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!

[harrymaneuvers]

Keep up on the oil changes.

With that high of mileage I am pretty sure that your 4EAT transmission mount is toast. This could be creating that hard shift sensation as the transmission is able to lift and fall as the transmission is loaded/unloaded.

You can get a new one from subaru. Rallitek also makes a 4EAT transmission mount insert which you could try to get into your current mount if it is not that bad or you can put it in the new 4EAT mount to make it ever more stiff. This will give your car a "solid connected feel" between the motor and transmission.

You can also check your rear differential bushings. These also tend to deteriorate with time is exploited by the loading/unloading of the rear differential. If there is any play in those bushings you will also get a "Clunk" when the transmission shifts.

If the tranny fluid is pink they it is completely up to you if you want to change it or not. No downside to changing it other than cost. Upside would be peace of mind knowing exactly when it was changed last. If you do change it, get a new spin on Subaru Brand ATF filter. The auto parts stores commonly recommend a WIX part number for the tranny filter which is incorrect.

I say YES to seafoam but use the PCV valve instead of the brake booster as the brake booster would only get seafoam to the drivers side of the engine.

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=965 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=965)

If you havent changed the plugs yet, I would do that also, it isnt very hard and there are plenty of writeups on how to do this. Dont change your plugs before seafoaming, do it after. It is not really necessary because the seafoam hasnt been known to foul plugs but you might as well wait until after the seafoam to do that.

Check you accessory belts for cracking or glazing. I always keep a spare set in my road side kit.

Brings me to my next suggestion... go to Harbor Freight or sears or K-Mart and get a tool bag. Mine looks like this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/00937535000-1.jpg

In that bag I have:

A roll of long reach metric wrenches
A small metric socket set with extensions and flathead/ phillips bits
Jumper cables
HUGE and small zip ties
Small thing of Duct Tape,
gloves, either latex or cheap harbor freight mechanics gloves
Harbor Freight tow strap
couple packets of -20 degrees windshield washer concentrate (just add water)
some hand warmers
some subaru branded disposable plastic seat covers that look like clear trash bags (got these at the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run for free)
2 small flashlights
extra accessory belts

I also have 2 quarts of oil and some shop towels that I have stored in the spare tire area.