Target Audience:
Owners of Subaru DL, GL, RX, GL10, and Loyale models from 1984-1989, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential factory-level information for maintaining and repairing these classic Subarus, offering a cost-effective alternative to dealership service. The 'lifetime use' and 'no expiry' model offers significant long-term value.
Content Highlight:
Detailed photos and diagrams, step-by-step instructions, exploded views, comprehensive troubleshooting.
Documentation Quality:
Authentic factory service manual content, mirroring what professional technicians use.
Coverage Focus:
Full Service, Repair, Workshop, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (including AWD components)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electrical (Wipers, Washers, Horn, etc.), Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable (single pages or entire manual)
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Licensing:
Unlimited use on multiple devices, lifetime access, no expiry dates, no renewal fees.
Operating Systems:
Windows and MAC compatible
Engine Family:
Subaru EA82 Boxer
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder
Displacement Options:
Typically 1.8 Liters (1781 cc). Some variations might exist for specific trims or markets.
Bore X Stroke:
Approx. 85.0 mm x 78.0 mm (for 1.8L)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by specific engine variant (e.g., 8.0:1, 8.5:1, 9.0:1 for carbureted/fuel-injected versions)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 85 hp to 105 hp, depending on fuel system and market.
Torque Range:
Approximately 95 lb-ft to 110 lb-ft, depending on fuel system and market.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Hitachi, Nikki) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) depending on model and year.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40 depending on climate), typically API SG or higher classification.
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Torque Converter
Drivetrain Configuration:
Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) or Part-Time 4WD depending on model (RX often featured 4WD). Some models offered FWD variants.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for Dexron-III or equivalent ATF.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Station Wagon (5-door), Coupe (2-door) - models varied across DL, GL, RX, GL10, Loyale badges.
Curb Weight:
Varies by body style and drivetrain, typically ranging from 2300 to 2800 lbs (approx. 1043 - 1270 kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate or manual for specific GVWR.
Towing Capacity:
Generally not recommended for significant towing; consult owner's manual or specific vehicle data.
Crash Test Information:
Information on crashworthiness and safety ratings from this era might be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual will detail passive safety features.
Restraints:
Seat belts (3-point front, 2-point rear or 3-point rear depending on seating position and model year)
Chassis Design:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones (design varies by specific model and year).
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems may have been available.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning and heating systems. Automatic climate control was rare to non-existent on these models.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature on higher trim levels.
Safety Systems:
Relies primarily on passive safety features and the inherent stability of the AWD system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed, depending on operating environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum. Consult manual for correct type and gap.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item. Interval often around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Subaru coolant or compatible type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type, often ATF or a dedicated power steering fluid.
Engine Management:
Carburetor issues (gumming, adjustment), potential for head gasket leaks (though less prevalent than in later EJ series engines), ignition system component failures (coil, distributor).
Drivetrain:
Wear in constant velocity (CV) joints, especially if AWD system is frequently engaged and subjected to hard use. Manual transfer clutch actuator issues on some automatic models.
Chassis Corrosion:
Rust can be a significant issue on vehicles of this age, particularly in areas exposed to salt. Frame rails, wheel arches, and rocker panels are common areas.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, and failure of switches or relays can occur over time.
Subaru Legacy:
Subaru is renowned for its pioneering work in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology, which became a hallmark of many of its vehicles, including the models covered by this manual.
Subaru Leone Generation:
The models covered (DL, GL, RX, GL10, Loyale) represent the fourth generation of the Subaru Leone (also known as the Subaru RX or simply 'Subaru' in some markets), which ran from 1985 to 1994. This generation introduced the EA82 engine and further refined the AWD systems.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan.
Market Segments:
Compact car segment, with strong emphasis on capability due to AWD offering.
