Hi all,
First post. I was recently inspired to resume doing my own maintenance again. This came from a combination of saving money and pride in the job well done (hopefully). I used to do oil changes and such but bought a new 2000 Outback Wagon and used the dealer while under warranty, beleiving that they should see a vehicle now and then because they know what a given model "typically' has go wrong etc.. Anyway that's how I justified it. In warranty turned to out of warranty and I just now woke up. I HATE waiting around for service and dealing with the logistics. Would much rather spend the day under the car and have the satisfaction from DIY. This site has already been infinately helpful and encouraging so I dove in.
Car has about 137,000 on it. Has had regular maintenance at the dealer til now.
Anyway, in recent weeks I changed oil, filter, air filter, plugs, MT fluid and rear diff. Fuel Filter is next and I think I am done for a while although the brakes may need some attention. Some questions post maintenance...
Plugs had oil on them as if oil got past the threads. White of sparkplug was yellowed. Runs fine. your thoughts?
MT fluid was maybe a quart low and the magnetic drain had not only a little sludge, which I have read about, but some metal filings too. I'd say I cleaned off a 1/8' layer of sludge/ filings with more than a few 1/8"x 1/8" square thin metal filings. Some floating in the drained oil as well. Surely the magnet is there for a reason but... Normal?
When tightening the rear diff bolts back in, is there a torque spec? Seems they dont bottom out on anything. I did use teflon tape on threads and tightened them about the same as any other drain plug. Many thanks to all who contribute their knowledge to the forum. This kind of thing rocks.
Thanks
JD
First post. I was recently inspired to resume doing my own maintenance again. This came from a combination of saving money and pride in the job well done (hopefully). I used to do oil changes and such but bought a new 2000 Outback Wagon and used the dealer while under warranty, beleiving that they should see a vehicle now and then because they know what a given model "typically' has go wrong etc.. Anyway that's how I justified it. In warranty turned to out of warranty and I just now woke up. I HATE waiting around for service and dealing with the logistics. Would much rather spend the day under the car and have the satisfaction from DIY. This site has already been infinately helpful and encouraging so I dove in.
Car has about 137,000 on it. Has had regular maintenance at the dealer til now.
Anyway, in recent weeks I changed oil, filter, air filter, plugs, MT fluid and rear diff. Fuel Filter is next and I think I am done for a while although the brakes may need some attention. Some questions post maintenance...
Plugs had oil on them as if oil got past the threads. White of sparkplug was yellowed. Runs fine. your thoughts?
MT fluid was maybe a quart low and the magnetic drain had not only a little sludge, which I have read about, but some metal filings too. I'd say I cleaned off a 1/8' layer of sludge/ filings with more than a few 1/8"x 1/8" square thin metal filings. Some floating in the drained oil as well. Surely the magnet is there for a reason but... Normal?
When tightening the rear diff bolts back in, is there a torque spec? Seems they dont bottom out on anything. I did use teflon tape on threads and tightened them about the same as any other drain plug. Many thanks to all who contribute their knowledge to the forum. This kind of thing rocks.
Thanks
JD
