1990 Legacy 2.2 running problems

[oztim]

I have a 1990 legacy w/ 2.2 EFI motor.

Problem is the car will start fine run fine for a while then will die or stutter some (if I pump accelerator peddle) then die. It will start right back up again and maybe run or maybe just die again. This can go on constantly or it might run fine for awhile before doing it again. A sour smell (not a raw gas smell or typical exhaust smell but a foul unusual smell) typically occurs when this happens. I have had fault codes for O2 sensor, Canister purge valve, MAF sensor fault and knock sensor. I have also read that my problem could be from sticky valves.

I have cleaned the MAF sensor w/ CRC MAF cleaner but have not repalaced other items showing up on fault codes - don't want to start replacing (money tight right now) until I can pin point what is wrong. It seems to be related to the ECU or electronics because it seems to run fine after the ECU resets or something. However, what I read about sticky valves on late model legacys also makes some sense. Supposedly I did have some stuck valves on the left hand head after the car had been parked for 6-months but I don't know for sure since when I got back I checked valves (valve cover off and could depress valves by hand) and started the car up and drove it for a couple months before this problem started occurring.

Would like any input you all may have. Sorry for the long winded post but figured I should get all I know into it. Any suggestions?

[kodi3482]

a rotten egg type smell would tell me bad cat converters.
dieing when giving it gas, can also be a plugged fuel filter and / or bad fuel pump.

fuel filter is cheap and if it hasn't been done in a long time change it. and check for vacuum leaks while your at it.

once you get it running , use 10w40 and a 1/4 qt of marvel mystery oil in an oil change. it will clean the sludge out of a motor in 500-1000 miles.. (i've done this to numerous stuck ticking valves, works every time.)

[wtdash]

I encourage you to address the CELs. The canister purge is likely extra - seems to occur when others crop up.

You don't state miles, but since it's a '90 I'll guess 'a lot'.

- MAF sensors do fail and cleaning won't fix it. The are cheap 2nd-hand - don't buy a new one. A JECS or AUTECS from any non-turbo Subaru Legacy/Impreza/Forester from '90-98 will work.

-The KS is a known issue - Good chance it's cracked. There was either a recall or TSB on these back in the '90's. Replace w/a used '95-96 WHITE connector or buy new from parts store.

- The 02 is another maintenance item...replace - after market is OK.

Fix those 3 issues and see. I agree on the fuel filter, too.

GL,
Td

[Legacy777]

Have you tried clearing the codes and seeing if all those codes come back again? If not, follow the instructions on my site: www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/engine.html