I have a 1997 legacy outback with the 2.5 dohc. The other day it would not start. So i hooked up my reader and it said that the crank position sensor wouldn't read. So i replaced it and now there are no codes. However, when i turn the car on the fuel system has an issue. The pump does engage for a few seconds and pumps up tp about 40 psi. However, it doesn't hold that pressure nor will the pump stay running when the engine is being cranked. Any ideas? 

If you just have a fuel problem then you should be able to spray a small amount of starter fluid into the intake and make the engine fire up. You might have a problem with the power to the injectors.

 

EDIT:

After reading "mikaleda's" comment below about the multipoint injection and starter fluid I have to say I wasn't really thinking about that when I made this suggestion. His suggestion is definitely a safer way to check the ignition. I guess you could also see if the plugs are getting wet if the ignition isn't working. If you have a spare plug it would be easy to insert it in one of the plug wires, set it on a good ground point, and check for spark getting too it if you don't have a checker.   

Starting fluid doesn't work in multi point fuel injection in my experience. A spark tester is cheap and the only way to properly check for spark.

 

The first step is to figure out wether its spark, fuel, or compression.

 

Your fuel pump sounds like its doing what it supposed to, the fuel pump only runs long enough to prime the system. I would be focusing on making sure what is missing fuel or spark.

I have a 96 legacy wagon right wheel drive and I took the air intake hose off of the intake and poured some 93 octane in.  My car started but as soon as that fuel was used it dies.  It is definitely a fuel problem.  It was running fine, my roommate ran out of gas, we pushed it to a gas station and filled the tank up and it would try to start but die like it was being flooded.  Every time I push on the gas it seems to get worse.  Now wont even try to start.  Could really use some help. 

Brad9250.  We need the codes.  Since you can't get to a auto parts place, buy a cheap reader and check the codes yourself.

 

ps.  it's better to start your own thread rather then tacking to one that is old.