I have a '92 Legacy AWD automatic with 62000 miles on it. Recently it has started giving me some problems after climbing a mild hill...the engine starts shuddering violently and the valves are pinging like crazy. This starts after climbing a hill and then stopping at a stop light. Eventually the problems stop and it is OK until the next hill. The timing belt has been changed and everything else seems to be OK. Any ideas???

Sounds like your timing might be too far advanced, check that and try running a better grade of gas, as i have two legacy's and both seem to like the higher gas much better.

Sounds like your timing might be too far advanced, check that and try running a better grade of gas, as i have two legacy's and both seem to like the higher g

as much better.

 

Thanks for your advice. I thought the same as you...moved up to "premium" gas for a few tanks but there was no difference. I'll check the timing. The local Subaru dealer thinks it might be carbonization.

The local Subaru dealer thinks it might be carbonization.

Seafoam. Do the whole treatment, particularly the intake manifold part.

Search "Seafoam" on this forum for more info.

Seafoam. Do the whole treatment, particularly the intake manifold part.

Search "Seafoam" on this forum for more info.

 

Thanks for the tip...sounds like Seafoam might be the answer!

First, you can not "adjust" the timing on a 2.2l. Second, I would use a fuel system cleaner designed for FI. The best I have found is REDLINE fuel system cleaner. It is not a petroleum based product, completely synthetic, and does a greta job. Has anyone pulled the codes yet? That's where it should start. Pull codes then fix those issues. It could be something as simple as an O2 sensor giving a bad reading. Or the beginnings of a cat that is starting to plug.

 

 

BTW, I am moving this to the new gen forum for better coverage.

Have to agree with the Seafoam option. Have had a very similar problem on my '91 legacy, and a blast of carby/intake cleaner did the trick ( didn't use Seafoam just a standard Intake cleaner that does not clog Cats.)

First, you can not "adjust" the timing on a 2.2l. Second, I would use a fuel system cleaner designed for FI. The best I have found is REDLINE fuel system cleaner. It is not a petroleum based product, completely synthetic, and does a greta job. Has anyone pulled the codes yet? That's where it should start. Pull codes then fix those issues. It could be something as simple as an O2 sensor giving a bad reading. Or the beginnings of a cat that is starting to plug.

 

 

BTW, I am moving this to the new gen forum for better coverage.

 

Great advice...thanks so much!

Have to agree with the Seafoam option. Have had a very similar problem on my '91 legacy, and a blast of carby/intake cleaner did the trick ( didn't use Seafoam just a standard Intake cleaner that does not clog Cats.)

I'll try an intake cleaner and keep everyone posted...thanks!What a great forum!

Thanks to all those who replied to my request for help...a decarbonization solvent available in Canada was used and the problem was solved! The Legacy continues...

used Labatts in Canada. I'll be in Quebec next week and I'll see if it works for me.