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87 wagon idles but stalls under load


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i have an 87 gl wagon... i have replace the coil, wires, cap, button, fuel pump, filter, i am getting plenty of fuel pressure at the carb and at the pump.. it starts and idle wonderfully but when i pull out i get to 2nd (sometimes 3rd) gear and it stalls out.. after a restart it wont go at all.. after setting for 30 seconds or so it will pull out and run for another min.. also if i hold it at 3500 rpm it will stall as well after about 35 seconds but if i pour gas directly into the bowl it will remain running... im at a loss and i hope someone could point out some reason why this problem is occuring... PLEASE HELP... its my first subaru and if this is how they are then im going to stick with my honda:banghead:.. is it possible its not venting exhaust gasses properly?... hell i just dont know..

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My 87 RX did the exact same thing. I did all the things you have and found it by running a pressure gauge on the line at the engine and a gas line to the pump from a jug.

 

Check the screen on the inlet in the fuel pump from the gas tank, it usually has a screen in it. Look for rust or debris.

 

Good Luck and let everyone know how it works out.

 

Jay

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where is this screen your talking about... in the tank?.. the haynes manual talkes about a screen but i cant find it.. i put in a new pump and replaced all the line from the tank to the carb.. this sube has an inline pump and i get good pressure at the pump.. but if there is another screen i would really like to know where so i could check it

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Try starting it with the gas cap off. It may be vapor locking. There have been quite a few instances of this lately.

 

Another thought. I see you have an '87 carbed engine. I always thought they went to SPFI in '87 and eliminated the carb engine. You say you just got the car, right? Did the previous owner change the motor or anything that they disclosed?

 

Just soem thought's. I'll think more about it at work tonight.

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according to haynes it is the engine that came with it and it looks to close to speck for a changeout.. i changed out alot of honda fuel injected and carborated systems and i think i would be able to tell if they had been changed.. does anyone know anthing about the other *exhaust lines* that run off the tank and run up to something next to the filler neck and could it cause a problem

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A clogged screen or filter in the fuel lines, but you seem to be getting solid pressure at the carb so that seems out. Fuel filter put in backward (can that happen?).

 

The vaccum from a gas cap that is not venting. That is a classic.

 

A clogged catalytic converter or recently-damaged exhaust pipe (kinked).

 

Timing has slipped and/or distributor is not advancing correctly (check with timing light).

 

Strange but true: emergency brake is hanging up the brakes (drive w/out using brakes and touch rotor/drums for heat buildup).

 

Carb butterfly is hanging up, maybe spray the heck out of it with carb cleaner?

 

Jw

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