1997 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT sputters oil from the oil pressure system..looks like it is missing a bolt that screws on to the side..got what they believe was the correct bolt from parts store..not sure how to install it. Doesn't screw in all the way..not sure if it is even the right part..they didn't have a repair manual to double check part..any advice what it could be or what part to use?

SOURCE: 1997 Subaru Legacy GT 2.5L

Check the knock sensor.

The light comes on when you climb a hill, accelerate quickly or do anything that advances the timing a lot and the knock sensor doesn't hear the knocks (pinging). The engine timing is not retarded, so you get a misfire.

The computer turns off the CEL if it sees the car start and run with no misfire of this nature 4 times in a row.

autodr

• 260 Answers
• Posted on Nov 22, 2008

SOURCE: 2005 Subaru Legacy: Where are the O2 sensors located (both)

the o2 sensors are locted in the exhaust system. upstream is before cat converter, downstream is after cat converter.

SOURCE: subaru legacy repair manual

autozona sells repair manuals

SOURCE: Overheat on my 1997 Subaru Legacy GT

Sorry if this might break your heart. I have '98 Outback which is the same 1st generation DOHC 2.5 engine. These are common head gasket problem (I'd say 100% of every engine sooner or later) once you have had your car overheated.

You will not get this comfirmed by just have your mech check the compression on the cylinder because we call it phantom leak (internal leak which can be confirmed with hydrocarbon in coolant). And then you will end up replace every other thing before you could reach the source of problem.

Other signs of this issue are as following: random overheating after freeway or uphills drive, bubbles in coolant overflow tank, oil residue in coolant overflow tank, bubble nioses from the a/c vent.

You're looking at $1000-1500 repair by independent mech as they have to pull engine out to fix the problem. I had mine fixed two weeks ago and now my baby is running like a champ.

google for "Subaru head gasket problem"

SOURCE: Cause of noise in front differential of 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback.

there is a plug on the shaft-side of the differential. Using a ratchet remove the plug and with the engine OFF, stick your finger inside the hole and you should get fluid just below the threads of where the plug goes in.