I was hoping someone could help me out with this. My ’98, Subaru Legacy, 2.2, standard transmition has been stumbling a lot lately on acceleration when running cold. It’s not noticeable or present when the car is warmed up, but it stumbles in all gears when cold. I recently changed the air filter and the problem went away for about three days, but now it’s back and just as bad if not worse than before. The gas mileage does not seem to be effected that I have noticed.

 

Oddly enough I did notice a stumble/backfire? …once while on the highway…

 

Any ideas? No CEL or other lights so far.

 

Urban Coyote

STart with a full tune-up

 

Plugs

Wires

Fuel Filter

PCV valve

 

nipper

I would do the plug wires first. I had a similiar scenario. Cured.

I would do the plug wires first. I had a similiar scenario. Cured.

If they are original or older then 100k miles, you dont want to stop there.

 

nipper

Thanks! Plugs & wires are on the to-do list as is a fuel filter which I already have. I've never changed these myself yet so am waiting for a time when my brother can come out and give me a hand and show me how it's done.

 

The stumbling/bucking on acceleration is not something that has started gradually. One day I went to go to work and there it was, out of the blue. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that a tune up will cure what ails my roo.

 

Urban Coyote

Thanks! Plugs & wires are on the to-do list as is a fuel filter which I already have. I've never changed these myself yet so am waiting for a time when my brother can come out and give me a hand and show me how it's done.

 

The stumbling/bucking on acceleration is not something that has started gradually. One day I went to go to work and there it was, out of the blue. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that a tune up will cure what ails my roo.

 

Urban Coyote

 

The need for a tuneup will do that. Do the pcv valve too.

i had what sounds like almost exactly the same thing happen to my 96 2.2 leg. it ended up being the MAF. It was getting water on it some how causing it to make the car stutter.

Thank for the feedback everyone!

 

I bought NGK v-notch plugs the other day but the predominant wires available around here seem to be bosch. I can't find NGK wires. Is it going to be a big deal to use bosch wires with the NGK plugs?

 

Urban Coyote

If nothing else try one of the mail order places and get Subaru wires sent to you. I'd do that before settling for aftermarket wires.

 

Then again I haven't had much trouble with aftermarket wires on 2.2 but I have on 2.5's. Still while you're trying to solve a probelm I'd order some genuine Subaru wires and install them when they arrive.

 

Dave

not sure if your model year calls for platinum plugs or not.....but i have a 96 legacy 2.2 5 spd. and i put platinums in there and my car ran horribly...once i switched out for regular champions the car never ran better.....just mentioning it....

Uhg, the only thing is I HATE going to the dealer for parts....they mark them up so much it's ludicrus.

 

Ahhh Haaa....just called the dealer and found out that the "Subaru" brand plugs and wires they sell out of the dealership are NGK brand Soooo.....I'm on the right track

STart with a full tune-up

 

Plugs

Wires

Fuel Filter

PCV valve

 

 

I kind of have a similar situation with my '98 2.2L, it kind of stumbles or misses a bit in 2 to 3 gear. I will plugs and wires and fuel filter.

 

Are there any other ignition parts that are replaced during the tuneup?

This doesn't have a distributor, does it?

Thats about it. Air filter too if you are due. Wires should be from subaru.

 

nipper