Issues with New Legacy (Breaking up above 3.5K)

[Benderama]

I just bought a legacy that had been sitting for about 5 years, after having a fresh tranny installed I am starting to get to drive the car around. The problem is I have lots of sputtering and bucking when coming into boost around 3500RPMs. I have not bought a boost gauge so I am unsure about a vacuum leak. I had a timing belt installed and my timing checked when I had the tranny installed. I have tried some fresh gas and fuel injector cleaner and it has gotten better but, not gone away. I changed plugs and wires and will be replacing the fuel filter soon. I feel like I am on the right track but this is the first turbo car that I have owned and don't want to miss anything.

PS Also I hope that I am putting this post in the right place, and I apologize if I did not.

[wtdash]

Hi,
Did you see THIS POST? Everything there except the head gasket should apply to you. Check for codes, too.

Hopefully you used NGK/OEM spark plugs and wires? If not, I'd put in the NGK copper plugs.

Change the fuel filter and drain the tank (if it was over 1/2 full when you got the car) - I think you'll need to get a siphon as there's no drain plug on the gas tank.

Was the car sitting due to the bad transmission?

I'd suggest you also have a vacuum issue...there's a diagram on here - a Search will turn that up.

GL,
TD

[Benderama]

I did use NGK wire not NGK plugs but good single tip plugs. I have also checked the BPV and confirmed that it holds boost. I did read through that post. I have no CEL except for the one from the high coolant temp that I got just the other day when I blew up the turbo coolant return hose. Hahaha. The car was sitting due to a bad tranny and now has 1 4.11 auto and rear end in it. I only had a 1/4 tank of bad gas so I filled up with a fresh tank of supreme (of course) and I have been slowly burning off more and more (not inspected or insured yet). I will continue trying to track down a vacuum leak but I may end up building a custom intake.

[wtdash]

What year/model did the replacement trans come from?

I'd still get NGK plugs...FWIW....read up on how picky Subies are RE: plugs.

Td

[Benderama]

It all came out of a 97 legacy with a 2.2 NA motor. I might change plugs. I am thinking about having an intake made by a local shop to completely eradicate the possibility of a vacuum leak.

[wtdash]

You're not getting any flashes from the POWER light @ startup, correct? That indicates a TCU/Trans issue. If you are, you'll want to pull the codes by doing THIS.

I've heard the '95-'98 trans will work, so hopefully your issue isn't related to that..... if you do have issues, I don't think it'll plug in, but you might try the TCU from the '97.

TD

[Legacy777]

What year is your Legacy?

Why did you get high coolant temp? The ECU typically won't throw a code for high coolant temp.

[wtdash]

What year is your Legacy?

Good question...I assumed it was '90-94.

[Benderama]

I assumed my code was high coolant temp as it came on when I blew my coolant hose. I thought I remembered reading that is one of the codes that this car could throw. My SS is a 94. Everything tranny related works great, no power light at start up. Hell even manual and TC lockup work flawlessly. I would have to check with my mechanics but I assume that they switched the TCU.

[Legacy777]

I would recommend checking the codes yourself to see what codes are actually in there. You can follow the procedures on my site. www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/engine.html

Also, why did you get a high coolant temp?

Thanks

[Benderama]

I blew up the coolant return hose on the turbo... just an old hose. I planned to check the code just have not got to it yet. I was just trying to provide as much information as possible before posting here. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Legacy777]

Ok, no worries. Let us know what the code is once you've had a chance to check it.

[Benderama]

Alright code 22 knock sensor, now I don't have a multimeter so should I just replace it?

[wtdash]

^Yes, likely cracked like most of 'em out there.
Td

[Benderama]

Awesome I will pick one up and repair it this week along with my coolant hose. Hopefully that is the only issue with my legacy.

[Benderama]

Just so everyone knows I am not holding out on you guys. I went to repair my coolant hose and broke the nipple off of my expansion tank. Grrrrrr. So I ordered a new expansion tank and cap since it was leaking too. That will be here tomorrow. I picked up a new fuel filter and knock sensor. By new fuel filter was installed since it only took about 35 seconds but my knock sensor still hasn't made it on due to lack of free time and all the rain that we have had the last few days. I also got to pick up a boost gauge and am in the process of installing it in the dash where the right center vent used to be. I am just about done grinding plastic to get it to fit right and should have that all wrapped up by the end of this week. Hopefully with all of this she will be running right as rain.

[wtdash]

Hi,
35 seconds to replace the fuel filter? You must be a magician..those hoses always give me so much grief.

If you're going for the 'stock look' I understand, but the WRX metal tanks are commonly avl on NASIOC for a reasonable price and can be made to work fairly easily....if you can/want to return the stock tank.

GL,
TD

[Benderama]

The only fuel filter that my local auto parts store had in stock was the one under the hood which surprised me that there was only one but it is rather large. Are there multiple fuel filters? Also is the bolt that holds the knock sensor in always so hard to threaded back into the hole? Does it go in at a slight angle? I didn't know that the WRX tanks fit so easily, but I don't mind paying for a new part. I am going to have this car for a while and do some minor modding so to have nice clean new parts that are not already modded to fit in is a plus. Thanks for the input though!

[wtdash]

-Just the one fuel filter mounted to the driver's side strut tower.
-The KS goes straight back in - vertically - and can be a pain to get started, but shouldn't be any different than any other bolt- meaning it can be screwed in by hand and then torqued to spec which is about 13-15 ft-lbs., per this THREAD.

If it was really tight, it's possible it was replaced and not done correctly.....was it cracked when you removed it?


GL,
td

[Benderama]

Yeah it was cracked when I removed it. I was pretty tough to remove, not 15LBs tight either. It could have been corrosion but I blasted the threads with PBs (Like WD40 but way better) and then sprayed with water and air compression since it was kind of messy in there. I think I will buy a new bolt to make sure.

Just wanted to say thanks for the help this forum is amazing and this car is a blast it is really a shame they are getting so old.

[SILINC3R]

Hey that is what new engines and trannys are for!

[Benderama]

Or engine rebuilds hahaha! Anyway got my new knock sensor and coolant overflow tank installed. I will finish up my new boost gauge tomorrow I hope and then I will finally get some more seat time in the car. My check engine light did go off once I got the new sensor installed so that is a good sign.

[Benderama]

Finished the gauge for now, it is held in with Zip ties. I still have to wire the light and such. I have 18PSI of vacuum at idle and while revving I am able to hit the target 8.7PSI of boost! I am getting tags on the car tomorrow and inspection so I will be driving it again tomorrow and will let you guys know how she runs.

[Benderama]

Got to drive my car lots today! I had to put in a starter cause the old one decided to die today but oh well. I found my problem! My car goes into boost great actually too good! With my gauge when I rev past 3K while driving boost just keeps climbing! I can easily hit 15PSI! I think that mean my waste gate is bad right? Or is that the MBC? Either way let me know and I will get on ordering some replacement parts.

[turbo970]

try turning the boost down with your MBC