kayak

Hello again. So my 1996 Outback is in the garage for its recurring engine misfiring. According to my mechanic, the codes only indicate a misfire, not where or what. They did discover a burned spark plug wire, which has been replaced. They thought that might cure the problem, but it hasn't. They are now suggesting that I replace the coil (estimate: $300+) but they don't believe that is why the engine misfires and the car drives as though the brakes are on. They apparently have another 1996 Outback with similar mileage in and it's full of pep - it's nice to have a comparison but it's not helping with the diagnosis. They checked both oxygen sensors (the one that I had replaced and the second one), the engine temperature sensor, and all appear to be fine. Apparently the valves are also black - they 'dropped the exhaust manifold' (I think that's what they said) and although they appear to be fine, they are dark. Help!

I'm new to this forum, own a 97 Outback with 105,000. My car must be completely warmed up, no matter what the outside temperature, before I can drive it. If the engine is cold and I attempt to drive anywhere, the car completely dies under any load (even the smallest hill defeats it). I lose all power, the engine shuts down, the check engine light comes on and sometimes goes off but often stays on. I have had numerous trips to the garage and dealer but the diagnostic only shows a failure, not what caused the failure. I have had a new oxygen sensor, oil pump, battery, spark plugs and wires, ignition...over $3600 in repairs in the past 10 months. Does anyone recognize this problem and have a solution? If I have to let the car warm up for 5 minutes before driving, so be it, but I don't want to ignore a potentially serious problem. Thanks!