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cadetman

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Posts posted by cadetman

  1. Thanks for the great info. I have a manual(Chilten) but not the Haynes. I does not give any clear cut way to pull the codes (my check engine light is on). It talks about a MIL light flashing. Whatever that is??? I have had cars in the past that you can pull codes by manipulating the ignition key (like 5 fast on/off cycles).

     

    It acts up when warm as well. I can be driving and hour or so, stop for gas, and it will act up. I then limp down the road and it may clear up in a couple of blocks or mile, or not til' the next day. Again, when it clears it is instantanious. Like the snap of your finger.

     

     

    Do you have a shop manual? If not, get yourself a Haynes Repair Manual for the '90-'98 Legacy - they usually are about $15 at auto parts stores. There is a lot of good troubleshooting info in there for you.

     

    Explained within the Haynes manual is the On Board Diagnostics system, telling you how to obtain the self-diagnosis trouble codes. Some the home mechanic can get - others need to be read with a special reader. Your problem is probably being documented within this system. The Haynes manual will explain all the different sensors that feed into the electronic control module (ECM) controlling the engine, and how to troubleshoot them.

     

    A great hotlink to check out is the following posted by Legacy777 who is an administrator of this, and another bulletin board. The second link has most of a '92 Legacy Field Service Manual which I've found to be an amazing tool.

     

    http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru_manual_scans/

     

    http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru_manual_scans/1992_FSM_(Engine_%26_Electrical)/

     

    Regarding the fuel pressure - I've done as the Haynes recommended and relieved the pressure. In the '90 wagon, there is an oval plate held down by 4 screws just behind the right back seat in the back bed - lift up the carpet that far and you'll see it. Underneath it is the fuel pump - pull the electrical connector from it. Unscrew and remove the gas cap, and then start up the car - it'll run just a short time.

     

    When I replaced the fuel filter, the hoses running to and from it were old and cracked, so I replaced those at that time (getting hose of the right length from an auto parts store).

     

    The irregularity of the symptoms is unique. It sounds like sitting cold for awhile seems to 'fix' it. Does it ever act up after sitting for awhile/overnight and then started up when its cold?

     

    Good luck!

  2. When it is running badly it idles poorly. Sounds like it's going to die then catches itself.

     

    Down the highway if it downshifts to the tallest gear it shudders like a bad tire. If I give it a bit more gas to force a shift (from say 2800 rpm to 3000 rpm) it "smooths" out.

     

    Then it may clear up like it spit out a booger in the injection system.

     

    Again its the "fixing itself" thing that baffles me.......... I drove it 350 miles awhile back runnng rough the whole way (a drag!). It sat for a couple of days..... got into it and if fired up nicey and ran wonderful the 350 miles home!

  3. My 90' Legacy Wagon is acted bad.

     

    It will run rough sporatically. When it acts up it chugs and has a lack of power. This can go on for a hundred miles of so. Or less. Then it can clear up while driving............ Or I can park it, start it the next day and no problem.

     

    I have dumped loads of injection cleaner in the fuel, Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel. I had thought it was for sure the fuel system but now I am not sure....

    Why would it come and go so unpredictably??

     

    Where should I look to first? I'll looked for shorting plug wires when it is acting up and see or hear no shorting out.

     

    Perplexed.................................

  4. Look for a local shop that specializes in Subaru’s, they will generally do a much better job than a dealership.

     

    IMO

    Have to disagree here............ I have had major HORROR stories from private shops as well.

     

    I either case, take the time to talk with the service manager at the dealership or private shop.

     

    Dealerships usually have the best equipment and best trained staff.

     

    If you use a private shop............. Make sure they charge by Flat Rate. You don't want to pay for their education by straight time billing. I had a timing belt changed at a private shop once. They charged "only" $45.00/hour. It took 5 hours ($225.00). Later, I checked with the dealer and they used "Flat Rate" at 3.5 hours and charged $55.00/hour ($192.50).

  5. Rust is a problem in Salt States............

     

     

    When I lived in Minnesota I enlarged the drain holes in doors and anywhere else. Drill them out and prime and touch paint the metal.

     

    Before the car wash make sure you open the doors and clear the holes of debris. Spend some extra time at the doors to make sure they are flushed out well.

     

    Now I am in North Dakota and No Salt!!!!!!!!!!!! What a difference in corrosion on vehicles. And driving on plain sanded roads is not bad at all.

     

    Later

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