jmoff

Just south of San Francisco, but I would get my vehicle to anywhere somewhat close-ish (50 Miles or so).

Hey all, I posted a bit earlier about a long running issue I've been having with my lifted 88 Subaru GL. I've been trying to fix it for a while, but don't seem to be getting anywhere. I've also taken it to 2 mechanics, who have tried lots of stuff (Vaccum, timing, TPS) but the problem persists (major hesitation, bucking, very rough idle). I've also replaces a lot of parts myself. This is my last ditch effort. Does anyone know a good Subaru mechanic in the San Francisco Bay Area that knows EA82's really well? I don't want to get rid of my baby, but it's basically been undriveable for a year and a half. I may need to turn the page soon. Thanks all! I love this group! Jason

No codes. When I unplug the IAC, I get a code, but with it plugged in there are no codes.

Hey all, I have an EA82 that I've been trying to get back on the road for about 3 years now. I love this subie so much, but can't seem to diagnose what the heck is going on. The primary issue is low idle, and inconsistent running. It bucks, and jolts, stalls, and is basically underivable. Based on stuff I've tried on the forum, I've replaced a lot (list below). However, I have noticed 2 things over the weekend. The issue is much worse when the car is started from cold. If it warms up (which is tough to suffer because it runs so poorly) the idle seems to stablilize a little bit. Also, today, when messing around I unhooked the Idle Air Control Valve, and it seems to run much much smoother. Not 100% perfectly, but a heck of a lot better. It's actually driveable. Does this just mean that my IAC is bad? I sort of doubt that as it's only 2 years old and was new when I got it. (I've got the idle turned up pretty high too) This is the biggest result I've been able to find with all my testing and new parts (used MAF Sensor, new Oxy Sensor, new EGR, new coolant temp sense, used throttle position sensor, new plugs/ wires, new timing belts, etc). Any ideas on why it would run better without the IAC connected? I feel like I might be getting close here...hopefully? Thanks all, Jason

Hey all, Thanks for the feedback. It's weird, when I put in a new (used) Throttle Position Sensor, it started throwing out a 31 code. I put my old one back in and it went away. It runs crappy either way though. Maybe the new (used) one is ever more bunk than my current one. Really seems like it could be something in TPS system though. When I have my foot on the pedal in a certain position it runs great, then other positions, or idle, and it starts getting funky. I have a new fuel filter on it, so can't be that. The cat is relatively new as well. I'm headed back in to test vacuum lines again tomorrow. Hopefully it's that. Thanks again...

Hi all, So, I've been having some problems with my 88 Lifted GL Wagon. I'm all out of stuff to try. The problem includes very rough idle, and major hesitation (bogging down, etc). The car is currently undrivable. The real bummer is the smog is now up (CA), so I can't re-register it. Here's where I'm at: -I replaced the EGR and gasket- no change -I replaced the plugs and wires- no change -I replaced the Throttle position sensor with a used one- no change -I replaced the Ignition Coil- No change -I had a new-ish idle air control valve, but swapped in another, just to see- no major change -I made a new paper gasket for the IAC- no change I thought it might be a vac leak, and took it to the mechanic to try and diagnose. He said he didn't see anything, but I'm still not convinced he looked really really really hard. Who knows. I don't have much experience finding vac links. I would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, or help folks might have. I love this car, but I'm all out of stuff to try. I don't want to have to give it up. Thanks, Jason

Hey all, I just can't seem to get a problem licked in my 88 GL (fuel injected). A little while back, I had some idle problems, not starting, etc. I changed out the Idle Air Control Valve. I also changed plugs, wires, etc. I was still was having some problems, so I changed the engine coolant temp sensor. That got it up and running again, however not as well as before. Poor acceleration, poor mpg, especially when it was hot outside. But it did run again. Recently, I swapped out the Oxygen Sensor and the EGR Valve. I felt like it started running a little better, and I thought I had it fixed. Unfortunately, either the problem has either returned (or I was just making it up, and it wasn't ever running better). Either way, I'm still having poor acceleration (not as bad when it's cold out first thing in the AM). I'm also suffering a loss of MPG, especially when driving around town. Bogged down acceleration in 2nd, etc. Does anyone have any ideas of what else it might be? I'm kind of enjoying the process, because I'm learning a lot about my vehicle, and this is all new ground for me (I've only done tune-ups in past), etc. However, it would be nice to actually get this thing running correctly again.

Hi All, Long time reader, first time poster. I own a 93 Loyale with under 100k miles on it. Unfortunately it is an automatic. I also own a 87 GL manual with high/low and far more miles. You see where this all is heading... I'd like to do a manual/ auto swap. Unfortunately, I live near San Francisco, and do not have access to a garage. I have some mechanical skill (tune ups, etc), but have never replaced a transmission/ clutch either. I was wondering if there are any folks in the region who have a garage, and experience doing a tranny swap, and would be willing to help me make this happen. If so, I'm willing to give you my 87 GL for the time, and help making it happen. The interior is great, and the engine is good as well (it just wont have a transmission) If you're not interested in that, I can offer up $ for the time, and effort. We'll work out something that makes it all worth your while. However, I'm not looking to pay someone to just do the job. I want to get in there, learn, and help make it happen. Beer and food are on me too. I live near San Francisco, but I would be willing to travel. If anyone is interested, or has any ideas on how to help make this happen. Please let me know. I really wish I had a garage where I could pull this all apart, and put it back together. Unfortunately, it's just not an option. I could use a friends, but since I don't have experience doing this operation, I don't want to leave 2 torn apart Subies in his garage till I figure it all out. Thanks all, Jason