Noob questions

[Skidder]

I just bought a 2004 WRX with 86K.

I'm not new to forums or fast cars (just this particular forum and car).

I still own a BMW that sees autocross duty whenever possible... I just picked up the WRX for a reliable trasport.

Just have 2 questions... I'm sure I will have many more questions in a week or two.

1. Is a little bit of smoke something I should be worried about? I can't see smoke durring the day, only at night after driveing spiritedly I can see some light smoke in my headlight beams after comeing to a stop. This is my biggest concern! But maybe its normal so thats why I'm asking you guys.

2. Is the notchy tranny gates and difficulty getting it into reverse tipical of this transmission?

~Skidder

[TurboRush]

What color is the smoke? Have you tried popping the hood and taking a look to see if you are burning or leaking anything? I assume the Suby experts will jump in with more valid advise.

[Skidder]

I think the smoke was comeing out the tailpipe because I went there first and the exhaust smelled... but not like it was burning oil or running rich. And since ive never seen smoke durring the day I cant really tell what color it is.

~skidder

[Nate8409]

If the car is burning coolant usually there will be somewhat of a sweet smell to the exhaust and white residue.

Blueish smoke is oil. White smoke is coolant.

Getting into reverse is tricky on a lot of WRX's. If it does not immediately slide right in then stop trying to get it in for a sec and let off the clutch for a sec then try again.

If it continues to be gay then hold pressure while trying to engage it into reverse and as you let the clutch out a little it will slip in but probably grind a little.

You just have to remember that even when not in gear and the clutch is engaged the gears in the tranny do spin still. So in other words if it has been idling and the clutch is out don't just push the clutch to the floor and pop it in gear fast. You'll get a grind or clunk usually.

Other than all of that drive and enjoy!

[Skidder]

So its normal for this car to burn alittle... is not exacly a sign of turbo failure or motor damage?

I know I seen alot of turbos that smoke... usually alittle older than a 2004 model

thanks for the responces
~skidder

[TurboRush]

Is reverse a snycronized gear in the WRX? That would also cause a bit a trouble with reverse and or create some grinding when going into reverse.

Some burning of oil is acceptable... burning to the point where you see smoke is not acceptable. It sounds like you need to try to reproduce the situation during the day so you can pinpoint the location of the smoke and the color.

[Nate8409]

I would have to check but I seriously doubt it has a syncronizer.

[2gnt2wrx]

I developed my own technique for getting my car into reverse. If it doesn't want to go into reverse, use your body weight to learch the car forward and back it will go right in. I've screwed around with the take it out of gear and wait a sec thing and just find my way easier and faster. Your car might be running rich, you should also do a compression test to see if everything is well inside the cylinders.

[GrassyKnoll]

yea, it has a syncro

http://resources.gmc.cc.ga.us/johnm/subaru/MSA5T0505A54011.pdf

See: Page 5MT-8 #25

[Murphy2012]

As far as getting it into reverse. Sometimes when my car gives me some trouble I put the car back in neutral, let the clutch out, give it some gas, and it shifts right in after the revs come down. It is a syncro gear.

As far as the smoke goes, id need some more information. Check and see if theres an oil leak gettin to the turbo, or even water hitting it or the intercooler.

[banned4life]

problem i have going in reverse is always resolved by turning the steering wheel

[Nate8409]

Hmm. I would not have expected a baulking ring of syncronizer cone on reverse.