hearnmike

Need ideas and feedback from seasoned veterans of subbies, and my experience with them is shallow although I have been a full time mechanic at one time. Had great luck with an 88 wagon and then got into a low priced 1990 with nothing but trouble. It is an automatic to boot and I have heard of the problems with that specific year and headgasket leak also although I took out the thermostat as I heard from others on this site and low and behold it did not overheat and would drive fine if you did not get into a traffic jam or sit. At this point I am thinking of things like rebuilding the spare motor for the old wagon and trying to get the gears matched right as it has a 23 spline tranny which is for a carb model and this one has throttle body fuel injection. This took me a while to figure out buying the wrong driveshafts and having a mismatched rear drive. This is probably old news for most of you guys that run the older sfuff but please tell me if I am on the right track to match the gearcases, any tips. My goal is continue regressing and move toward a brat which I am guessing has the similar drive train to the wagon. Appreciate any help here and hope to grow in my knowledge of the older generation of subarus.

Bingo my friend - I also have a 1990 auto 4by wagon and it has acted funny ever since I bought it with 160K. First it started making noises and slipping between first and second. Put in magic Lucas treatment and like a miracle it just started getting better and better but always had a slight jerk into second. Well that was the good times as a buzz with a slight whine built up untill it is now louder and going to go. I am just like you and never take anything in. My philosophy is I will either break it, fix it or part it out. Wish I could add to any hope for the fix but just telling you my end here. Going to dump mine and go back to old subbies and trucks. Mines for sale now but good luck and hope you find the silver bullet. Lots of good ideas come on this site. Mike

Great info and thanks for the detail and on hand experience. Yes I do have an automatic and can picture just what you are saying about that last half inch when it might be the demise as reinstalling the motor. I basically think of just the head gasket replacement if the motor is really good, or do it up as you have done with your motor and that sounds like some fun with these revy boxer motors. Think I will go with the head gasket replacement motor left in and glad to hear that it is feasible. This motor runs great and has no oil leaks as the front end stuff was already done, timing belt and seals. This will also make sure the airconditioning stays right and all the drive axles can be left as is. I actually have an 88 wagon and wonder if your trick motor is the 1.8 liter, so if you dont mind, please let me know if this is the same as your 89 car. Thanks Mike

Thanks for the tip, I thought it might be possible with a bit of care during the pull.

Experienced subie mechanics - head gasket leak for sure, good compression and motor. Asking advice from those who have, as to pulling the motor. Can you pull the motor out the front a leave tranny (automatic all wheel drive), can the airconditioning be kept intact?R-12 is so high should a change over be considered to the new stuff, I believe thats possible. Car has 165K and is in good condition, and head leak is internal nature with classic systems as I learned on this great site from you guys, locked up waterflow, with no cabin heat, new radiator, waterpump, thermostat. Any advice on head gaskets? I've heard there might be changes or wonder if some brands might be a better choice. All responses appreciated and I will not do this project for a couple of months, but will report the results for furure subie owners in my situation.

I also have a 1990 legacy wagon with overheat problems and would have no cabin heat when the overheating occured. I have replaced the radiator, thermostat, waterpump and still had overheating. I tried the head gasket mix from the auto parts store which seemed to work for about 2000 miles and then had the problem reoccur. My car uses no water from the radiator but does show bubbles on occasion from the radiator. It seems to run cool, and not overheat with the thermostat out. I have run a bypass from the heatercore to elimiinate this possibility and that is where my car is at with 160 thousand miles good luck and hope this might help you eut4ru vb