tepesquintle

Hi All:
I just purchased a 1998 Forester with 173k mi for $4000. I like the car but it has a small oil leak coming from the front-driver's side of the engine. I can see a few drips above and on the radiator hose on the left-front of the engine so I have a good idea that it is coming from that area. I am pretty adept with mechanical things but I first looked at the car at night and couldn't get under it myself to asess the situation so I got the seller to grant me 30 days money-back guarantee. He will give my money back or have his guy fix whatever oil leak problem (my choice) if it continues to leak. Well, what the heck is it? How big a fix is this? Should I have him fix it/fix it myself or run away from the deal?
Another issue is that both front CV joint boots are torn (proximal ends, near the tranny). This is my first fwd vehicle (my others are VW's, Dodge turbodiesel 4wd, Toyota FJ60, Porsche 928, etc.) so I don't know much about CV boots. What's involved in fixing this?
Any other tips, pointers, warnings for a new Subaru owner would be much appreciated.
best wishes,
Andy

Peaty

iTrader: (2)

The oil leak sounds like the front crankshaft seal.. Pretty common I'm afraid. It can happen anywhere from 60K miles on up. Sometimes it can leak a little forever and other times the seal can let go and pour oil out all over. It usually starts as a small drip between the black cover in the front and the block. The parts are cheap but it's the labour that usually costs. While doing that most people check out other things like water pump and timing belt. Do a search on Front Oil Seal. For the CV boot have a look here:

www.subaruforester.org I think someone had info on changing that out there.