Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1996 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After a prolonged period of smelling burning oil, a mechanic found defective seals on the crankshaft pulley and elsewhere. This has now happened three times. The details are essentially identical to those described in complaint odi id#855347. In two cases, this has resulted in fouled timing belts, which had to be replaced. In the last case -- March '03 at 90,000 miles -- the valve cover gaskets failed as well. Plainly the seals, their design, or the geometry of the engine fitting itself is defective.
While driving engine light becomes illuminated, then cuts off. Engine will turn over when restarted. Dealer was contacted, but was unable to locate problem. Consumer states the vehicle will fail at the same place daily, was told by a Subaru engineer that the vehicle had lifters installed which were too small and suggested that only very thin synthetic oil be used, consumer tried this and vehicle operates normally for about 1200 miles, dealer has replaced the following to try and correct probleml maf sensor, crank and cam sensors, plugs and wires, coil, computer, starter, altnernator, ignition switch, and timing belt.