08SubieLegacy Posted May 1, 2015 Share Posted May 1, 2015 Hello, I just got my new to me 2008 Subaru Legacy (2.5i, no turbo, 4 speed auto, 82,000 miles) earlier this week. This is my first Subaru, my first boxer engine, my first 4 cylinder (I've owned a Ford 232 (3.8), a Buick 231 (3.8), and 2 Dodge 360 (5.9) engines), and my first foreign car. Anyway, I'm wanting to make sure I get the car caught up on maintenance. From what I've read, it's important to use the Subaru brand antifreeze and cooling conditioner. The current antifreeze is a dark blue, but from what I've gathered, I haven't tested it yet though. Does this car just take 6.7 quarts of antifreeze? I have a hard time believing that. My truck takes 20.1 Quarts of the stuff. Is 6.7 correct? I'm a little confused by the owners manual on the Transmission Fluid. It list the Genuine Subaru Fluid, Castrol, and IDEMITSU fluids, but then says that the 4-speed auto should only use the fluid provided by Subaru. Does this mean I should only use the Subaru brand fluid? I know the type of plugs I should use (don't know the last time the current ones were replaced). Do these cars tend to like a certain brand of plug wires? Any suggestions? Also, what fluid should I use in the Front and Rear Differentials? Transfer Case? Is there anything else I need to do to the car? Any common issues that should be addressed? It's got a little acid buildup on the battery. I'm going to clean that off, but is there a good way to prevent that from happening again? It looks like a cheap Walmart battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsurge Posted May 1, 2015 Share Posted May 1, 2015 Coolant doesn't matter that much as long as you are not using Dextron (for GM/orange). I use Peak Long Life. Others use the typical Prestone or Autozone/Advanced Auto/Generic coolant. The coolant conditioner is optional and I wouldn't spend the money on it. Change your coolant every other year and you'll likely never have a problem. You will probably use a full gallon of coolant and add distilled water to top it off. I don't buy premixed 50/50, but you could. Depending on your area, you may need to pay closer attention to the coolant to water ratio. Transmission fluid might be a good thing to research what others have had good luck with. Subaru branded is always a safe bet. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/4eat-transmission-fluid-change-differential-fluid-change-questions-144370.html Rear differential takes 75W-90. I put Subaru Extra-S in mine, but I'm sure there are several other options out there. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2-5i-rear-differential-fluid-change-tutorial-151550.html Acid buildup on the battery is a sign that there is a crack in the housing. It really should only have road grime buildup. Maybe the battery has a warranty? Change the air filter? Spark plugs? Oil and filter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share Posted May 1, 2015 Ok, thanks! yeah, I never buy the premixed stuff. I buy a gallon of undiluted coolant and mix it with distilled water. Cheaper that way. I've actually already got gallons of Prestone, I'll just use some of that. Think I'll stick with Genuine Subaru Trans Fluid. Thanks for the links on the Diff Fluid and the Trans Fluid. Didn't know it had an external trans filter. I'll have to check that out. I'll have to check the date. It says Walmart on it, so I know it's low quality. Might just grab a better battery. Yes, I'm planning on changing the air filter, cabin air filter, and the plugs as well. Oil was changed at an independent import specialist shop right before I bought it. They did brakes / rotors too. Any reason to change spark plug wires? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gasaraki Posted May 1, 2015 Share Posted May 1, 2015 Hello, I just got my new to me 2008 Subaru Legacy (2.5i, no turbo, 4 speed auto, 82,000 miles) earlier this week. This is my first Subaru, my first boxer engine, my first 4 cylinder (I've owned a Ford 232 (3.8), a Buick 231 (3.8), and 2 Dodge 360 (5.9) engines), and my first foreign car. Anyway, I'm wanting to make sure I get the car caught up on maintenance. From what I've read, it's important to use the Subaru brand antifreeze and cooling conditioner. The current antifreeze is a dark blue, but from what I've gathered, I haven't tested it yet though. Does this car just take 6.7 quarts of antifreeze? I have a hard time believing that. My truck takes 20.1 Quarts of the stuff. Is 6.7 correct? I'm a little confused by the owners manual on the Transmission Fluid. It list the Genuine Subaru Fluid, Castrol, and IDEMITSU fluids, but then says that the 4-speed auto should only use the fluid provided by Subaru. Does this mean I should only use the Subaru brand fluid? I know the type of plugs I should use (don't know the last time the current ones were replaced). Do these cars tend to like a certain brand of plug wires? Any suggestions? Also, what fluid should I use in the Front and Rear Differentials? Transfer Case? Is there anything else I need to do to the car? Any common issues that should be addressed? It's got a little acid buildup on the battery. I'm going to clean that off, but is there a good way to prevent that from happening again? It looks like a cheap Walmart battery. I would use the Subaru coolant and if not make sure to add the Subaru coolant conditioner to whatever coolant brand you are using. Just to be safe so you don't get head gasket issues. Also change them out every 30,000 miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share Posted May 1, 2015 Ok, I'll save the Prestone I already have for my other vehicle. I'll go with the Subaru Coolant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsurge Posted May 1, 2015 Share Posted May 1, 2015 You can use the Prestone without fear - it will not damage your engine. The Subaru long life coolant is Peak long