2000 Outback Rough Idle

[Dave]

2000 Outback - MT - 95,000 miles

Something strange started occurring yesterday with the engine idle. It
has always held a steady RPM at idle, but yesterday it was surging up
and down 250 RPM. No unusual engine loads such as A/C on.

The previous day it almost wanted to stall when approaching a stop
sign. Depressed the clutch pedal and it was running rough with less
than 500 RPM, but came back to normal before stalling.

Any suggestions on what to look at to resolve this issue?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Dave]

Is this vehicle consuming coolant?

Has a check engine light had the courtesy of coming on?

Mine would do this hunting idle thing every once in a while for no
apparent reason. Then again, recently it's been Dx'd as having head
gasket and valve cover gasket breaches.

Pull the plug wires you can get to and see how much oil is running
down them for shits and giggles.

I'll have to check the coolant when I get home tonight.

The driver's side head gasket has already been replaced twice.

First time was for the external coolant seepage and was replaced under
the extended warranty. Problem was noticed by the smell of hot
coolant.

Second time was an internal leak. Not supposed to be covered under the
extended warranty, but Subaru covered the cost of the replacement.
Problem was detected when checking the coolant and finding oil sludge
in the radiator. Radiator has also since been replaced due to a leak.

Getting close to the end of the extended warranty and not looking
forward to future head gasket problems.

Dave

 

[Todd H.]

2000 Outback - MT - 95,000 miles

Something strange started occurring yesterday with the engine idle. It
has always held a steady RPM at idle, but yesterday it was surging up
and down 250 RPM. No unusual engine loads such as A/C on.

The previous day it almost wanted to stall when approaching a stop
sign. Depressed the clutch pedal and it was running rough with less
than 500 RPM, but came back to normal before stalling.

Any suggestions on what to look at to resolve this issue?

Is this vehicle consuming coolant?

Has a check engine light had the courtesy of coming on?


Mine would do this hunting idle thing every once in a while for no
apparent reason. Then again, recently it's been Dx'd as having head
gasket and valve cover gasket breaches.

Pull the plug wires you can get to and see how much oil is running
down them for shits and giggles.