OK, so our '04 Forester X 5-speed, which has been pretty much trouble free except for the airbag warning light going on (harness replaced), trips it's check engine light. It's got just under 30K.

 

I've been working a lot lately, so I don't pull the code, but I did at least check the gas cap. My wife takes it in for service (it's her daily driver).

 

The dealer service record indicates: "Valves adjusted too tight, misfire 1-2 cyl B243-008, ABW-88 warr=.6 adjusted l/s bank valves to specs. Please advise customer to purchase gas at another station as the fuel sample showed a small amount of contamination."

 

Now, there are *no* tool marks anywhere on any bolt that I can see under the hood. I'm thinking it can't be *that* simple to adjust the valves on this engine! I would believe the bad gas theory, it wouldn't be the first time it's happened to me.

 

I don't want to slam the dealer - hey, if the CEL tripped because of poor gas and they want to charge Subaru for a bit of warrantee time, so be it. But this thing about adjusting the valves - could this be some type of valve I'm unaware of? Or is adjusting the valves on this car quite that simple? Or is this pure, unadulterated, meadowmuffin material?

 

Anyone have thoughts on this?

A good mechanic can remove the cam covers - three bolts on either side - without leaving marks. The right tools and a little patience help, and the knowledge that these two factors also stop you scuffing your knuckles!

A good mechanic can remove the cam covers - three bolts on either side - without leaving marks.

Not if you put chalk marks on them....

and you need to do that why?

and you need to do that why?

 

Because most people are liars and try to get money without doing any work. It could have just been something simple, they lied to get more money.

Because most people are liars and try to get money without doing any work.

That's a sad truth.