Subaru Repair: shaking and poor acceleration, subaru legacy, oil levels


Question
I have a 1991 Subaru Legacy GX and recently I have been having troubles with the car violently shaking and loosing acceleration when I drive up large hills.  This only happens occasionally, and generally after I have been driving for at least half an hour.
It also goes through quite a bit of oil, which initially it was low oil levels that was causing the shaking problem.  Now it seems to happen even when oil levels are fine.

I just took it to the mechanic and he couldn't find anything wrong with it.
Any ideas?


Answer
When you say he couldn't find anything wrong with it - does that mean it did not act up for him or it did, and he did not know what was wrong?

Also, I am not familiar with the GX model of the Legacy, so I will have to stick with some basics without any more info.

If your problem is an engine miss under a load, then spark plugs, spark plug wires, and maybe even an ignition coil or distributor.

You could have a transmission problem, but I think that is less likely. Although, 1990 and 1991 Legacy transmissions did have a higher failure rate, especially if the ATK50 recall was not performed.

Probably the best help I can offer is to find a mechanic who will drive the car until the problem shows itself, or will drive with you after you get the car good and warmed up. Most mechanics will do a better job of fixing the problem if they have experienced the problem. If they don't experience the concern, alot of times they are guessing at the repair - and that can cost you alot of money.

Good luck, and feel free to try back again if you have any more details.