked and brittle, they should be replaced. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-essentials-of-checking-and-maintaining-your-ve.html 5) Pre-Road trip shakedown drive - Take your Subie out and drive it at least a 100 mile trip to ensure it will perform properly at least two weeks before. Note any grinding, shaking or other unusual noises. If your prized 360 hasn't been out of the garage in 20 years, firing it up on trip day and just driving it is a recipe for problems. 6) Have a contingency plan. If you just changed your belts, keep the old ones in the trunk just in case. Carry extra oil and coolant. Some basic tools such as a regular and phillips screw driver, pliers, flashlight and perhaps an inexpensive socket set are always good to have. Does the flashlight actually work? Got any additions? Reply to this post and add em.

OK it is now officially renamed and henforth this enterprise shall be referred to as Subie Trek. No extra charge for the double entendre.

Was that the engine you just put together recently?

I prefer we keep the route simple. Not everyone knows that area as well as those that live right there. The goal isn;'t to see how fast we can get there, it is the trip that is the adventure. A straight shot down I-5 is easiest to remember. As for a head count I am planning on getting an official one soon. Lots of folks are still trying to get time off etc and so cannot give a final answer. I suspect about 10 days or so prior I wll ask everyone to PM me with some info so we can know who is going along and also so they have my contact information. We are stilll three weeks out.

I am not hitched at the hip to the name Marcus. And you'd have to try much harder to offend me . Convoy brings recollections of a movie old timers will remember long before you were born (10-4 rubber duck): And no, it wasn't a porn movie. The image above is very misleading. LOL. The only synonym for convoy I get is ....wait for it... Escort. LOL. On the plus side though, we would have a theme song:

Somehow I doubt "rich" applies to owners of 30 yr old Subarus. All you millionaires here on USMB, raise your hands.

Ok folks here is the official plan for our WCSS Subie Trek COMMUNICATION: Cell phones for long distance. If you are in Ellensberg and running 20 mins late because your radiator hose broke, call me and we will wait for you. ON THE ROUTE: FRS radios. If you are not familiar with these, they are similar to walkie talkies but with a 2 mile range. No license required, no monthly minute plan. A pair can be had for about $25. I am willing to loan some but if you can afford it I ask you to buy a pair. The link below is a good source: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004RG0YMM/ref=sr_1_8_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375735183&sr=1-8&condition=new NOTE: Do not buy from Packet eCommerce Solutions (one of the vendors in the above link). They do not ship from California as they say in their Amazon listing. They ship from Ohio. RENDEZVOUS: Tacoma Mall parking lot between 12:30 and 1:30 pm Friday Sept 6. Meet across from the Krispy Kreme(4302 Tacoma Mall Blvd) in the Sears parking lot. I figure this will give us time to meet each other while waiting for others to arrive. I will have FREE FOOD - doesn't get any better than that. Longview is about 1.5 hours away. Directions to the Tacoma Mall Southbound I-5: Take exit 133 onto S 38 st. Turn left at the first intersection ont Tacoma Mall Blvd. and keeping going straight until you see Krispy kreme, about .75 mile on your right. You will see us with a big Subaru Flag just beyond. Northbound I-5: Take exit 130 for S 56th St toward Tacoma Mall Blvd. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Tacoma Mall Blvd and merge onto S 56th St. Turn right onto Tacoma Mall Blvd. Keep going about ROUTE: Tacoma Mall to Longview/WCSS site. Time about 1.5 hours. Arrive at WCSS around 3PM.

Yes. I have just returned from a scouting mission to Krispy Kreme at Tacoma Mall. Of course I had to sample the product to make sure it is up to WCSS Caravan Subie Trek standards LOL. The area right across from Krispy Kreme near the blue donation bin seems perfect. I will update the instructions to make this the official "place". Just to get an idea, if I buy the double dozen deal, all you folks are going to eat them aren't you? Cause I ain't gettin no wheat grass juice! Just updated our itinerary post. Everyone please review.

Must not have had the right search term, came right up for me: http://www.troublecodes.net/Subaru/

Wait a minute. Excessive differential thermal expansion? Are you saying the heads and block are different metals? I thought they were both aluminum.

No problem. I absolutely hate scumballs that take advantage of folks. Might want to consider a class action suit. I know on the Toyota 4 runner forums there is at least one guy who got screwed by Engine Haus. It would bolster your AG complaint if you could get that guy to join your complaint. User is jmt2404 and you can read his bad experience here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/97531-seattle-area-maintenance-meet-11.html This Engine Haus guy supresses any negative info about himself using an internet reputation company so no potential customers get wind of his scam via google. You will also notice this thread is hard to find on google using any negative search term. I wonder why that is ?? Hmm. Let's try an experiment. Say I write "Gig harbor engine Haus sucks". Now you would expect that googling this a day or so later would get a hit, right? Let's see if we can come back in three days and get a result googling Gig harbor engine Haus sucks". I am just glad you posted before I became a victim too. Like I said, I was given a car with a blown engine (Toyota) and was seriously looking at Enginehaus. Not anymore. PREDICTION: Enginehaus will be out of business within 24 months.