Hello all, new here and new to subarus. Recently got an older 98 impreza outback sport 5spd manual. When I went and test drove it the clutch worked fine. The link bushings were pretty much gone so there is a ton of play in the shifter but I could easily find all the gears and drive fine. So I pay the guy, do the title work and take the key. Had to go get a battery from my house to drive it home. Took a few hours to make it back out there and when I went to pick it up, funny thing happened all of a sudden the clutch was like gone. Reving up way high and getting to 10 mph and not moving much. Can smell the clutch burning too. So I had the car towed to my place because at that point the car was mine anyway. Would a clutch randomly go out like that or is there something possibly fixable? I know the guy didnt drive it when I left. My initial thought was the cylinder but it has a cable clutch. I have experience with the ej motors. Ive done head gaskets and timing belts so if I have to replace the clutch ill just pull the motor and do everything but just wondering what would make a clutch do that?

Thanks for any help

Clutch is one of those maintenance parts that I just plan on replacing when I buy a car. You don't know how the previous drove it, or how long ago it was last replaced.

 

I'd go ahead and just pull the engine, new clutch, seals, timing belt if its old.

Be sure to reseal/replace the separator plate and the access cover oring in the bellhousing.

what he said.

 uncanny timing but an easy fix and discerning what happened seems unlikely.

 

how far did you test drive it and did you wind it out hard?

I didnt drive it far, just a few miles around a neighborhood to make sure I could find all gears. Didnt really get on it too hard but oh well, itll be a good car once I get it done.

Is the clutch hydraulic assisted? I don't know, just asking. If so, and low on fluid, this could be the problem.

Its a cable clutch. Not sure if it has any hydraulic assistance but theres only a master cylinder under the hood. Well that I can find at least