"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
04/22/2016 at 23:40 • Filed to: None
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"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
04/22/2016 at 23:40 • Filed to: None | 1
| 9 |
Do all Subaru H-4s idle strangely (compared to a regular 4-banger)? Or do I just have bad luck in used Subaru’s?
When idling, it sounds like it’s cold, about to die, fan, quiet, repeat. Something about like that. All 4 used Subie’s (same 2.5L H-4) I’ve looked at have done that.
Also, is this a good car or should I stay away because headgaskets?
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HammerheadFistpunch
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/22/2016 at 23:51 |
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my xt had a rough idle too
Berang
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/22/2016 at 23:54 |
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Does it just sound weird, or does it actually idle rough? They might sound lumpy, but the engine itself should run smoothly if its in tune.
Svart Smart, traded in his Smart
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/22/2016 at 23:58 |
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I’ve never noticed this problem in any of the Foresters in my family; the oldest is a 2006 model that got handed down from my parents to my brother.
Boxer_4
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/23/2016 at 01:27 |
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Is this when it’s cold, or after it’s warmed up?
Generally, on first start up of the day, my 2009 Forester (EJ253) will start at ~2000 rpm. How long it stays there depends on the ambient temperature (longer at colder temperatures). After a bit, it will drop to ~1,000 rpm, eventually reaching between 650 to 700 rpm when fully warm. It will also sit between 650 and 700 rpm after putting it in gear and driving for a bit.
Subaru’s horizontally opposed 4 cylinders do sound different compared to an inline 4 cylinder. The EJ series engines, especially the EJ25 series engines, do seem to idle lower than other 4 cylinders. However, it is usually a rock-solid idle. The only time is should fluctuate by itself is when cooling fans kick in, or if/when the air-conditioning compressor kicks in (both should only cause the idle to jump by ~100-150 rpm)
If the engine is having trouble maintaining idle, it could be as simple as a dirty throttle-body, or a dirty or failing idle air control valve.
As for the included Craigslist listing: The earlier EJ25 (EJ25D, EJ251, and EJ253 - pre-2006 version) engines did have a high incidence of head gasket leaks and failure, and would generally last around 100,000 miles. Things to look for would be wetness from oil and/or coolant where the heads meet the block, and/or oily residue and exhaust smell in the coolant reservoir. Also see if the current owner knows if/when the head gaskets were last changed.
Additionally, the timing belt needs to be changed every 105,000 miles. Make sure that’s been done, or adjust your offer accordingly.
vicali
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/23/2016 at 02:12 |
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Our 08 na Forester idles great- it sounds like a Subaru, a bit like the Westy, and a bit like my 8v Jetta with a street cam..
2002 is the last of the sf boxy shape foresters- 2003 starts the sg models- then there is a bit of a change for 2006. He wagon style ends with the 2008.
Head gaskets have either been done, or should be done. Add $2k to your price and you are good to go. Oh and belts at 105k like boxer said.
Also come introduce yourself to subaruforester.org all you need is there, and we are a pretty helpful bunch.
That One Kid in HS
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/23/2016 at 02:52 |
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Weve got a brand new 2.5l outback and the idle is very unique. Almost diesel like in a sense.
BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/23/2016 at 07:14 |
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Is it “omg the car is shaking so hard that my soda bottle is gonna explode when I open it” rough, or just a little rumbly? All of my Subarus bounced around a lot at idle, especially the automatics and ESPECIALLY with the AC done.
Any 170k+ mile car is probably gonna need headgaskets. In a Subie, it’ll probably be its third set. Look for cloudy oil/coolant, smell of coolant, or oil covering the oil filter - these are signs that the HG is beginning to leak.
How many miles do plan to drive it? They can go a long way before “annoying oil spots” turn into something bad.
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dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
04/23/2016 at 09:39 |
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I only drive about 1.5-2k a year, so not a lot.
And its only a little rumbly, but not smooth like most ‘normal’ engines.
TTercel
> dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
04/23/2016 at 10:02 |
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EJ255 owner here. Should be smooth. Before buying any used Subaru have a compression and leakdown test done.