[Wobbling crank pulley]

Had the hood of my Legacy open while the engine was running today, and noticed the crank pulley had a bit of a wobble in it. I've heard this can be a symptom of bad main bearings... but the car still runs perfectly, no knocks, plenty of power, runs smooth as silk, etc. Anything else I should check before assuming I have bearing issues? Could this be caused by an unevenly worn belt? Or could the pulley itself be bad?

 

If anything else... since the car still runs so well, barring any easy fix... any harm in running it like this?

 

I am posting this for those of you that may be experiencing the P301, P302, P303 and P304 codes - I had the same problem with my 97 Subaru Impreza.

 

After replacing the plugs (needed) and plug wires, knock sensor, and fuel filter yes the car seemed to run fine - but there was a more serious problem. Having recieved all four cylinders showing misfires, I intuitively thought the problem would have to be with a central function of the ignition system - not a single cylinder problem.

 

Turns out that the crankshaft alternator belt pulley bolt had loosened causing the pulley to dislodge from the crankshaft and timing sprocket. This caused the pulley and sprocket to walk - damaging the crankshaft, sprocket and pulley when the shaft key wore away. The choice now is an expensive replacement of the engine crankshaft (hopefully no piston or valve damaged) or replace the engine.

 

My suggestion to all concerned it to have your timing belt, crankshaft pulley and timing sprocket checked ASAP - if this is the probelm it would most certainly result in the four cylinder misfire codes P301, P302, P303 and P304.

 

Good luck.

[P301-304 codes and poor mileage]

98 Legacy L, 2.2L auto 150K miles

 

Constantly getting very poor mpg, 160-180 miles/tank in mixed driving.

 

P301, P302, P303 and P304 codes all the time, the CEL is flashing while driving. It's running rich, the exhaust smells like raw fuel sometimes.

 

Poor acceleration at times, hesitation.

 

Spark plugs, wires and O2 sensor are new, OEM.

 

Should I try replacing the coil? I replaced it once with a used unit with no change. I cannot think of what it could be other than the coil.

 

 

 

 

I am posting this for those of you that may be experiencing the P301, P302, P303 and P304 codes - I had the same problem with my 97 Subaru Impreza.

 

After replacing the plugs (needed) and plug wires, knock sensor, and fuel filter yes the car seemed to run fine - but there was a more serious problem. Having recieved all four cylinders showing misfires, I intuitively thought the problem would have to be with a central function of the ignition system - not a single cylinder problem.

 

Turns out that the crankshaft alternator belt pulley bolt had loosened causing the pulley to dislodge from the crankshaft and timing sprocket. This caused the pulley and sprocket to walk - damaging the crankshaft, sprocket and pulley when the shaft key wore away. The choice now is an expensive replacement of the engine crankshaft (hopefully no piston or valve damaged) or replace the engine.

 

My suggestion to all concerned it to have your timing belt, crankshaft pulley and timing sprocket checked ASAP - if this is the probelm it would most certainly result in the four cylinder misfire codes P301, P302, P303 and P304.

 

Good luck.