HELP PLEASE 91 Legacy L 2.2

[cguzz]

OK, I've replaced the coil-pak w/ a used one and no change.

Changed plug wires and still the same problem. It was sure running smoother with the new wires but after just a few miles it started acting up again.

When this thing starts acting up and I continure to drive it, it starts giving off a horrible smell, almost like rubber burning. The belts are still turning as nothing is ceased up that I can see. Is it just because I keep driving it and I'm putting a strain on the motor?
For the first time while driving it while it was acting up my CEL came on. I'll check for codes when I get home this afternoon.


Any ideas in the meantime? What next???

[cguzz]

I thought it was a coincidence but it fixes the problem 98% of the time. If I pull a wire off the coil and start the car, shut it off, re-connect it, it runs fine. No particular wire but lately I've been pulling off the wire closest to the passenger seat. Not sure which cylinder #.

When I start it with the wire removed it just arcs out of the coil like normal. But for some reason it temporarily fixes the problem.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[cguzz]

I think I've found the source of the smell. When the car is acting up and I continure to drive it, it seems the muffler is getting super hot. The smell I think is just the surrounding undercoating.

Not sure it it means anything but if anybody has any ideas please let me know.

The problem seems to be getting alot worse. I could drive for days without it acting up and now it's almost all the time.

[douglas vincent]

Sounds like your catalytic converter is clogged, and if so, then your engine cannot breathe....

[cguzz]

Maybe. But the mystery to me would be, why does the trick with the coil seam to reset and temporarily fix it?

If so, wonder how I can figure out which one. What a nightmare it would be to have to break these exhaust bolts after 16 yrs

[evolutionmovement]

If you can find it, Zep 45. If not, PB Blaster. Spray the bolts liberally several days in a row before you go to work on it. Some bolts need a lot of torque to break, others need rapid impact. Exhaust would be the rapid-impact kind as too much torque would shred them. Without an impact gun, crank on the bolt with a wrench and rapidly strike the handle with a small hammer while applying torque. The rapid strikes are key, not heavy blows. If not, you'll need more destructive methods.

[cguzz]

I'm still not sure if it's a CAT because of the way I can temporarily remedy the problem messing with the coil and plug wires.

Anyway to tell which Cat? Do I need to take it to a shop?

[cguzz]

Just touchin' stuff while it was running right and tugged at the wires just behind the connector to the spark ignitor and BAM it started crappin' out on me

I pulled the connector shot a little WD40 on her and she's fantastic. It feels better with the new wires so no regrets.

I've got an extra coil-pak too and I'm a happy mofo

thanks for the support