joining up committed to keeping my Subaru going!

[Ridingru]

Hi all, I'm joining in mostly for self education, I don't work on my car, but I've been through a lot with it and have a good shade tree mechanic on my side committed to keeping it going. So while he know's his stuff I don't so much, so just want to read/ask questions etc.

Stats:
1995 Legacy LS Wagon
Bought in 2000 with 74,000 miles
Now at 288,000 and going.

Currently has oil leaks and is overheating. Most likely head gasket (never been worked on...) Currently I"m getting timing belt and water pump replaced as it does look like water pump is in part contributing to problem. Last time I replaced timing belt and pump was at 209,000 in 2007. Question: can you easily repair the front leak when doing the timing belt and pump?

I'm firm believer in keeping cars going vs. buying new. But is there ever a firm line as to when you just should throw in the towel? I'd like to get the head gasket repaired and the leaks repaired. Never had a transmission problems, just tons of axels/boot probs.

Also, about 20,000 miles ago was in an accident being side swiped by speeder passing me on right, which spun me off freeway across three lanes and slammed sideways into curb/shoulder and bushes. This resulted in major damage to left rear wheel and front wheels which all was rebuilt with mostly salvage parts (trailing arm, lateral arms brakes etc.) as such, the car cannot be aligned anymore, but it still drives well with not much drift.

My ABS light has been on for ages, keep ignoring it? I live in California now, so do not do much if any rain or snow driving anymore.

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

You should be able to take care of the front oil leaks, cam & crank seals, and re-seal the oil pump when the timing belt is done. Those are pretty common leak points. I'd also suggest doing the rear passenger side cam o-ring, and the valve cover gaskets with new grommets for the bolts. Again, those are all pretty common leak points and should take care of the majority if not all the leaks for you.

Have you tried figuring out what the ABS light is on for? Try one of these methods to get the codes.

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... ostics.pdf
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... ostics.gif