I have a 1993 Subaru Legacy MT AWD, with 198K. I haven't had any problems with it, until last week... I was driving at about 40 mph and the engine started cutting out, I was able to pump the gas a couple of times to keep it going, but it died. Timing belts are ok, RMP didn't cut out like it does when the timing belts snap(Yes I have let a few non interference(sp?)engines do this). No dash lights or engine lights flashed. I have not been able to start since. I was thinking it was a fuel problem, but I checked the fuel pump at the outlet of the fuel filter and it seem fast and high pressure. Must be electrical right? I haven't had any intermittent electrical problems and it's always starts right up and runs no hesitation, etc. We have had rain for the last week straight, so I havn't really looked at it. But any help would be great.

 

Damon

 

1997 Subaru Outback Sport 150K

1990 Subaru Legacy MT 275K

1993 Subaru Legacy MT AWD 198K

other retro subarus...

Check for engine codes, as well as running the active diagnostic.....see if you get any response from the ECU. Whether the CEL blinks should give you indication whether the ECU is still functioning

 

the procedure to get codes is on my site under the notes & tips section.

The problem could be electrical and it may also be the fuel pump going out.

Update! To check the engine, I turned the crankshafy pulley and the camshaft pulleys didn't move. When I had first looked at the engine, I checked the timing belt by pushing on it by opening both outer timing belt covers and the belt was tight on both sides...so i figured the timing belt was ok. But when I rotated the camshaft pulley the timing belt came right out. The belt had a 4-5 inch section that the teeth were gone and it was snapped right there also.

 

 

I am thinking that the timing belt had a few chewed teeth and kept going, until it ended up at the crankshaft gear and couldn't spin. Anyone have any thoughts? What should I check to make sure the engine is ok, before installing some oil seals and a new timing belt? Thanks for you help.

The first gen legacies had non-interference engines, so you should be good to go by just slapping a new t-belt on.

 

Only other things I'd look at are the oil seals, possibly replacing the water pump, and resealing the oil pump (depending on when the last time they were done). You may want to check the timing belt tensioner as well. See if it's leaking or anything out of the normal. The belt's failure could possible be due to the tensioner not providing enough force to keep the belt tight.

Thanks for the info. Thats what I was thinking also. I will review past threads on oil seals, etc. I havn't replaced the timing belt myself on this one, so I was just waiting for it to go! The car has 198K, so all seals up front are in need of replacement as they were leaking some. The timing belt looked like it had been in there for a real long time! I know there is different schools of thought on Timing belt brands(i.e. Subaru and aftermarket), but I am thinking of just using a aftermarket. Any reason not to on this car? Thanks

 

 

Damon

ehh, I don't see any reason why an aftermarket belt wouldn't work.

sounds like that timing belt was probably the original belt. why not get another subaru belt and get another 200,000 miles on it.

I may consider that. It was a subaru belt. Can Timing belts last 200K? I know my other 1990 legacy timing belt has 105K on it since it was last changed with a subaru belt. Has anyone had experince with NAPA, etc belts lasting over 100K or up to 200K?

 

Thanks, Damon

Just a quick update to close the tread. Two weeks ago I replaced the timing belt, replaced the crank shaft seal, both cam seals, and the o-ring in the oil pump. She now runs great without any oil leaks, now I just check the oil without having to use any after 1000k! Thanks for everyones help and resources on the web site.

 

 

Damon