Expert advice needed in maintenance?
 

Ok this seems impossible to answer, but still, I want some attempts here ;)
I need a list of things to do/maintain on a regular basis so I steer away from the major SVX problems (I.E Tranny failure, etc etc). Such as changing tranny oil, etc.

I keep seeing these horror stories of people's SVX's going to crap, and I just want to prevent that :/ Any SVX care tips, is greatly appreciated (I know this sounds very broad but please help with ANY tips on what I should be doing to keep my SVX from being a PITA). Yes I know to change the motor oil. :D Thanks!

Try not to abuse it.

Parts will fail...that's a given. My theory is try to improve on what you're replacing so it doesn't fail in the future.

how significant of a difference will changing the automatic tranny fluid make? how often should I be doing it? what about the gasket/filter kit? how often should I be doing that as well? also, will a tranny cooler really prolong the tranny life significantly, or just help a little? how hard is the install on the tranny cooler?

sorry for all the questions but it would REALLY help if I got all the answers/tips because my greatest fear is being stranded in the middle of a long long highway :(

also, what do you mean improve on what i'm replacing? such as getting a higher grade part? as in, you get what you pay for kinda mentality?

If you worry about your tranny failing then a 5spd would be your best bet. Yes it's costly but will save you money in the long run.

Change the AT fluid after it changes color. Compare the fluid on a white surface compared to new fluid. It's your judgement.

If you don't know how long it's been, change the internal and external filters. Installing a cooler is easy. Most put it between the rad and A/C condenser.

High termperatures is the biggest killer of our trannies. The cooler they run the better. The worn clutch material may affect fluid flow so what fluid does move needs to be cooled as best as possible.

As with any older car: If you want reliability, replace stuff before it breaks. Establish a tight service schedule for changing fluids, belts, hoses, filters and pumps (based on the warranty booklet data as well as your own experience), and stick to it no matter what. If you're replacing the timing belt, go ahead and get the water pump, thermostat and bypass hose while you're at it. Whenever I experience a part failure, I figure 75% of the elapsed mileage before that part gets replaced again. That may sound a bit extreme, but I've driven old cars all my life, and I don't like surprises.

Yes, change the ATF and filter(s) often, and adding a cooler sure won't hurt. Beyond that, with an automatic, you just never know. As to other SVX trouble spots such as rear wheel bearings, alternators and radiators, there's not much you can do except keep a keen eye (and ear) out for early symptoms of impending failure.

And I'll second Earthworm: If you thrash your SVX it'll probably turn right around and bite you in the wallet. Good luck.

dcb

thank you so much for your wisdom, both of you! as for prices, can I get a quick list of prices for those parts you mentioned when changing the timing belt? I got a napa timing belt already, now I just need to hunt the rest (incl. internal/external tranny filter) also, what website/what store sells it the cheapest? do you have links? This is help greatly!! sorry if I'm asking so much!

also, my svx has been sitting around for 2-3 months (i'm away on college) is there anything I need to do besides charge the battery to make it run? change fluids etc? i really really appreciate all this help because the svx is such a rare car.

thank you dcarrb, earthworm!

There are two sites that are Subaru parts stores and are excellent. I deal with these and have had great service with both.

SubaruParts.com

and

1stSubaruParts.com

Good luck.

Oh, and for the filter and coolers, do a search and you should be able to find that. Check out the How-To Documents for installation and other good stuff. The Maintenance Chart is there as well. :)

it may seem strange to some, but i do preventative maintenance - i replace things before they break.

for example, at 80k miles, i would replace the O2 sensors, TPS, etc.

peace of mind, and a nice running car is more important to me than saving a few bucks.

I change the AT fluid every year about 30k miles. I pull the filter down and flush it out. It is a very fine screen. There is no need to actually replace it. It is not paper that will clog up. There is magnet in the pan that has to get cleaned. It is actual the best filter in the AT. The metal particles on the magnet tell you a lot about the transmission. Very fine powder like particles are fine. If you slivers then it is starting to wear faster. I have been using Lucas AT additive.
Changing the PVC valve is important otherwise the engine builds pressure and blows oil out the seals.
Valve cover gaskets leaking rot the front stablizer bar bushings.
Using Lucas in the PS system will help extend that also.
Checking and maintaining the front and rear differential fluids is important. If the fluid starts to leak and is not checked, then, well it not good. I have added Lucas to the fluid there also. I think it's good stuff.
Keep your tire balanced and aligned.
Wash the engine, clean the engine hoses and tubes, thes erust and rot when the slat gets on them, wash the bottom of the car, wash behind the plastic covers in the wheels wells. Wash to the top of the rear struts these rust out.
Don't floor it in corners wears out the front axles faster.
Take care man:)