Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, Subaru enthusiasts, classic car restorers, professional technicians working on older Subaru models.
Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair information, enabling significant cost savings on dealership or independent mechanic services. Offers a level of detail typically found only in factory service manuals.
Digital Access:
Instant download, searchable content, ability to print specific sections as needed, eliminating wear-and-tear of physical manuals.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all diagnostic and repair procedures from A-Z, replicating the information available to professional technicians.
Engine:
EA82 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged), including Boxer design, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetor and fuel injection), emissions control, and engine mechanicals (short block, cylinder heads, valve train, timing belt).
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (including 4-speed, 5-speed manual, and 3/4-speed automatic), transaxle, clutch system, transfer case (for AWD models).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints, wheel hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (McPherson strut front, independent rear suspension on many models), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars.
Steering:
Steering system components, steering rack, power steering pump and system (if equipped), steering column, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum configurations), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), gauges and instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, ECU (Engine Control Unit) for fuel injected models.
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, bumpers, glass, seals, chassis structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant lines, controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code identification (for fuel injected models), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Restoration:
Guidance that can assist in restoration projects, covering bodywork, trim, and mechanical refurbishment.
Depth:
Complete Workshop Level. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Subaru EA82 - Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1769 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 78.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (Naturally Aspirated), 7.7:1 (Turbocharged)
Horsepower:
Naturally Aspirated: Approximately 85-90 hp @ 4800-5200 RPM. Turbocharged: Approximately 100-115 hp @ 5200-5600 RPM.
Torque:
Naturally Aspirated: Approximately 100-105 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 RPM. Turbocharged: Approximately 120-130 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 RPM.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typically recommended, higher for turbo models).
Induction System:
Carbureted (e.g., Hitachi/Keihin 2-barrel) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
Efi System:
Subaru's proprietary digital fuel injection system on later models.
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Timing Mechanism:
Timing Belt driven overhead camshafts (SOHC).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT) was common on many trims.
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-up torque converter on some models).
AWD System:
Full-Time All-Wheel Drive (On-Demand or Permanent with center differential lock depending on transmission and model).
Gear Ratios:
Varies by transmission and model; manual typically features a low-range gear for off-road capability.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II/III or equivalent ATF.
Body Styles:
2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Wagon, Hatchback.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 96.9 inches (2460 mm)
Length:
Approx. 164.1 - 175.1 inches (4168 - 4448 mm) depending on body style.
Width:
Approx. 64.5 - 66.0 inches (1638 - 1676 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.5 - 59.0 inches (1359 - 1499 mm) depending on body style.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300 - 2800 lbs (1043 - 1270 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3500 - 3800 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically rated for significant towing, but capable of light trailer use (check specific model specs).
NHTSA Ratings:
Vehicle safety ratings from this era are limited by modern standards. Manual may detail passive safety features. Specific crash test data for these models is scarce.
Active Safety:
All-Wheel Drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, collapsible steering column.
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (Ventilated on some models), Rear Drum Brakes. Some higher trims might have rear discs.
Wheel Size:
Typically 13-inch or 14-inch wheels.
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 185/70R13, 185/70R14, 195/60R14.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles (38,000-48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate. 5W-30 for colder climates.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (green type). 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on turbo models), timing belt tensioner issues, carburetor problems, starter motor failure, oil leaks from boxer engine seals.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, worn strut mounts, sagging springs.
Electrical Issues:
Corroded grounds, failing headlight switches, intermittent issues with older wiring harnesses.
Rust:
Prone to rust on lower body panels, wheel arches, and frame rails, especially in regions with salt used on roads.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, known for its pioneering use of the Boxer engine and All-Wheel Drive in passenger cars, built its reputation on ruggedness, reliability, and capability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Ea82 Platform Context:
The EA82 was a successor to the EA71 engine and powered a range of Subaru models, including the Leone generation which encompassed the DL, GL, RX, and later the Loyale. It marked a significant step in Subaru's engineering, offering improved performance and refinement.
Model Trim Differences:
DL (base), GL (more features), RX (sportier, often with turbo and AWD), Loyale (later branding of the same generation, emphasizing 'loyalty' and AWD capability).
Production Period:
1971-1994 for the Leone/Loyale platform, with the EA82 engine specifically used from approximately 1984-1989/1990.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
