cat clogged? help please

[scottyz28]

i just picked up a 1991 legacy wagon im new to subarus. with a ej22e non turbo 5sp. the car has 252000 on it. Im trying to figure out if the cat is clogged on the exhaust or if its an electrical or sensor issue. the car will run fine for about 5-10min when cold. then it loses power and wont rev up then will slowly die out and shut off . the muffler has rotten off not sure if that caused any issues also.

[asotwavb]

Hmmm, maybe take out the 02 sensor and try running her to give her a lil more breathing room.

Have you tried checking the engine computer for codes?

[scottyz28]

the check engine light came on for a bit yesterday but ran perfect. then this morning it ran fine for a while...then just lossed power then died. let it sit for awhile...then ran fine for about 2-5min. no check engine light tho. now after sitting for a few hours it will run great! then slowly die off on power and quit. i will try to attempt to check the codes

[asotwavb]

Look for two small black clips underneath your dash. somewhat where your right knee would be? Plug em in and turn the key on with engine off and see what she flashes

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

I have instructions on how to pull the codes on my site
www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/engine.html

You may have an issue with the coolant temp sensor. Once the car warms up, the sensor is telling the ECU to give the engine too much fuel and it's stalling out.

[xise]

it could either be that or you might have a more serious issue like leaking seals where your sparkplugs are, if you are getting oil or coolant in your spark plugs it will cause this issue. It is fine b/c they are dry when you first start the car up, but once the motor is running oil gets into the guides and that kills your spark.... just a suggestion as this happened to me before pull a spark plug wire after your car dies and see if there is some juice in there

[scottyz28]

found out it was water in the gas. seems to run just great now! but now its about time for a new clutch.

[Legacy777]

Good deal, thanks for sharing what the problem was.