What have you done to your SVX (or other Subaru) today?

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Mike621

Both great looking cars!

Thank you. I have so much to do and I'm tired, but I'm glad that my cars are in good condition at least.

[Mike621]

Back in the garage tonight, working on the Group N motor mount install. Taking a break to run and get some drill bits and grinding bits to make my 1/4 inch spacer.

[Noriyasu]

I started painting today. I think it's important for amateurs to paint carefully and take their time.

[Mike621]

I completed the Group N engine mount install tonight. I've been cleaning under the hood and under the car as I'm approaching each repair. It's looking great so far.

Tomorrow, I'll continue working and move on to the rear differential mounts.

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Mike621

I completed the Group N engine mount install tonight. I've been cleaning under the hood and under the car as I'm approaching each repair. It's looking great so far.

Tomorrow, I'll continue working and move on to the rear differential mounts.

The shape of engine mount seem to be a okey. By the way, isn't the cross member a little oily? Is there any oil leaking from the rear main seal?

[Mike621]

Originally Posted by Noriyasu

The shape of engine mount seem to be a okey. By the way, isn't the cross member a little oily? Is there any oil leaking from the rear main seal?

You're right! I've been cleaning up the crossmember and underbody from evidence from previous oil leaks (that the last owner's mechanic repaired.)

Once I drive the car more, I will determine what still needs attention.

Tomorrow, I hope to replace the differential mounts, PCV valve and hoses, and a few other details.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Looks good to me. I can't believe it's so clean. Mind you. Mine has 30+ years of 'Rust Check" built up on it.

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Mike621

You're right! I've been cleaning up the crossmember and underbody from evidence from previous oil leaks (that the last owner's mechanic repaired.)

Once I drive the car more, I will determine what still needs attention.

Tomorrow, I hope to replace the differential mounts, PCV valve and hoses, and a few other details.

If it's been repaired, good news.

The mechanic would have removed either the transmission or the engine when he replaced the seals. It would have been much easier to clean the subframe at that time, and that would be the best timing to do so.

There is a long, narrow cover at the bottom between the engine and transmission. It is narrow, but you can remove the cover without removing the engine and transmission. If the seal was leaking, the inside of the cover would probably be oily as well. You can remove it and clean it. I think it is held on by four M6 bolts.

From what I recall, the cover comes in two parts and you have to remove one first to access the other bolt.

[Mike621]

Originally Posted by Noriyasu

If it's been repaired, good news.

The mechanic would have removed either the transmission or the engine when he replaced the seals. It would have been much easier to clean the subframe at that time, and that would be the best timing to do so.

There is a long, narrow cover at the bottom between the engine and transmission. It is narrow, but you can remove the cover without removing the engine and transmission. If the seal was leaking, the inside of the cover would probably be oily as well. You can remove it and clean it. I think it is held on by four M6 bolts.

From what I recall, the cover comes in two parts and you have to remove one first to access the other bolt.

The transmission was removed to swap with a 4.44 unit by the previous owner's mechanic. The seal may have been changed at that time. I have found myself cleaning up after a few things the last mechanic worked on.

[Noriyasu]

Originally Posted by Mike621

The transmission was removed to swap with a 4.44 unit by the previous owner's mechanic. The seal may have been changed at that time. I have found myself cleaning up after a few things the last mechanic worked on.

When servicing a car, the thing that usually takes me the most time is cleaning, and I would expect any good mechanic to do the bare minimum of cleaning.

As you know, natural rubber expands and deteriorates rapidly when exposed to volatile oils such as gasoline and diesel. Engine oil does not deteriorate as much, but it can harden the rubber and cause cracks. With the exception of special rubbers such as oil seals, it is not desirable for oil to adhere to rubber parts.

The engine mounts on my SVX have over 130,000km on them and are still fine. I think the leaking oil is damaging the engine mounts.

[Mike621]

Originally Posted by Noriyasu

When servicing a car, the thing that usually takes me the most time is cleaning, and I would expect any good mechanic to do the bare minimum of cleaning.

As you know, natural rubber expands and deteriorates rapidly when exposed to volatile oils such as gasoline and diesel. Engine oil does not deteriorate as much, but it can harden the rubber and cause cracks. With the exception of special rubbers such as oil seals, it is not desirable for oil to adhere to rubber parts.

The engine mounts on my SVX have over 130,000km on them and are still fine. I think the leaking oil is damaging the engine mounts.

Agreed! This is why I usually clean the wheel arch and undercarriage of each car I get. Many older cars in the US often have either a coating of fluid leaks or rust. I may look to do a complete steam/degrease underbody wash in the future. I have done this for my other cars and I am always happy with the outcome.