1 Lucky Texan

previous owner may have installed a deficient type of thermostat.

check for the cap/o-ring problem on the fuel pump. search for info. check for rusted-thru fuel filler pipe behind the plastic cover, or possibly a leak under the hood. a vacuum gauge might help diagnose surging from a vacuum leAK.

try some more searching the Net, I only did a brief search. don't forget to search youtube too. It's sometimes surprising what shows up there.

OOoohhhh - found a coupla interesting links; http://www.tuspeed.com/subaru-cam-timing-adjuster-p-1895.html https://www.crawfordperformance.com/product/pulley-cam-timing-adjuster-for-timing-belt-on-subaru-engines/ and, be carefull - evidently too much timing change could lead to bent valves; http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1490257

swapping in an engine with the AVCS system or w'ever it's called, then dyno tuning, is probably best. But I could see the attraction of experimenting with the idea. might be a good idea to monitor exhaust temps but, just speculation on my part. So easy to get a tooth off - may as well see it it's useful! hah!

I've only used it on the wrx when I had to take the intercooler off. But I think my Outback has a spot too. do the newer ones have it? or has it gone away like the "virgin switch" lol!

anybody use the alternate hood prop location for engine removal?

many newer cars have variable cam timing (and/or variable valve LIFT) so, what you noticed is likely a 'real' effect. but, there could have been trade-offs longterm if left one tooth off; perhaps worse fuel mileage, more likely to burn a valve, slightly worse emissions, less-smoth idle as you witnessed or ??? cars are a pile of compromises and I'd guess cam shaft timing (and other aspects like profile and lift) is on that list.

Is there a diagram or video of this wrench bolted to bell housing trick? also, maybe one of these drawings will show the shaft's circlip;http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b13/type_18/automatic_transmission/

maybe ask them to swap sides when they do the work. You might get lucky and the noises stop with the previous 'reverse worn' surfaces now getting the forward stress.

not sure about a lot of this, you might look up a diagram at opposedforces.com the rear struts are weaker than the fronts - I could push-pull all of the new ones I bought. I'd expect junkyard units to be easy to move without a spring connected. you may need to disconnect the anti roll bar link if you haven't, and, although the design is different, I had to use a scissor jack to push the rear arm down to get some stuff to line up on my 03.

the diagrams at opposedforces.com are unclear. On some models, there may be a removable "liqud tank" as it is called in the parts list. ebay offers parts that look like this; http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-AC-A-C-Accumulator-Receiver-Drier-Air-Conditioning-Filter-Dryer-/261152026959?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ASubaru&hash=item3ccddfb14f&vxp=mtr weird

even with the light, it's a little tricky but, it works. best to clean everything first if possible. swing by the diy car wash and do an engine clean. your plan is similar to what I did, wish I had swapped the schrader valve guts, but so far, it's holding. been looking for quality metal, or0ring sealed port caps. i think that would be a good back-up for questionable valves. no luck so far. you can rent/borrow vacuum pumps from some parts stores, maybe if you let it run overnight it could pull out some moisture??? just a guess.

the logic on which fans turn and/or how fast if they are 2-speed, is complex but I THINK if the car is warmed up AND the a/c is on - both should be running. someone else might have a better answer.

Look in the reservoir while the car is idling, maybe have someone turn the wheel back and forth. Look for foam/bubbles. There should be NO bubbles (ok, maybe one or 2 every 20-30 seconds just from the high pressure flow moving fluid around. BUT, whining is often due to air getting into the suction side of the system. The hose or adapter on top of the pump. Sometimes an o-ring is needed, sometimes a new hose or clamp. you don't want to see this;

If the car is new to you, you should confirm that the thermostat is a working OEM-style unit. Take yours. make sure it's closed, put it in hot water on the stove, monitor the temps with a thermometer, confirm it opens before 180 degsF or so. OR, if you are gonna install a new one, test it too before you install it.

confirm that the rad fans are working. read here;http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/43428-diy-c-air-conditioning-leak-refrigerant-repair-5-less-15-minutes-less.html

can you move the wire, plug and injector to a different cylinder? how about a leakdown test?

look for split CVJ boots - might give you some leverage for negotiation.

my MIL's 2011 Forester has done this twice. Being handled by a nephew but, supposedly, the dealer is charging $300 for 'some' new part. hopefully, I will be told what the repair order says. Her car has very low miles and sits unused a LOT.

Does your owner's manual mention using the fuse when you install a skinny spare or different sized tire? Has your car had a tranny swap done ? I have no idea why it would be there. The 5spd manual tranny has a completely mechanical/fluid-coupled viscous locking center diff. with zero electronic control.

known issue I think with the light in the rear. (but i thought it was brake lights and brake pedal circuit?) Start with that? try a search for the issue too

usually, the complaint is the other way. could your car have had some drivetrain components swapped in the past? Are you tires over inflated. most people find modern soobs to indicate fast by 2.5% or so. Subaru was even involved in class action suit and had to extend some warranties because the odometer indicated higher-than-actual mileage.

many electrical control systems are 'normally closed' (that way, an open wire or connector will trigger an inspection/repair) so, it may be that you're right, IF that is the only sensor controlling the system. But, there's an overcharge sensor too i THINK. And, there could be a relay that's bad-or a fuse. Fuses can be confusing on visual exam - ohm it out. And try a new relay - swap with another if you have 2 that are the same.

John, go back and review that thread. Gloyale is reminding people that a 5spd has no FWD fuse under the hood. Nothing to do with handling a failure of the center diff. Just some confusion by 2-3 respondents as to which transmission was being discussed.