legacycentral bbs

Please forgive me if this is in the wrong section...

First post here from B.C Canada.. Well ive just bought my first Subaru, a 1992 AWD legacy 2.2t sedan. Only 142,xxx original KM's. Im picking it up later this week. Ive always been a Honda guy (and still am, have a pretty modded 95 integra) but I really wanted a Subaru for winter months! Its pretty much stock other than a magnaflow cat back. The only things the car needs are the valve cover gaskets changed (leaking onto exhaust) and the passenger window regulator.

Really the only question I had was how's mileage on these cars and what fuel octane is recommended. Ive read mixed things online.... Best to run synthetic oil in these as well, 5w30 ?

Thanks guys!!!

Mileage is going to be between 22-25 mpg driven moderately. You probably have leaking cam seals also so check those. Welcome to the forum. You've bought the best Subaru you could and I'm jealous I wish my first was a turbo.

Welcome to the BBS.

If you're doing the valve cover gaskets make sure you also do the valve cover bolt grommets as well.

The owner's manual calls for at least 91 octane.

As for synthetic, it may increase your oil leaks so you may want to try and take care of them first before making a switch. I think the viscosity may depend on your climate. I run 10w30 because the base oil is a little thicker compared to 5w30. Fuel mileage may be better with 5w30, but couldn't tell you how much and whether it'd be measurable or not.

I also run 10w30 Mobil1 synthetic. Reason I run that weight is because the factory service manual provides a chart which I posted in another thread that shows temperature ranges and which oil weights to use for your climate and basically anywhere you won't normally see temps below 20 degrees (I think) it recommends 10w30. If you live in a folder climate use 5w30. I use 91 octane but that's as high as it gets around here.

I ran Shell 92 when my car was running. Mobile 1 10w30 Fully synthetic for me.

We have 93 here woop woop. Also we all use Rotella T6 here in the Panhandle.

Thanks for the replies everyone!! 91 it is then!!

Also the oil leak onto the exhaust, now you can look and see that the valve covers are weaping/leaking but how likely is it that it could actually be a leaking head gasket? Cars got 140,xxx KMS. (not miles). It runs great, no studders or anything. Coolant is nice and green and no white smoke (or blue for that matter) out the tailpipe. Just been reading thing online and got a little worried haha!!!

I think with a leaky head gasket you'll most likely be able to visibly inspect the mating section between the heads and block? Also I smelled smoke after driving for awhile.

I doubt it's a head gasket. Head gasket external leaks are usually coolant leaks and you'd notice your coolant disappearing. It's probably the bolt hole gaskets for the valve cover like Josh mentioned. Super easy job to replace the valve cover gaskets. And rubber Holt hole seals.

Cool cool. Ill replace the valve cover gaskets and grommets in there too and go from there!

And yes I can smell a bit of the burning oil after driving it but im assuming that's the valve cover or or grommets leaking right onto the exhaust (creates a little smoky sometimes)

When you get done changing the gaskets, pressure wash the engine area (be mindful of the electronics) to get rid of as much oil as you can so you can look for any previously unidentified leaks.

Good idea. I like to mix a diluted bottle of purple power and spray down the engine prior to pressure washing. Let it sit for 10-15 mins and pressure wash it off. Even the one at the diy car was stalls will work.

That's what I do too kimo. I degrease and spray it down with a good garden hose. Then its easy to see any leaks an where they originate from.

Awesome thanks everyone!! Im a happy Subaru owner so far!!!