My 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback (2.2L) has had decreased power accompanied with rough shifting in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears (giving adequate gas and clutch) and fast ticking. I changed/ replaced: oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. The problem persisted, so I changed the spark plugs. Once I changed the spark plugs I took it for a test drive and it seemed to fix the problem (smooth shifting at low RPM, no hesitation, etc). The next morning, the problem had returned and intensified.
I double checked the plugs and wires (did not test the wires). I noticed the new oil was prematurely dirty (not milky). It had black sediment on the dip stick and compression coming from the fill cap when removed with the engine on. Additionally, There were tiny bubble (2-3 seconds apart) coming up in the coolant reservoir. With the engine off, I removed the radiator cap and started the car. No coolant bubbled up (coolant level OK).
The shifting problem requires extra gas while shifting (yes, the car will shift with skipping if RPMs are abnormally high) but very little speed (2-3 mph) is achieved before having to shift to 2nd. Same with 2nd to 3rd.
I replaced the radiator cap, no change to performance. I am not seeing heavy white exhaust (slightly white). Car DOES overheat intermittently (going up hills, 20+ mile trips).
I don't know whether this is my head gasket, clutch, or a misfire (even though that's what it feels like).
attached is a picture of the oil sample
I double checked the plugs and wires (did not test the wires). I noticed the new oil was prematurely dirty (not milky). It had black sediment on the dip stick and compression coming from the fill cap when removed with the engine on. Additionally, There were tiny bubble (2-3 seconds apart) coming up in the coolant reservoir. With the engine off, I removed the radiator cap and started the car. No coolant bubbled up (coolant level OK).
The shifting problem requires extra gas while shifting (yes, the car will shift with skipping if RPMs are abnormally high) but very little speed (2-3 mph) is achieved before having to shift to 2nd. Same with 2nd to 3rd.
I replaced the radiator cap, no change to performance. I am not seeing heavy white exhaust (slightly white). Car DOES overheat intermittently (going up hills, 20+ mile trips).
I don't know whether this is my head gasket, clutch, or a misfire (even though that's what it feels like).
attached is a picture of the oil sample
Image (Click to enlarge)
Nov 5, 2014 at 11:33 AM
