Lumptastic Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 So I’ve had a 96 outback for about two years now and when I got it it had a code for the crank sensor but nothing else. Changed out the sensor and within a couple days started getting codes for a misfire on #4 cel flashing. Changed out the plugs wires and coil and it went away for probably 1000 miles. It’s strictly a toy for the gambler 500 so it took about a year to put on the 1000. Recently it came back but light would turn of after a few miles. Now it’s on solid and has flashed a couple times. It had always idled a little rough and just being a toy I wasn’t too concerned about it. Anyway I have been working on trying to get it to run a little smoother over the last week. Cleaned every sensor I could. Checked for any vacuum leaks and didn’t find any. Basically everything that all the other threads and forums say about misfire codes. Finally did a compression test and discovered cylinder 4 was way lower than the other 3. 1 2 and 3 all 160–170 #4 was at 90. Put 5ml of oil in it and only took it up to just under 95 but being a horizontal engine I’m not sure if the wet test even does anything. Engine was warm but insted of pulling the plugs on the injectors I unplugged the pump and relieved the pressure that way. Also throttle wasn’t open. So I guess my first question is would that have worked or should I retest? It doesn’t burn a drop of oil and no smoke. No oil in water and no water in the oil. No evidence of bubbles when I started it with the radiator cap off. Am I correct to suspect a valve issue? Gonna pull the valve cover as soon as I get the chance and take a look at the camshaft to check for worn lobes. Just not sure what is going on and I’m definitely no mechanic. Just go by what I find in forums and on YouTube. Need some advice before I start tearing the head off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 (edited) Burnt exhaust valve. 100%. You won't find a thing under the valve cover so unless you plan on pulling the head don't even bother. Is the engine original? If so it has hydraulic buckets/lash adjusters. They can burn valves though. GD Edited March 25, 2019 by GeneralDisorder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lumptastic Posted March 25, 2019 Author Share Posted March 25, 2019 Yeah that’s what I kinda was assuming. Yeah it’s the original engine as far as I know. Looks like I’ve got some work to do. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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