Here is what I know:

 

Bought a 90' DL wagon (non turbo) drove around for a few weeks mostly no problems. In for brakes, stops VERY nice now.

 

Sold / Gave to daughter who left Seattle area no problem. Around Woodburn Oregon, she reports the following:

 

"CEL" flashed on, engine died. She tried starting, it will crank. Simply will not fire.

 

Of course we will have timing belts checked - I don't recall if CEL comes on when one fails.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

 

As a side note I must say I am TOTALLY impressed with this forum. I've been reading for last 3 weeks since I picked up this ride. I did have an 87' DL (2WD) for 15 years / 200K miles and did most of my own work. I could do timing belts in under 30 minutes by the time I got rid of it :-)

hmmmm....best way to tell is to check the code. it could be any number of things.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/47526-subaru-ecu-codes-for-1983-1988/

 

I know it says 83-88 but it should be mostly the same for a 90... also, i didn't know they made DL in 90. i thought in 90 they went to loyale.

Yes, the CEL will come on if the drivers side timing belt breaks.

 

Mark

First check to see if the set screw had fallen out of the rotor under the cap. If it is there , great. Verify the distributor is turning while cranking. If not, bet on a broken timing belt.

Yup, it was a driver's side timing belt.

 

Won't even go into detail on the bs with the mechanic it was taken to, but I will say if you and your Subaru are stuck in Cottage Grove Oregon, I would not be going to B&A Auto.  Not only are they bozo's, they will likely tell you your car is an old POS.

 

No kidding.

 

The good news is we found a fellow down there who knows the boxers inside out, and will be taking good care of us.

 

Thank you again to everyone here.