Check engine light blinking

[regencyred]

Hi, I am trying to start my car after 5 years sitting outside.
It's a 91 Legacy wagon AWD. I have replaced the fuel in tank.

When I connect the black connectors the check engine
light blicks at a constant steady rate. no long flashes, only short.
Is the ECU good and no codes? is that what this means?
Then I disconnected the black connectors and connected the green
connectors. the fans came on and the clicking started.

I have changed the ignitor and coil from a 95, both diamond brand.
originally they were both Hitachi. does this matter?

Thanks in advance, Craig

[Legacy777]

Hi Craig,

Yes the steady blinking of the CEL with the black connectors connected means there are no codes stored in the ECU. The green connectors are a more active diagnostic and the relays clicking you described is normal.

As for the coil pack, the hitachi and diamond are interchangable. I would also think the ignitors are also interchangable, but don't have direct experience with that.

Have you tried starting the car, does it start?

[regencyred]

Thanks Josh,

From what you told me, I think it's just bad gas in the tank.
The engine kicks off and on, but won't run.
I siphoned most of the old gas and added about 5 gallons but
the tank is only quarter full. maybe needs more fresh gas?
I have Seafoam fuel treatment. will that help?
Starting fluid in the throttle doesn't seem to help.
Cheers, Craig

[Legacy777]

Have you pulled the spark plugs? Are they wet with fuel after cranking the engine over for a while? Have you checked to ensure you're getting spark?

If you have fuel & spark, then you just need to confirm it's being delievered in the proper timing, and I would suggest pulling the timing covers off to verify the timing marks are aligned properly.

[turboleg]

I agree with Josh. Check the plugs after cranking.

Also, when you say the engine will kick off and on, but won't run. Do you mean that the engine will fire temporarily and then just quites altogether, or are you saying the starter cranks and the engine will never fire?

Check that you have sufficient battery voltage, I ran into a problem with one of my BC's where a battery voltage a bit under 12V wouldn't allow the engine to start, it woudl crank over but it seemed that the injectors wouldn't fire.

I would also consider checking that the intake vaccum lines are all attached properly and havent rotted through in the past few years. MAF engines need proper air flow to mix fuel properly. If a line is off or there is a big enoug air gap in a hose the engine won't respond properly.

If all of the checks Josh and I are suggesting check out fine, I would then suggest checking/replacing the water temperature sensor. They are known to cause funky starting/running issues.