Two problems related to oil pump have been reported for the 1997 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The vehicle was leaking oil from the rear separator plate and oil pump seal. This caused copious amounts of smoke to billow out from under the hood and out the front wheel wells when stopped after driving several miles. Took several minutes for the smoke to subside. Consumer questioned whether there were any fines for this failure. He heard Subaru made changes to the newer model Legacy. Consumer learned of two other Subaru owner's that experience the same defect.
Vehicle engine is leaking oil. The oil leaked from the oil pump seal and also from the rear separator plate that could start a fire. The consumer found two other owners with the exact same problem. Scc.