Subaru newbie just bought an '85 DL, what do I need to watch for?

[MarcKyle64]

Just wondering about tips on tune ups or maintenance recommendations, and
forwarning about repetitive repair problems or odd service requirements like
adjusting intake and exhaust valves or short serpentine/timing belt replacement
intervals. It's an '85 2wd DL wagon with a/c and a 5 speed with 106,000 miles
on it.

 

[Bobby The D]

Just wondering about tips on tune ups or maintenance recommendations, and

forwarning about repetitive repair problems or odd service requirements like
adjusting intake and exhaust valves or short serpentine/timing belt replacement
intervals. It's an '85 2wd DL wagon with a/c and a 5 speed with 106,000 miles
on it.

You must live in the south. In snow country it would have rusted out
about 15 yr. ago.

Dunno if they still do it, but on those old Suburus the emergency
brake went to the FRONT wheels. No idea why unless it was just to be
odd. Discovered this the hard way trying to do a brake job on the one
my wife had at the time (well, hers was a sedan, not the wagon but
same year/model).

One Suburu was enough for us, thank you. It was not an especially
good car.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

You may enjoy the 'old generation' forum at www.usmb.net .

LOTS of helpful guys with old soobs still running - several over 300k
miles now.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[JW]

Just wondering about tips on tune ups or maintenance recommendations, and
forwarning about repetitive repair problems or odd service requirements
like
adjusting intake and exhaust valves or short serpentine/timing belt
replacement
intervals. It's an '85 2wd DL wagon with a/c and a 5 speed with 106,000
miles
on it.

WOW!! Where did you find one with no miles on like that? My 85 Subaru XT
GL-10 Turbo has 398,563 miles on it and all that has been done is the
timing belt replacements, tires, oil changes and spark plugs every couple
years or so. It is also a 5 speed but it is 4WD. Easiest auto to
maintain I have ever had! Well, other than my 80 Subaru hatchback.

 

[S]

Hi Marc, All!

Just wondering about tips on tune ups or maintenance recommendations, and
forwarning about repetitive repair problems or odd service requirements like
adjusting intake and exhaust valves or short serpentine/timing belt replacement
intervals. It's an '85 2wd DL wagon with a/c and a 5 speed with 106,000 miles
on it.

Things to watch:

CV axle boots. Catch 'em early, or plan on replacing the axle.
Coolant hoses. The hoses to the heater core are notorious for failure.
Clutch cable. Tends to fail at pedal end, and feels like a bad
pressure-plate.
Exhaust issues, particularly where "Y" pipe bolts to heads.
Chronic oil leaks, particularly at the oil pump. Not an issue 'til
they get _real_ bad.
Rust along the bottom and in the wheel wells. Generally only a
cosmetic issue.
Heater fan. Often the "ballast" resistors fail, and are a bit of a
challenge to replace.
Fuel pump control box. Hidden behind the kick panel on the drivers
side. Check _before_ popping for a new pump.

Great little cars, and with only 106K, yours is barely broken-in.
Enjoy.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[MarcKyle64]

CV axle boots.

CV boots I know about, my 83 GL went thru those a lot. Is the engine an
interference or a free engine as far as pistons and valves? Or...do I need to
expect bent valves if my timing belt breaks?