90 Legacy wagon... running on 3....

[curtis97322]

Hi all,
Recently purchased a 90 legacy wagon, automatic, too many miles, dirt cheap.

I THINK there's an injector issue - but before I dig into the engine I figured I'd check with those familiar with the car first...

Symptoms:
Car running on 3 cylinders. Smooths out a bit at 3K rpm but still doesn't sound right.

Diagnostics done:
Compression test - 180 on 3, 220 on cylinder that isn't firing.
Spark test - Swapped coil leads on two front cylinders, issue did not follow lead. Also changed plug in non firing cylinder - no change.

Preliminary diagnosis:
Fuel injector.

Waiting on a manual that should be in the mail come Monday. Plan on swapping out fuel injectors to see if the problem follows the injector. I'm time and money poor - but have more time than money...

Thoughts?

[curtis97322]

No ideas folks?

[wtdash]

CEL? Check codes? http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/eng ... #enginetip



Good luck.

[curtis97322]

Thanks WT!

I think I'll run out and check those codes!

[wfoote]

If you put a long screwdriver on one of the working injectors you should hear a discernible click, see if you hear the same clicking on the suspect injector. Then try unplugging the wire harness from the suspect injector and see if there is any change in the injector sound. You should also be able to swap the plugs between the injectors on the same side of the engine. If the problem follow the injector cable swap it is the harness, if not then you are probably right and it is the injector.

[curtis97322]

Just an update:

Got her running almost right. $10 junkyard injector and she's running on all 4. Still a little rough, but nothing a tuneup and some TLC shouldn't take care of.

Now to replace the ball joints and front axles...

Is it bad that this car really is currently a piece of crap but I'm already in love?

[green91]

Is it bad that this car really is currently a piece of crap but I'm already in love?

Great to hear its running properly again!

And No, its not bad LOL. Hell i havent even driven my tleg (only coasted down the driveway) and ive spent quite a bit of money on it... and i already like it better than my hondas and nissans.