Annoying Scooby

[Wingnut2k8]

I am having an annoying problem.
Ive got a 1995 Subaru impreza wagon and after driving exactly the same distance it keeps cutting out as though the ignition key has been turned off.
Sometimes it bursts back into life, but other times it just dies completly.and is a pig to restart

Ive checked all connections, pipes etc and the seem ok, and battery is giving out roughly 13.66volts on idle.
Ive reset the ECU by connecting the greens n blacks and doing the throttle thing, and its coming up with no faults at all.

im running NGK BKR6eTP plugs the quad core thingys, ive cleaned these also.

Is there anyone that can suggest anthing else i could try or have a possible solution, coz im baffled. THANKS

[Zad]

If it is always in roughly the same place on the same road, could it be a nearby radio transmitter that is inducing nasty voltages in the engine management? I know RAF Fylingdales in North Yorks can do this to some cars.

[stevieturbo]

First off, the correct plugs are PFR6B's, although that isnt the problem.


You need to establish whether the ignition etc has power when it cuts out.

But it could be as simple as a faulty fuel pump.

After a cut out, when you turn the ign on for the first time, can you hear the pump priming ok ? It should run for a few seconds, at every key-on.

Replacement/upgrade Walbro pumps are available quite cheaply.

[Wingnut2k8]

elloooo fanx for advice.....
Ive just put in a walboro pump on... seemed better was running lovely till i mixed 95 ron unleaded and 99 Ron super unleaded without thinking then it started cutting out again!!!! just gotta put in my new plugs i just got...took mine out and they look like they have been on the car since it was made !!

Got some NGK iridium ix plugs that im gonna put in 2morrow and reset the ECU Just hope this solves it!! ......
Also brought big box of matches lol

Edited by Wingnut2k8 on Saturday 26th July 23:46

[wildoliver]

Mixing fuel won't cause any issues provided it isn't diesel and petrol.

Sounds daft but are you sure it isn't the ignition switch that is dicky, try wiggling the key next time it happens, had this on a 924 once. Failing that again very simple fault but are you sure the battery connectors are tight? And the earth strap to car body is tight and making good connection? Also has it only started doing this since you fitted the new pump? Does it only happen when going round a corner or over a bump?

[Steve_D]

wildoliver said:

......Sounds daft but are you sure it isn't the ignition switch that is dicky, try wiggling the key next time it happens, had this on a 924 once. Failing that again very simple fault but are you sure the battery connectors are tight? And the earth strap to car body is tight and making good connection? Also has it only started doing this since you fitted the new pump? Does it only happen when going round a corner or over a bump?

Now there's a man asking all the right questions because he has been there so many times before.
He will also know why an Austin mini would be sluggish when turning over, has a sticky throttle and a very graunchy choke pull.

Steve (waits in anticipation)

[Zad]

I've had an immobiliser relay go faulty and give similar results too.

[wildoliver]

Steve_D said:

wildoliver said:

......Sounds daft but are you sure it isn't the ignition switch that is dicky, try wiggling the key next time it happens, had this on a 924 once. Failing that again very simple fault but are you sure the battery connectors are tight? And the earth strap to car body is tight and making good connection? Also has it only started doing this since you fitted the new pump? Does it only happen when going round a corner or over a bump?

Now there's a man asking all the right questions because he has been there so many times before.
He will also know why an Austin mini would be sluggish when turning over, has a sticky throttle and a very graunchy choke pull.

Steve (waits in anticipation)

Bad earth earthing through throttle cable and choke obviously. At least make the question challenging! How about why some engines turn over easier with clutch pressed in, and others with it left out?

[Steve_D]

wildoliver said:

......How about why some engines turn over easier with clutch pressed in, and others with it left out?

You win.
Apart from thinking that some 'boxes have a higher friction and the opposite where some clutch release mechanisms are higher friction.
Bound to be something more cunning than that.

Steve

[wildoliver]

The prime example of a car that likes the clutch pressing in is Porsche 928/924/944/968, because even if the box is in neutral with clutch out it has to rotate the engine, flywheel, clutch, torque tube and the first motion shaft of box. There are however very few cars that start easier with clutch in.

[Isoproturon1]

Random question: does it have a turbo timer?

[Pigeon]

Of course these discussions are always beset with possibilities for misunderstandings because to some people "clutch in" means "clutch engaged" and to others it means "disengaged"

wildoliver said:

The prime example of a car that likes the clutch pressing in is Porsche 928/924/944/968, because even if the box is in neutral with clutch out it has to rotate the engine, flywheel, clutch, torque tube and the first motion shaft of box. There are however very few cars that start easier with clutch in.

...old BL/BMC cars with a carbon clutch release bearing turn over more easily with the clutch engaged because there is less drag from the box than there is from the carbon bearing. Not so sure about actually starting more easily, my Morris Minor used to fire first pot over anyway

[Wingnut2k8]

fink its sorted now thanks everyone for your help.....got new fuel pump and replaced plugs seems ok just gotta go for a proper drive ....fingers crossed!!

[Mr2Mike]

wildoliver said:

The prime example of a car that likes the clutch pressing in is Porsche 928/924/944/968, because even if the box is in neutral with clutch out it has to rotate the engine, flywheel, clutch, torque tube and the first motion shaft of box. There are however very few cars that start easier with clutch in.

The only difference between that and a more conventional car is the propshaft (a torque tube does not turn!).

[Zad]

I always depress the clutch when starting any engine, it is just a habit and can avoid any stupid accidents.

I realised I knew about the throttle cable / choke / earthing