life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 Thanks for the info on the coolant and the rear diff / trans fluid MrTris! I hope Optima is still a quality battery, I've got one on my truck. What fluid should I run in the transfer case and the front diff? Ok, I hope the spark plugs aren't too bad. I'm sure I've done worst. I had a Pontiac Grand Prix for 7 years, and when changing the plugs on that car, you had to rock the engine forward and hold it in place with a ratchet strap to get plugs 2, 4, and 6. Even with the engine pulled forward, you still couldn't see the plugs with your eyes. I know threads are useless without pics, so here are some pics of my air filters I swapped out today. http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag141/acewilborn/Mobile%20Uploads/921F3064-8507-432B-8B67-0837CB15A2CC_zps6qgxhc6p.jpg http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag141/acewilborn/Mobile%20Uploads/7771EB33-310F-4139-A02C-E6F1F8B1E13D_zpsatuqic45.jpg That and is my car missing the pan that goes on the bottom? http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag141/acewilborn/Mobile%20Uploads/96627629-3C42-4A30-A04F-9B4B96FA0E37_zpsu34raw4c.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 Ok, thanks! Didn't know NAs didn't have them. The Optima I have came off another truck that was parted out, and was run down to nothing, but I had it charged at Autozone and it works great now. I bought new NGK Double Platinum plugs for the Subaru today, I'll get them in soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 11, 2015 Author Share Posted May 11, 2015 I drained and filled the Transmission fluid this weekend. Went with Subaru brand fluid. Replaced about 4 quarts. Fluid is really dirty, but no metal in the fluid. I plan on draining and filling again in another 2 weeks. I was reading online, the Super Coolant is good for 6 years, car is 7 years old, I swapped that out too and added the additive as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disgust Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hey, done plugs on subies a couple of times. The best thing I've found is a lot of different 3/8 drive extensions. Basically, put your socket in the plug hole, then feed a 3" extension on, then feed another 3" extension, and whalla, you have special spark plug reaching powers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Disgust, Does this work without removing the battery and the airbox? That would be great! Please let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsurge Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Save yourself the trouble and remove the airbox and battery. It isn't a huge pain to do it. I can do it without removing the battery, but it takes a lot of pinching of your arm and wrist. The airbox on the turbo has to come out. but I'm not sure about teh non turbos. One of the key things to do is rotate the coil pack 180 degrees and pull out on the turbos. I'm not sure if that's the same on the non-turbo motor since it's SOHC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 I took the airbox and battery out today and swapped the spark plugs. It was easier than my old car (FWD v6, it was hard to get the back 3 plugs). Easier than my truck too (4 instead of 8). +1 on using several 3 inch extensions, the plug by the fuse box could have been in issue without this tip. I also took this opportunity to clean up the corrosion on my battery for the second time... The Non-Turbo 2.5 doesn't have a coil pack on the plug, it has 2 ignition coils with wires going to the actual plug. Next time I'm out working on it, it will be the fluid for the differentials, and I'll drain and fill the transmission again (I want red fluid, not brown). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 22, 2015 Author Share Posted May 22, 2015 Today I replaced the fluid in the front and rear differentials. The rear one was a pain to re-fill. Also flushed my transmission today. I'm happy to report that my transmission fluid is now red like it should be! I think I'm all caught up on maintanance for now. I swapped the coolant, engine and cabin air filters, cleaned the MAF, transmission fluid, front and rear differential fluid, spark plugs, and I cleaned the acid off the battery. Think it's taken care of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 22, 2015 Author Share Posted May 22, 2015 Also, fresh oil and filter got put in it right before I got it, along with new tires and brakes pads / rotors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 It looks like the previous owner(s) never changed the air or cabin filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsurge Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 You can't fault a 2005 owner for the lack of a cabin air filter change. It requires removal f the entire passenger glovebox and surrounding plastic. They fixed that in later years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmoddes Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 Wow... I guess I need to maintenance on mine now.. it's been 30k and haven't done much besides Oil, Brakes, Battery and Air Filter. Thanks for making me realize I need to get my ass in gear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 29, 2015 Author Share Posted May 29, 2015 It looks like the previous owner(s) never changed the air or cabin filters. Yeah, the air filter still said Subaru on it. Original. It's an 08, still have to remove the glove box to get the cabin filter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted May 29, 2015 Author Share Posted May 29, 2015 Wow... I guess I need to maintenance on mine now.. it's been 30k and haven't done much besides Oil, Brakes, Battery and Air Filter. Thanks for making me realize I need to get my ass in gear! Anytime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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