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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 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 1748 of 1929

#17467 of 19283 Re: Compression Test and Bad Valve [phil2000] by xwesx

Nov 26, 2007 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Nov 23, 2007 6:45 pm)
It sounds to me like you are on the right track. I have not used the shop manuals for a Subaru, so I cannot comment on them. But, as long as they cover the work you need to perform, the price certainly seems reasonable to me.
 
You can pull the heads with the engine in the car. The clearance between the engine and the frame certainly leaves much to be desired, but you already know that from accessing the spark plugs! If I remember right, always needed to remove the air cleaner housing, washer bottle, and battery when changing plugs in the '96. It had the same engine as your 2000 Forester (2.5L DOHC).
 
Also, when you first dig in to it, pull the timing cover off and check to ensure all the cam sprockets are lined up appropriately. If there is one off by a tooth or two, that could be causing your fit.
 
As for the oil smell, something is (or was) dripping on your exhaust. If it is currently dripping, you should be able to trace the leak back to origin from under the car. The most likely sources include valve (head) cover gaskets, camshaft seals, or front crankshaft seal. Otherwise, it is likely due to insufficient cleaning of the external components after the work was performed on the vehicle. If so, the smell will lessen, but it takes a while to burn off all the residue. You can smell it while stopped because there is no wind to keep it from wafting straight up to the cabin's air intake.

#17468 of 19283 Re: Compression Test and Bad Valve [xwesx] by phil2000

Nov 26, 2007 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 26, 2007 12:44 pm)
After looking at the pictures on your website, I have decided to do the repair myself. I found a shop that will do the valve job for $180 plus parts (2-3 day turnaround). A dealership said all the gaskets I need will run about $150. All I need now is the manuals and another car for about 10 days. Compression should be 140-165 they told me and I can get an after market tool to use with compression gauge. I am not sure when I can start, the original problem and repair seriously set me back financially and trying to recover especially with the holidays coming looks impossible. Pray for me. Thanks
 
Phil

#17469 of 19283 Re: Compression Test and Bad Valve [phil2000] by ateixeira

Nov 26, 2007 (1:05 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Nov 26, 2007 12:57 pm)
Good luck and keep us posted.

#17470 of 19283 Re: Recurring computer glitch in my '07 Outback [snowbrom21] by hypov

Nov 26, 2007 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: snowbrom21 (Nov 26, 2007 11:56 am)
oh brother
 
Looks like you'll need to go the lemon route.
Contact SOA CDS and open up a case file. They probably already have one.
 
An '08 Outback XT would be a good exchange.... maybe have a free In-Dash Nav thrown in
 
-Dave

#17471 of 19283 Re: Compression Test and Bad Valve [ateixeira] by phil2000

Nov 26, 2007 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 26, 2007 1:05 pm)
Something I found interesting just today. These numbers were compiled from my last two fillup. 210.3 miles on 8.568 gallons of regular yields an average of 24.5448 mpg next fillup 11.844 gallons after traveling 296.6 miles resulted in a 25.0422 mpg rating. The combined fuel economy number was 24.83 mpg. The problem that I have doesn't seem to be that bad at all. Prior to the 8th of November (date the pulley went bad) I was getting 25-26 mpg. I don't know what this is telling me. But the first thing I am going to check and soon is the compression. I might just be off a tooth. What does it look like to you guys?

#17472 of 19283 Re: Recurring computer glitch in my '07 Outback [hypov] by phil2000

Nov 26, 2007 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: hypov (Nov 26, 2007 1:45 pm)
I thought about the lemon route. I would probably get it for 2 months or so. Register it then put it on my insurance. Then drop the Forester all to save some money. Then get rid of the lemon once the repairs are complete.
 
What is CDS? And are you saying they will give me another car in exchange? Why?

#17473 of 19283 Re: Compression Test and Bad Valve [phil2000] by jfl

Nov 26, 2007 (11:24 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Nov 26, 2007 12:57 pm)
Phil,
 
I have the 2000 shop manuals (half of them) for the Subaru Legacy and Outback. I don't think they're very specific.
 
Given a choice, I'd go for a Haynes manual. Even if it's a different year, what you're doing on the engine won't change. I think the Haynes step-by-step instructions are the best.
 
You've got my prayers.
 
Jim

#17474 of 19283 Re: Recurring computer glitch in my '07 Outback [phil2000] by xwesx

Nov 27, 2007 (1:02 pm)

Replying to: phil2000 (Nov 26, 2007 7:30 pm)
Phil, Dave was replying to a post by another individual regarding an '07 XT (turbo) that has a serious "ghost" problem. Your car, unfortunately, would not fall in this category. I do not think your car is a lemon. Yours is just suffering a maintenance issue.
 
Depending on what you find when you get in there, it might just be a timing issue. If so, that is a problem left there by the shop that performed the work. A good faith "discount" would be in order from that shop, I would think. The good part is that you HAVE to open up the timing covers to get to the heads anyway, so you will discover if the timing is the problem long before you crack the engine itself open.
 
If the shop manuals do not have photograph-supported step-by-step, Haynes will do you well. This is especially so if you are going to have a shop seat new valves for you.
 
I know exactly how you feel regarding finances; time of year is somewhat less significant for me though, as I feel no holiday-relegated obligation in the gift-giving department. Ah, life. Gotta love it!
 
Wishing you the best,
 
-Wes-

#17475 of 19283 Re: Recurring computer glitch in my '07 Outback [xwesx] by phil2000

Nov 27, 2007 (5:49 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 27, 2007 1:02 pm)
Wes,
What do you think about the numbers I compiled from my last two fillup. 210.3 miles on 8.568 gallons of regular yields an average of 24.5448 mpg next fillup 11.844 gallons after traveling 296.6 miles resulted in a 25.0422 mpg rating. The combined fuel economy number was 24.83 mpg. The problem that I have doesn't seem to be that bad at all. Prior to the 8th of November (date the pulley went bad) I was getting 25-26 mpg. I don't know what this is telling me. But the first thing I am going to check and soon is the compression. I might just be off a tooth. What does it look like to you? Thursday (it will be in the mid 50s), I am going to checking the timing before I do the compression test. I downloaded a PDF version of the service manual, it reminds me of the manuals I had for my Laser. I am ready to get to it.

#17476 of 19283 '08 outback issues by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 28, 2007 (8:33 am)

this may be wrong forum for this but I am contemplating an '08 Outback XT Limited (the i version was simply too sluggish), and while impressed with its AWD, am concerned about:
 
1. fuel mileage (what kind of mileage does the 5 speed auto offer?)
2. turbo "stutter" (apparently intermittant, and something Subaru seems to have trouble fixing)
3. Low end torque (when does the engine actually begin to make power).
4. Seat comfort (how do people fare with long trips in this vehicle).
5. spin out (the outbacks don't have the new double wishbone rear the Imprezas do).
 
FYI I am also considering an Impreza WRX (good: better performance and smaller size, bad: less comfortable seat, 4 speed auto trans).
 
And no I'm not a wild and crazy driver, but have to deal with rain, ice, and lots of fog.

Messages Page 1748 of 1929

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