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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19285 messages,  Last post on Jun 03, 2013 at 10:22 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 1304 of 1929

#13025 of 19285 Spark Plugs by kens

Aug 13, 2002 (9:12 am)

Replying to: jmulholl (Aug 12, 2002 12:06 pm)
Jim, Joe:
 
I believe some shops out there have misinformation. All Subarus with the 2.5L SOHC Phase II engine use regular spark-plugs (non Platinum) that require 30K change intervals. The 2000+ Legacys all come with this engine.
 
Platinum plugs were used in the previous 2.5L DOHC Phase I engine because the layout of this model made it difficult to remove the plugs. The 60K change interval associated with platinum plugs helped to reduce the amount of maintenance labor.
 
You can use platinum plugs in your SOHC engine without any problems. In fact, many performance-oriented Impreza 2.5RS owners with the Phase II engine have found a marginal increase in engine performance by making the switch.
 
Ken

#13026 of 19285 by jfl

Aug 13, 2002 (11:33 am)

Replying to: kens (Aug 13, 2002 9:12 am)
Ken - Finally, I hear an answer that makes sense. Seeing the cost difference between copper and platinum-tipped, I can do two or three changes w/ copper plugs for one platinum change. I'll stick w/copper.
 
Some time ago I told the story of my VW GTI. Factory specified Bosch silver plugs. Paid a fortune for 4 plugs and when I changed then, the OE was plain ol' Champions. 8~O
 
Jim

#13027 of 19285 plugs and air filter... by oclvframe

Aug 13, 2002 (1:08 pm)

First about the plugs:
I believe that starting in '01, with the advent of the new H-6 engines, the platinum plugs were OEM on the H-6s since they will be incredibly hard to replace (very little space between the fender well and the heads.
 
Now about the cabin air filters:
I have 01 Bean. When I first replaced the filters (which come stock on this model) I was very annoyed to find one of the filters' media was pulled aside where it had 'snagged' as it was being installed. I was even more annoyed when I saw that there was a huge gap behind the smaller (or lower) of the two filters. This is a horrendous design based on what these filters are supposed to accomplish. First of all, if 90% filtration is what they are trying to accomplish, then both the filter media and the filters should be sealed all the way around (no way for air to bypass). Unfortunately, due to poor design, there is lots of bypass around both the filter housing on the lower side and between the filter media and its housing. Done correctly, the filters would slide into a custom rack that has foam or rubber gasketing all around it and the filter media would be glued all the way around to the frame it sits in. As it is designed, the filtration is better than nothing, but as compared to what it should be, it is pathetic and not worth the premium they charge for these filters.
 
Sorry but I had to vent (again....I vented just after replacing the filters the first time!)
 
-r

#13028 of 19285 Sunroof by dude

Aug 14, 2002 (8:09 am)

Well I got my first breakage on my 98 GT Wagon. Sunroof stopped operating. I was opening it one day and heard some noise. Couldn't close it with the motor until I manualy did it. Now it's totally stuck. I took it to the dealer and I told them that the warranty does cover the motor and the switch but they said that there's nothing wrong with the motor but everything else needs replacement. THey said something to the point of $1800 for the whole thing which is ridiculous. Anyway, anybody else had this problem and what's my best solution on fixing it? THanks a bunch.

#13029 of 19285 30K checkup list? by dry_fly

Aug 14, 2002 (9:20 am)

Hi:
 
If I understand correctly the things people have said, I need the following for the 30K checkup:
replace spark plugs, bleed and replace brake fluid, check brakes, replace fuel filters, drain and replace antifreeze, replace air filter, and replace PCV (I have no idea what this is) thing.
Are there any more procedures I need to take into account.
 
TIA
 
Don

#13030 of 19285 by kens

Aug 14, 2002 (9:26 am)

Replying to: dude (Aug 14, 2002 8:09 am)
dude: What did the dealer say needed replacement? You might want to find a local mechanic that might be able to do it for less.
 
Don: The list you mention sounds about right but check your owner's manual -- that will give you a minimum list of things to check at 30K for your particular vehicle. Most dealers will often add on top of that for extra business. You should be able to negotiate what you want.
 
Ken

#13031 of 19285 by ateixeira

Aug 14, 2002 (11:26 am)

dude: that pricing sounds absurd. I had a complete aftermarket moonroof installed from scratch for $895. Call 800-SUBARU3 and ask the rep for some help.
 
Don: change the wiper blades while you're at it, and lube the sway bar bushings (the rubber things that hold them in place). I'll assume you already did a tire rotation and an oil/filter change.
 
-juice

#13032 of 19285 Sunroof by dude

Aug 14, 2002 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: dude (Aug 14, 2002 8:09 am)
Just hung up from talking to subaru. They said that the only way for the dealer to find out what's wrong is to tear it apart which would be an hour or so -- which is out of my pocket. If the damage was caused by motor, they would replace the whole thing for free -deductible, if not, then I'm SOL

#13033 of 19285 89 GL - Emissions answer - reference msg 5601 by outback_97

Aug 14, 2002 (12:51 pm)

89 GL was failing NOx emissions, badly. Here's why, if anyone is interested:
 
The EGR valve was good, but the hose to actuate it was clogged, so it was gerring no vacuum to open up and do it's job. After replacing the hose, NOx levels went from 4000 to less than 400.
 
What was the hose clogged with? A 1/4" ball bearing intentionally put there by someone. Weird. Presumably they hoped to increase power by doing this, or maybe they just wanted more smog in the air. Or, a dishonest mechanic put it there to get some repair business? I'm just glad we figured it out and now it passes w/ flying colors.

#13034 of 19285 by ateixeira

Aug 14, 2002 (1:36 pm)

Replying to: outback_97 (Aug 14, 2002 12:51 pm)
Bizarre. I guess you bought it used? Shame on the seller if they knew about it.
 
dude: your call, then. You could go to an outside shop, but then you'd pay even if it was the motor. Maybe they'd agree to do an assessment for a pre-determined amount.
 
-juice

Messages Page 1304 of 1929

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