1995-99 Legacy Wagon 2.2L Auto longevity/maintenance tips

[SubaruMyke]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to SLI and just bought my first Subaru - a 1999 Legacy Wagon Brighton 2.2L auto with 245k miles. It's had two owners and been in Gainesville, FL since new. It's been maintained inside and out religiously and rides well. Before I bought it, it had the timing belt replaced and cam seal replaced. It's currently undergoing a valve cover gasket repair. I'm pretty confident the engine has a lot of life left in it, but I'm just concerned about the transmission. The fluid is pink indicating it must be new or not that old.

I'm planning on going on a 12k mile roadtrip this summer and I really would like to do everything to prevent the car from breaking down.

So as far as the transmission goes, what should I do? Should I leave it alone? The car seems to shift smoothly from first to second completely smooth but I feel a harder shift when going into the higher gears. Also there is some lag when accelerating between 2nd and 3rd. It's like the engine doesn't kick in immediately. The car is still new to me so maybe I just need to get used to it?
I'm planning on sea foaming the car in the brake booster and gas tank - good idea?
I currently have high mileage 10w30 Castrol oil in it.

There may be no answers because I know there are severel factors that determine how long a car lasts, but in general what are some tips you guys follow to keep your subaru running? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Huffer]

To keep it running a long time, you should ask the previous two owners. They obviously did a good job! ;)

For the 4EAT - I'd drain the fluid and replace it with Subaru OEM fluid (buy from the dealer) and some LubeGard ATF Protectant. It's an additive that actually works.

Seafoam is fine - brake booster isn't necessary - but I'd do the PCV and the fuel tank. Make sure to replace the PCV valve and the fuel filter around 150miles afterward.

Castrol GTX high mileage is fine - in your climate 5w30 is probably fine too.

[Hemingway]

Make sure that the head gasket and water pump are in good shape before your trip.

If it were me, I would change the following prior to a major road trip:
- new oil and oil filter (and during trip)
- new air filter and PCV valve
- tranny and differential fluid change
- new spark plugs (and probably wires)
- get battery and alternator tested
- change belts if not in good shape
- coolant flush and refill
- ensure tires are in good shape

Most of these can be performed relatively cheaply and go a long way for peace of mind.

[harrymaneuvers]

To keep it running a long time, you should ask the previous two owners. They obviously did a good job! ;)

For the 4EAT - I'd drain the fluid and replace it with Subaru OEM fluid (buy from the dealer) and some LubeGard ATF Protectant. It's an additive that actually works.

Seafoam is fine - brake booster isn't necessary - but I'd do the PCV and the fuel tank. Make sure to replace the PCV valve and the fuel filter around 150miles afterward.

Castrol GTX high mileage is fine - in your climate 5w30 is probably fine too.


Just wondering why you suggested to replace the PCV valve 150 miles after seafoaming?? I would think that Seafoam would actually clean out a PCV valve if it is dirty, not clog it up anymore.

Either way, the PCV valve is a cheap and easy thing to do and is often overlooked so replacing it might be worth while.

[Hemingway]

Likely b/c these two can get clogged up / fouled up easy with all the crap that is loosened by seafoam. Plugs too.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Make sure that the head gasket and water pump are in good shape before your trip.

If it were me, I would change the following prior to a major road trip:
- new oil and oil filter (and during trip)
- new air filter and PCV valve
- tranny and differential fluid change
- new spark plugs (and probably wires)
- get battery and alternator tested
- change belts if not in good shape
- coolant flush and refill
- ensure tires are in good shape

Most of these can be performed relatively cheaply and go a long way for peace of mind.

Good list.

To the OP:
I wouldn't worry too much about the headgasket on your vehicle as the problem engine is the 2.5L engine. Not that they can't go on a 2.2L but it's not a common problem at all on the EJ22 engine. I would imagine that whoever is doing your valve cover gaskets has taken a look at the headgaskets while they're in there and would let you know if there was a visible problem.