Hello to all from the Great White (and fast frozen) North!

 

My wife and I recently bought a '95 Legacy Wagon wi/ 140,000 kms. Today, I noticed an oil leak wi/ drops forming between the exhaust pipes. Also drops on bracket holding exhaust "Y" and bottom of oil pan by plug. Does anyone know the cause? Was told it could be engine seal or gasket. Don't have manual but am also looking for one. Thanks, in advance, to all who can help!

More than likely it is the seperator plate on the back of the engine . There is sealant on it that degrades with time and also there is an updated seperator plate aswell (black pastic to aluminium )

 

Sea#3

More than likely it is the seperator plate on the back of the engine . There is sealant on it that degrades with time and also there is an updated seperator plate aswell (black pastic to aluminium )

 

Sea#3

Hey Sea#3, thanks for the info. Now comes the hard part..... how many hours labour and how many $$ Cdn to fix it?

aproxx 4.5 hours labour and 50.00 parts, usually pull the trany , if it's a standard you may want to do the clutch

 

Sea#3

aproxx 4.5 hours labour and 50.00 parts, usually pull the trany , if it's a standard you may want to do the clutch

 

Sea#3

Maaaaan. I was hoping it was something "I" could do! Can a regular garage do this or does it need to be a Subaru dealership?

That depends on the experience of the "regular garage " . In general terms it is a moderately easy job if done right . There are some things that are "quirky about subaru's and if they are not familar with them it may cost you money down the road

 

SEA#3

Truth is, these things leak from a number of different places. You really need to figure out where it's coming from first, then we can tell you what to do.

That depends on the experience of the "regular garage " . In general terms it is a moderately easy job if done right . There are some things that are "quirky about subaru's and if they are not familar with them it may cost you money down the road

 

SEA#3

What kinds of quirks are we talking about here Sea#3? We've had the car 2 weeks. So we're green here. Also, is there a Canadian supplier for the FSM?

Cam seals and oil pumps are routine minor leaks to contend with the 2.2 engines. Both are easy to correct. The timing belt needs changing every 60,000 miles (96,000 kms if my conversion is correct). A good mechanic who is familiar with Subarus will examine the cam seals and oil pump while changing the timing belt since it is all exposed at that time. It's not unusual to have to replace a couple of cam seals at this time. Do you have maintenance records? If not I'd consider changing the belt anyway, they can't be examined visually to confirm a new one, they almost always look new. Also if oil leak onto them they should be replaced.

No we do not have any maintenance records but a sticker under the hood indicates the timing belt was changed at 92,000 kms so not concerned about that. Just worried about this sudden oil leak. It seems like a great car so would like to solve this quickly and cheaply.

Good to know the timing belt was changed.

I'd still inspect the cam seals, they usually start leaking anywhere between 88,000 and 140,000 kms. Try doing a search on the board for oil leaks, cam seals etc. you might get some ideas for your leak.

Good to know the timing belt was changed.

I'd still inspect the cam seals, they usually start leaking anywhere between 88,000 and 140,000 kms. Try doing a search on the board for oil leaks, cam seals etc. you might get some ideas for your leak.

Hey Sam, thanks for the info. Thanks also to Sea#3, and Nug. We greatly appreciate what was offered. It is great to know that you all know this car much better than I do. I'm sure we will be back for more advice and to tap your expertise in the months and years to come!