90' DL just died

[Lou Baroo]

Here is what I know:

 

Bought a 90' DL wagon (non turbo) drove around for a few weeks mostly no problems. In for brakes, stops VERY nice now.

 

Sold / Gave to daughter who left Seattle area no problem. Around Woodburn Oregon, she reports the following:

 

"CEL" flashed on, engine died. She tried starting, it will crank. Simply will not fire.

 

Of course we will have timing belts checked - I don't recall if CEL comes on when one fails.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

 

As a side note I must say I am TOTALLY impressed with this forum. I've been reading for last 3 weeks since I picked up this ride. I did have an 87' DL (2WD) for 15 years / 200K miles and did most of my own work. I could do timing belts in under 30 minutes by the time I got rid of it :-)

[AKghandi]

hmmmm....best way to tell is to check the code. it could be any number of things.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/47526-subaru-ecu-codes-for-1983-1988/

 

I know it says 83-88 but it should be mostly the same for a 90... also, i didn't know they made DL in 90. i thought in 90 they went to loyale.

[Mark Humble]

Yes, the CEL will come on if the drivers side timing belt breaks.

 

Mark

[MilesFox]

First check to see if the set screw had fallen out of the rotor under the cap. If it is there , great. Verify the distributor is turning while cranking. If not, bet on a broken timing belt.

[Lou Baroo]

Yup, it was a driver's side timing belt.

 

Won't even go into detail on the bs with the mechanic it was taken to, but I will say if you and your Subaru are stuck in Cottage Grove Oregon, I would not be going to B&A Auto.  Not only are they bozo's, they will likely tell you your car is an old POS.

 

No kidding.

 

The good news is we found a fellow down there who knows the boxers inside out, and will be taking good care of us.

 

Thank you again to everyone here.