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Subaru Legacy/Outback Engine Issues

270 messages,  Last post on Dec 13, 2010 at 6:38 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 20 of 28

#182 of 270 Mystery dead spot by integersmirk

May 12, 2008 (9:03 pm)

Hi
 
I have a 1996 Subaru Legacy 2l with about 180k miles on it. It has been slightly undermaintained, and recently went into the shop with a leaking water hose, having had overheating and the engine mis-behaving - losing power erratically under acceleration. The shop checked for a blown head gasket and found this was not the problem, replaced the hose and did an oil change and gave it back to me with the air intake hose not re-tightened, so I quickly noticed a problem and took it back - they tightened this up and sent me on my way. I was still getting this problem with the dead spot so I took it back and they checked the computer codes (finding 23 and 32, oxygen sensor and air flow meter I think). They put a different air flow meter on it and sent me on my way again. Still not fixed, I took it back and they got an electrician to test both air flow meters - they both had problems, so one was overhauled and put in the car. Now the problem was improved, but not fixed. Which is where we are now.
 
Current state is that the car runs fine, at normal temperatures. However, at operating temperature (and not while it is heating up) when you go to accelerate it has a spot between 2000 and 2500rpm where the engine stutters, if you use more than about 1/3rd throttle. As soon as you get over 2500rpm, it runs fine. It still has error codes 23 and 32.
 
Anyone have any suggestions on what the problem might be? The shop is stumped, and have told me to take it back again later in the week so they can poke around a bit more... I am getting very concerned - from the start I told them if it was going to be too expensive it was close to the point where I might as well get a new car and the bills keep adding up. Each time has been more $s with the promise of "this will fix it".

#183 of 270 2003 Outback engine pinging by charliebob

May 27, 2008 (8:38 am)

Our 2003 Outback engine pings. Local dealer had car for 2 weeks and was unable to solve this problem. EGR valve replaced, knock sensor tested and found to be OK, plugs looked at, no fluids leaking, gas tank drained. Fresh gas put in tank and it still pinged. Problem really is noticeable when engine heats up now in springtime whereas it was not too noticeable during the winter with the windows rolled up. Any suggestions?

#184 of 270 2003 Outback Engine Pinging Part 2 by charliebob

May 27, 2008 (9:05 am)

I neglected to mention in 1st post that the engine has 40K miles on it. I use name brand regular fuel and upon moving up to the next octane level(89), it still pings.
Initial report of this to S.O.A. produced a case# but 2nd and 3rd follow up reports have not been answered.

#186 of 270 '98 Subaru Outback/Legacy Limited Edition by gindamali

May 26, 2008 (2:42 pm)

1st the heat went; I put in a new thermostat. Temp gauge goes to High in 50 yrds,there's heat only sometimes. There is no steam coming out the tailpipe/ no water in the oil .
Mechanic says it's the headgasket. Help

#187 of 270 Re: '98 Subaru Outback/Legacy Limited Edition [gindamali] by ateixeira

May 27, 2008 (8:46 am)

Replying to: gindamali (May 26, 2008 2:42 pm)
Sadly I think the mechanic is right.

#189 of 270 2001 Subaru Legacy 2.5l sohc camshaft alignment by pneug

May 28, 2008 (8:01 pm)

I replaced the timing belt and the LH and RH camshafts were turned. I want to be sure all is in order prior to cranking. Any ideas?

#190 of 270 Re: 2001 Subaru Legacy 2.5l sohc camshaft alignment [pneug] by pneug

May 29, 2008 (6:56 am)

Replying to: pneug (May 28, 2008 8:01 pm)
I have a compression gage and noticed the # 1 and #2 cylinders are not hitting at the same time. The #2 is compressing 180 degrees out as we manualy rotated the crankshaft. The firing order is 1,3,2,4 so the #1 and #2 should be compressing at the same time, right? If this is true then how do I make it so?

#191 of 270 Engine Knock by wyomr2

May 30, 2008 (11:19 am)

I recently purchased a 95 Legacy with the 2.2 engine and 175k miles. In the last 3-4 weeks it started making a ticking sound which has turned into more of a knocking sound. This only happens under load starting around 2500 RPM until around 4000 RPM. I took it to two different mechanics. The first thought it was just a stuck lifter and did an oil change and added some Sea Foam, which has made no difference. The next mechanic looked it over and said he though that the wrist pins are starting to go. Has anybody had similar problems with this engine. I've never really heard of anyone else having this problem?

Messages Page 20 of 28

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