O.K. To all the mechanics out there, we could use some helpful advice

Vanity | 09/04/2002 | Tybee Island

[TYBEEISLAND]

Hello to all the freeper mechanics out there, We have a 1986 Suburu, its our only mode of transportation, and its broken down.. It was running fine, and just stopped like it ran out of gas, but thats not it. I've checked the coil with a test light, both sides (positive and negative) from the battery and the distributer, and they have charge, no spark comes from main coil wire to the distributer cap center, we've pulled the distributer cap and the rotor does not turn when we engage the ignition. We've replaced the coil with 2 different ones and its still not running. Also, don't know if this is important or not, but the other day the wind shield wipers just quit. We are not mechanicly inclined as you can tell. Could this be a spark plug problem? This is our only car, and its a real problem getting to work without a car. I've posted on a couple of other car sites but I figured freepers are the best, so here it is. Any advise will be greatly (GREATLY) appeciated

[Truth Addict]

So, was it the 1.8?

Have you found both fans yet? ;-)

[templar]

However, do you agree with me that trading up may make more sense in the long term?

depends on the shape the car is in. A non running '86 subaru in otherwise excellent condition might be worth something in trade to the right party, but getting it running, at least minimally, would greatly increase its' trade in value.

In any event, unless you have, or are willing to aquire, mechanical skills the ownership of a 1986 mnodel as your only transportation is less than optimal.

[TYBEEISLAND]

My husband will have to look tomarrow, see, our car is broken down about 45 minutes from where we live, its sitting at a Crispy Chic..... So, I will have to let ya know after we check it out. We have printed all the info you all put together, its been great. I have been a lurker on FR since last August, I've always loved it, and I would read threads to my husband,(who is a liberal), but today, when all the advice came back, just like that, I think I got him looking at what a great and not to mention funny group of people we all are. I love it:) So, thank you so much for all your advice, if you can think of anything else, BRING IT ON!!!!!!! TY

[TYBEEISLAND]

Its really not in that good of shape, it did make it from New York not to long ago, but body wise.. not great! It did move right along though, I will miss it, if its the end. :|

[Cagey]

"No Man, not the gas!"

[templar]

Its really not in that good of shape, ...

You might consider parting it out. This is selling the good parts off of the car to interested parties, usually via classified ads. Parts that may be of interest to someone are transmissions, starters, generators, steering components, brake components, etc. When everything good is gone sell the hulk for salvage or scrap metal. People buying parts from a part out car usually pull their own parts so you don't need to know machanics to do it You do need a place to conduct the activity where neighbors and authorities won't complain.

I knew a guy once that got his older car booted for back parking tickets in Denver. He just parted it out right there on the street and the city couldn't touch him since it was during the booting period before the city could legally tow it off!

[Truth Addict]

thank you so much for all your advice

It's been my pleasure. Freepers are always happy to give help and advise when there is a need.

Let us know how it all works out, and feel free to ping if you have any more questions, or a problem arises.

Regards,

[Vic3O3]

Here's a link you might enjoy, in case you missed it.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/743631/posts

[parcel_of_rogues]

Timing Belts. Been there done that.
If you look in your owners manual you'll see they reccommend replacing every 60,000 miles. They are serious about this one. I ignored this to my peril. The engine just quit without any unnatural sound. In the months before mine went I started to notice a lot of Subarus the same model as mine on the side of the road. Eventually went through 2 sets and traded in at 150K.

[IH83WTS]

If the engine cranks over when the key is turned to "start" and there are no metallic grinding noises, chances are the timing belt/chain failed with no other damage. But one can't be sure until the engine is torn down and examined.

[Jaidyn]

I agree that it is the timing belt. I had the same thing happen to me twice with two different cars. It can get expensive!

[ncowger]

hi there my name is nancy cowger and being a woman i have learned alot about the mechanics of cars and trucks as i have started my own auto repair business t and n auto/truck repair 1-541-427-3112 it sounds to me it is definatley your timing belt.

[SamAdams76]

How did things turn out? I’m thinking of buying a Suburu.

[SamAdams76]

How did things turn out? I’m thinking of buying a Suburu.

[Drew68]

How did things turn out? I’m thinking of buying a Suburu.

I suspect you'll need a Ouija board for the answer.

[ladyjane]

Have you tried "Click and Clack, the tappet brothers" from (gulp) NPR's Car Talk?

LOL - I know someone who was buying a used car. They took it to the tappet brothers garage and it was given a totally clean bill of health. Apparently the tappet brothers employees never checked to see if the AC worked. (it was summer) and never told the new owners that there were special locks on the wheels to protect the tires from being stolen. Other than that, I think the car was okay. Unfortunately one day the car had a flat tire.