legacycentral bbs

ok so I've been having this issue for a little while now, I'm going to do my best to describe it so bear with me. its a 1994 N/A FWD 5 speed, randomly while driving the engine will lose power, give it gas, does nothing, if i put the clutch in it will stall. if it does stall completely it is very difficult to get it running again, doesn't want to idle, when it does start it idles at about 2000 for awhile before finally coming down again. I've replaced plugs, wires, coil, fuel pump, fuel filter(both in tank and under hood). the part that i find the weirdest is that when its not doing this it runs AMAZING, incredibly smooth, good power, and good mileage. the only thing that I'm thinking is the IAC valve is bad, only problem is, thats a $300 part so id like to try cheaper things first. if that makes any sense, and anyone has an idea i would greatly appreciate any help

Have you pulled codes?

I had a similar issue on my car where I'd be driving around and it would lose power suddenly. I could sometimes put it in neutral and rev the engine to keep it going. It turned out to be the MAF sensor.

I would suggest pulling the codes as Charles suggested to see if there is a MAF code. I didn't have a MAF code that typically showed up. It was only after the car wouldn't even restart did the MAF code show up.

^+1
HI,
MAF = I'm guessing you have the Green label plastic JECS or AUTECS MAF. One from most any EJ22/EJ25 non-turbo Impreza/Legacy from '92-'98 will work.

IAC= If it's not the MAF, then replace the top part of the IAC - worked for me.

TD

Mine ended up being the MAF also.

it doesn't currently have a check engine light on, but how would i go about pulling codes?

OMG!

http://legacycentral.org/library/literature/codes.htm