[porcupine73]

Speaking strictly of the oil, the main engine oil leak sources in this case (dripping on the exhaust) are likely to be the plastic rear access cover plate, or possibly the rear main seal, though those don't usually leak.

 

[45sxt]

So it's probably going to be a costly fix as long as this car can hold me for a winter ill be fine. I would love to keep the car for at least another 100k but I just don't have money to throw away on a Craigslist special.

 

[cardoc]

The oil leak could also be the pan seal leaking, the oil drain plug washer, the oil filter, valve covers. It only takes a couple hours to pull the motor out then another couple to reseal, change t-belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, plugs then reinstall. It would be worth it. And, you could start from scratch on the maintenance intervals since you will know where you are with everything. And it is so easy, you could even do it yourself.

The CAT efficiency code can be explained here http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/49537-p0420-diag.html

 

[porcupine73]

Oh yah if you just want to drive it as a craigslist special, just make sure you always keep the oil topped up. You can likely get away with even dollar store oil in this case considering how much it is leaking. If you let the engine oil pump suck air though, from getting too low, you will make her die a pretty quick death.

 

[45sxt]

To be completely honest I can do most maintenance myself but I hate working on power trains. I need to run a car fax on it before I sink money into it and evaluate whether or not I will be buying a new car soon honestly thinking about a 2010 legacy outback. In these short 2 weeks it has really grown on me.

 

[cardoc]

I put 300k miles on a 99 Outback without ever removing the engine or transmission. No HG issues either. Just scheduled repairs. I either got lucky with it or it was due to my meticulous nature with maintenance.

 

[sinisterplaydough2]

I am still new to Subaru like you, so I don't know if yours is the same, but I discovered an oil leak on mine from the bottom of the oil pump. There are a couple of plugs similar to engine block drain plugs on the bottom of the pump and mine were just slightly loose and causing oil seepage. Probably not the main source of your problem, but at least its another place to look.

 

[sirtef9]

I am still new to Subaru like you, so I don't know if yours is the same, but I discovered an oil leak on mine from the bottom of the oil pump. There are a couple of plugs similar to engine block drain plugs on the bottom of the pump and mine were just slightly loose and causing oil seepage. Probably not the main source of your problem, but at least its another place to look.

Those are the wrist pin access plugs, known leakers. The oil pump seal is right above that so that could be it too.