I got an 80s subaru for a hobby and to relive my teens. But I need it to run. The symptoms are: 1 a strange clicking from the relays in the vacuum system by the carb, when the key is in the run position. 2 a couple unplugged connectors by the alternator wiring harness that I cant figure out where to plug in. Things I have checked out and are working: fuel pump, fuel flow, spark, and it starts and runs when I pour gas in the carb. Any help would be great this is the first subaru I have worked on.

Almost has to be something with the carb.  Did you try to keep it running by holding the gas pedal down part way?

Yes, and it will stay running and respond to throttle position as long as I keep pouring gas in the intake. When I stop it dies. Could it be a plugged strainer inside the carb? Does it have electronic throttle bodies inside the intake or is it a regular carb? Can anyone recommend where to get a service manual for it?

Mine did this, i had my brother rebuild the carb. Ran good for a few weeks, now im getting rid of the craptachi and on the way to a weber swap. A rebuild is not worth it in my opinion. Throw it out, get a weber if you dont have emissions. If you do, get a new hitachi

The last one I had with a carb. Was a 1986. I never had any problems with the carb. The frame got bent in an accident in the early 90s, it was replaced. I have only seen SPFI since 1987.

 

Does the carb have a sight glass? Maybe the float / valve is stuck shut? It sounds like no fuel is getting through any of the paths.

Are you sure it has a carburetor or is fuel injected?  Post a picture of your set up.

Thanks to all who posted. I took what I thought was a carb off and now im pretty shure it is the SPFI that DaveT was talking about. Now I think I need to test the injector because it does not spray any gas during cranking or running. Anyone know of a way to do this?

I think the next thing to do is rent a set of noid lights (I've gotten them from AutoZone for a refundable deposit). Connect one to the wires going to the injector, and turn it over. That will tell you if it's a fuel injection issue, or a physical fuel flow issue. If the light flashes, and you have adequate fuel pressure to the throttle body, it's a clogged or stuck injector. 

In my recent emissions test fail nuts thread, there is a section about checking the injector. Iirc, disconnect the MAF. Remove the boot from the throttle body. While cranking, there should be a burst of fuel sprayed. Also, it should run in limp mode, and you can see the fuel spray down onto the throttle plate.

 

If no fuel, it's time to start checking the injector and wireing. Ohmmeter, voltmeter .