island_boy_0069

I own a 2013 2.5i Limited and it failed the oil consumption test. The dealership replaced the entire short block on my engine at no charge. I had them do the 60k service at the same time since I was around 58k and the engine was being pulled (didn't have to pay for any of the labor).

I just spoke with the service manager and he said the tech believes there isn't an issue that I should be concerned with and everything is normal. He said they have another 2013 Legacy coming in on Monday (10APR) and will be looking more into the issue then. I know there are a multitude of factors at play following the short block replacement but does anyone have any idea on what could be causing the issue?

Capttis I wish I could say the same about my Legacy post short block replacement... I picked up my Legacy after the short block replacement on Monday. I started it up and everything seemed fine. I drove it back to work (approximately 1 hour via interstate) and everything was good as I conducted the engine break-in. When I got to the bottom of the exit and began slowing down I noticed that the engine would flutter as if the engine was going to cut out as I was approaching the stop before the vehicle would come to a complete halt. While stopping at several stop lights the flutter would persist. The flutter at times would shake the entire vehicle and other times would be noticeable but not as severe and is occurring every time I bring the vehicle to a stop. The engine never cut out completely during this time. I spoke with the service manager on the phone and he said the ECU would need to re-learn the idle as the battery was disconnected for a long duration during the short block replacement. He recommended driving it normally and to call back in a couple of days if the problem did not go away. Needless to say, I took the vehicle back in on Thursday after speaking with the service manager and letting him know the problem was still manifesting. When the tech came out to look at the vehicle he immediately started the vehicle and it died. He started the vehicle a second time and it again died. The third time he started the vehicle found its idle and remained on. At that point we began the test drive to identify the fluttering occurring when stopping. The tech at first did not notice anything until I pointed it out to him. We then switched places and I showed him exactly what was happening while I was behind the wheel. During this time the tech was watching the tachometer. He agreed that he could sense the fluttering but the tachometer was not dropping significantly. We returned to the service department and he cleaned out the throttle body and said I was good to go. After returning my vehicle it started properly and went to idle without dying. I took it for a drive around the dealership and the fluttering problem when stopping had not been solved. The tech got back in the vehicle with me and we again drove around identifying the fluttering problem. The tech identified the problem was still apparent and he didn't believe there was a significant issue. I informed him that this problem was not apparent prior to the short block replacement and the 60k maintenance was performed (new spark plugs, water pump were replaced) at the same time. He noted it could be fuel with the transition from winter to summer blend however I filled up prior to dropping my car off for the short block replacement and I had not filled up since then. He also noted that it could be the K&N air filter that I had installed last summer and haven't had any issues with either. We returned to the service department and he contacted Tech Assist who recommended an ECU reset. He completed the ECU reset and after a 3rd drive the issue was still apparent. At that time he then handed me off to the service manager again and we went for a 4th drive where I informed him of the fluttering issue. He noted that he could feel the fluttering and would have the tech continue to troubleshoot. After spending over 2 hours at the service department and 4 different test drives the issue is still there. I was given a loaner and went on my way hoping they can figure out what the issue is.

Capttris, I had just over 63,000 when I dropped it off so they are doing the 60,000 mile service while the engine is out. Like you I asked them to call me once the engine is out to discuss any further preventative maintenance issues they might discover while they have the engine out. Thanks for the information. BTW have you had any issues with the new short block?

I am dropping my Subaru off tomorrow for the short block replacement. I started the oil consumption test and before leaving the dealership I checked the oil level with the service manager and they had overfilled. He annotated the "over" fill line on the oil consumption form and I departed. When I took it back after approximately 1800 miles the line was down 1/3 qt from the "full" line on the stick (not the "over" fill line). Needless to say my car did not pass the oil consumption test and I am getting the short block replaced. Thanks for the information everyone.