SO I have recently swapped a 2.2 into my 1998 legacy Outback. After the swap I replaced the knock sensor as it was throwing a code. Ran much better after that was replaced, however the Car cuts out very bad at 4,000 rpm, however it does not cut out in first gear and im able to rev it to the moon in first gear. Any ideas on what this problem could be? FWI it did this before the sensor was changed as well.

any help

Does it feel like you're hitting the rev limiter? If the CEL is on, see what it is. Some codes will put it in limp mode.

It does feel like it is hitting the rev limiter, however there is no CEL...

We had a similar symptom in an EJ brat, that the revs were limited to 4000 rpm until we hooked up the VSS signal wire.

Double check all your connections. You are in limp mode.

UPDATE!!!!

Im very determined to get this fixed as I Have trouble getting up steeper hills as it cuts out at 4000 rpm.

The Im using the 2.5 intake manifold as well as throttle body/intake on the 2.2 motor. dont know if this makes a difference.

 

So far this is what has been replaced-

 

Fuel Filter

ECU (replaced the 2.5 ecu with a 2.2 ecu)

Knock Sensor

 

 

any other ideas?

 

Could it be the VSS wire?

Again there is no CEL

 

 

Please help!!

You are in limp mide, not many things do that. A vss signal can do this but if you have a spedo ... *ahem*

 

 

 

It should be fine.

 

 

is it just hitting a ceiling or breaking up at 4K

A 2.5 intake manifold won't physically bolt to 2.2 heads. Have you swapped heads?

You don't need to swap computers, I'd try going back to the stock one to see if thats the problem.

I ran the stock one for 6 months and just swapped out the ecu today cuz i got a smokin deal on one. anyway it breaks up at 4,000 but will keep reving than clears up at 4500. I dont undertand what u mean by the speedo and the VSS? please explain

Does the spedometer work ?

yeah works perfect

yeah works perfect

 

Do you have a check engine light? Specifically code p0500?

That's the vss code, it will put the computer into limp mode. As will many other codes.

If it was breaking up it would have been an engine related issue, but since it just stops responding it is a limp mode of some kind. Go back and check ALL your harnesses for damage and dsiconnect and reconnect everything.

 

Lets start with the basics.

There's a possibility of a cam or crank position sensor/reluctor type mismatch, maybe?

 

I've seen that cause a no-spark, but not a poor running condition.

 

Dave

It cleans up around 4500 rpm after stuttering at 4000 rpm. I think I'm going to do plugs and plug wires? Should I do them?

It cleans up around 4500 rpm after stuttering at 4000 rpm. I think I'm going to do plugs and plug wires? Should I do them?

 

If they aren't NGK plugs and subaru or NGK wires, yes, do them.

so could that be my problem?

so could that be my problem?

 

No way to know 'til you try it. But generally Subarus run much better with the proper new plugs & wires. If they haven't been changed in a long time it's a good investment.

 

Hope it solves your problem.

Before I***knew better, I used bosch plugs. This was the result....

These were in for about two weeks, never ran right, and just got worse.

The wires were crap from pep boys. I finally started pulling stuff when it didn't run when wet. Spark show under the hood.... Switched to good parts and it fine again.

 

Here's the plug

i bought belden premium spark plug wires and ngk plugs, gonna be installing them tonight. I dont know what is next after i install these

Just a question, how is the timing belt?

good question, i dont know. im thinking it may be a timing issue. how would i check that?

General rule is when you swap a subaru engine, the timing belt, idlers, seals and water pump should all be done as they are much easier out of the car, especialy on an unknown engine.

It may not be the issue but it needs to be done along with a full tuneup.