My 1992 subaru legacy wagon leaks coolant from the area under the car where I believe the water pump is. Previous to the leak the overflow tank would fill up and and not allow coolant back into the radiator. I've read on other message boards there could be other problems than just a water pump (thermostat, head gaskets, warped/cracked head). Any ideas? and how intense of a job is changing a water pump and adjusting the timing for this car?

Jeremiah Meyer

• 204 Answers
• Posted on Jan 06, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 subaru legacy leaking coolant from head gasket......

Your mechanic is ok with saying that...however you should replace both head gaskets. This can get costly if you take it to have it done somewhere, but if you use a manual from your local library or buy one from your local auto parts store, its a much more cost effective way of fixing it. You are ok to drive it, be sure to check your fluid before you do. I would look into getting these changed within the next few weeks.

Thanks for using Fixya!

Sincerely,

JC

SOURCE: How do you replace the fuel pump in 1992 2wd Subaru Legacy Wagon

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler assembly.
4. On All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, remove the rear differential assembly and the rear crossmember. You do not have AWD so this step is not for you
   
5. Remove the fuel filler cap and drain the fuel into a suitable container.
6. Remove the fuel filler pipe protector.
7. Raise and support the vehicle safely on jackstands.
8. Remove the fuel filler, air vent and delivery hoses.
9. On AWD vehicles, disconnect the air breather hoses and evaporation hose from the pipes.
10. Support the fuel tank with a floor jack or equivalent lifting device.
11. Loosen the attaching bolts and lower the fuel tank slightly.
12. Disconnect the fuel pump harness
    

SOURCE: Info on replacing water pump on Subaru Legacy

The water pump is run by the timing belt.Involves the draining the antifreeze,removing the radiator/condensor fan motors,harmonic balancer,alt./ac./p.s. belts, timing covers and timing belt.Along with a new pump,a new timing belt should installed.Timing marks are critical and it should be repairer by a garage.Should take about 1 to 2 hours or so to do if everything comes apart easy.Also there is no cap or rotor,only a coil pak.Hope this gives you a better idea.

SOURCE: coolant leak

A blown headgasket, needs replacing.

SOURCE: '97 subaru legacy L,AWD wagon, 2.2L, auto trans.

Do you hear a 'click' when the key is turned to start? Have someone try the key while you listen under the hood. It should be the starter solenoid clicking. You need either a test light or voltmeter to test further. One large terminal on the solenoid has the large wire from the battery positive, and should always show voltage/light at all times. Test the other side of the solenoid (large terminal) that is connected to the terminal on the starter motor. It should show light/voltage when the key is turned. If it doesn't, the solenoid must be replaced. If it does show light/voltage, then the starter motor is defective (probably brushes). If you get no click when turning the key, test the small terminal on the solenoid, you should see a voltage/light change when the key is turned. If you see a change, but no click, the solenoid coil is open or the case of the solenoid is not grounding where it is mounted. Try loosening the mounting and re-tighten. If no help, replace the solenoid. If you see no change at the small terminal, remove the wire from it and using a spare piece of wire, touch the small terminal to, first, the large terminal that the battery is connected to, then to the the mounting bolt for the solenoid. If the solenoid is good, the starter should operate with one of these two tests. In that case, the starter position of key switch is open--replace the ignition switch.