xenongod

Caboobaroo...there are a couple junkyards near me and was going to go take a gander. What other years and models would work for mine? Does anyone even know why there even is a cam angle sensor? Have they been known to go bad by just "accidently" grounding the alternator circuit? In my case accidently=brain fart..but...I only make one mistake once. Anyways...just wondering if you could give me some extra info on my options...Thanks.

I have an ea81 '81 Wagon GL 4WD and was considering an electronic distributor, since a stock used one goes for 75 bucks anyways. Could you please tell me where you bought yours? Something really weird happened one day while I was replacing the alternator and I am pretty sure my angle sensor took a dump in the process. I found out that means pretty much a new distributor, so here I am in search of a remedy and you may have the answer to giving life to Diamond. Thanks...xenongod

WOW!!...Thank you very much everyone...this helps out a lot...I will aim for by the hood release area next...then if that is not it...head for a VRM and test fuel pump power..then maybe another alternator. Odd thing is..the part numbers are the same on the old bad one and the new one in there now...both from Autozone. So..Thanks...when I get time...I will head on out and get her up and running. Kudos to everyone!!...Thanks!!

Hey everyone..it's been a while since I have been around...Diamond in the Roo ('81 Subaru GL AWD Wagon) is still sitting with a car cover on and in the driveway. How to make a long story short?...hrmmm...okay...first of all...every Subaru owner knows that the gremlins in the electrical system are very unforgiving. I have been through many trials with this car...mechanically brand new...body is restored using POR15 and other cosmetic items..but electrical work is not my forte. First of all...the current problem is this...with new alternator...battery...and voltage regulator...the car will start..but only runs for 30 seconds or so then dies...like it's cutting off the fuel. I know what you are gonna say...get a voltmeter and check power at fuel pump...well I haven't got that far...and don't have a voltmeter as of yet. I called S-Wings and they were 99% sure of a fusible link under the dash near the middle that went bad...a safety feature just in case of wreck. Oh...forgot to mention what happened...I was replacing a lifetime guaranteed alternator from Autozone that went bad after a year...they tested the VR also and said it was good..although I did go ahead and put another one to be sure...and it did the same thing. While replacing the alternator...I neglected to disconnect the battery and I saw sparks fly from the alternator when I pulled out the old one...disconnected the battery and installed the new one...and the problem started. I found the fusible link next to the battery (white plastic connector with two? wires coming out of it) and it was bad..so I luckily found a replacement and fixed that..and the problem still continued. Anyhoo...I have dug and crammed my hand up in the dash and have not found this mystery link yet. My questin is this...has anyone else had the same problem...and what exactly am I looking for...a tube fuse or wire links? Well...that's it for now..hopefully I can figure this out..next is to go buy a voltmeter and start probing for power. Please..I pray to the Subaru gods...help me..please?

since the new VR from NAPA didn't work...and I don't have the 60 bucks to buy one...does anyone have one at a good price and condition so I may try another VR? One last note...really weird...the wires and connectors on the alternator were not connected when the sparks occured...I was pulling it out when a big blue spark came shooting at my face. My wife also mentioned a couple days earlier that she noticed a smell like wires burning and then the car died and I put in a new battery and it got me home...but after a while...it would die and found out the one-year old alternator from Autozone had gone bad...thank God for lifetime warranties. So...while replacing it in their parking lot....the big mystery started. So...all in all....the wagon is in beutiful mechanical shape...but probably needs a very thorough electrical overhaul...you think?

To answer some questions and doubts...I forgot to mention that the fusible link between the battery and alternator did give way and I replaced it with probably the last new one ever...thanks again to S-Wings. The link is basically two wires with two connectors...also noticed that my wires are rusting from the inside out. The car will fire right back up and then do the 30 second run then quits. I haven't located the fuel pump yet...but I think it is on the passenger rear wheel well area and will check it when I have time. Another weird thing...some months ago after the gremlins ran amuck for a while...I purchased a new voltage regulator from NAPA...on initial startup...the new VR smoked and almost caught fire...so I put the old one back in and had no problems for a while until the whole new quirk came into play...oh btw..the employees at the one on Tejon here in Denver are complete *******s and accused me of putting it in wrong...which in near to impossible with one connector and two other wires...friggin' jerks there. The voltage regulator in there now is one from a '82 Hatchback...the numbers are the same on both of them..so I figured it would work...but apparently not. I am completely befuddled. I have over 13 years of working on cars..and I do know that whenever working on electrical or even mechanical areas...that you are supposed to disconnect the battery...but as I said...I neglected to...everyone makes mistakes...eh? Anyhoo...thanks again...and I do have service manual...even have the HTKSA manaul...but it not much help sometimes when trivial things like this occur.

Okay here's a long story made short. The gremlins living in my '81 GL AWD Wagon are on a rampage...so I replaced the battery...voltage regulator...and when I was replacing the alternator...I neglected to disconnect the positive on the battery and sparks flew for some reason. Ever since then...even after changing out the same parts...the car will run for 30 seconds then just shut down. I called S-Wings here in Denver and he mentioned that he 99.99% sure that there is a fusible link which is a failsafe just in case of a wreck or car fire that gave and now needs replacement. I checked most of my in-line fuses and don't see any fusible links broken...and Kevin from S-Wings said it is located above the gas pedal inside the dash. So...my question is this..am I looking for a link..or a common fuse? What color would the wires be and where could I find it? Anyhoo...thanks for the input...I really hope to get the wagon up and running. It has always been something trivial with this car...but usually simple...Thanks!!

The new altenator is externally volatage regulated...and I just replaced the VR anyhow...so...the mystery continues. I had my wife start the wagon up while I looked down the carb and witnessed the fuel/air being mixed...and it looks like to me that for some reason it is shutting itself off. Like I mentioned before..this new symptom did not occur until I reinstalled the new alternator...and in the process of taking out the old one....I saw sparks...something somewhere did not like my neglect. Does anyone know of a relay for fuel or carb control that may have taken a dump? Anyhoo....keep up the good ideas...otherwise...I'm gonna tow the wagon to S-Wings and have them take a gander. Thanks!!

Okay...I have a '81 GL 4WD Wagon...mechanically brand new...click on "WWW" below for the long story. The short story...brand new alternator...battery...voltage regulator...all fuses are good. This is what happened prior to....life-time warrantied alternator was a year old...Autozone said it was bad...so they exchanged it for a new one...battery was a week old by then...now...hrmmm. As I was taking out the "bad" alternator I neglected to disconnect the positive battery cable and saw sparks when I was taking out the old alternator...and then disconnected the battery and continued my work. After installation of new alernator...the wagon would run for about 15 seconds or so then die. That's what is doing now after replacing the coil and voltage regulator. Somehow...someway...when the sparks came shooting out of the old alternator...something went drastically awry...big time...and I am dumbfounded. Please...somebody else out there in Subaru Land has surely had the same thing happen and knows of a remedy. My instinct now is to go for the fuel pump....and on that note....Is there a relay for fuel?....eh? Diamond sounds sweet running...but only for 15 seconds or so.....sob...come on...somebody....please reply. Damn...forgot to mention...the reason why I went back to Autozone was that my voltmeter was moving erratically up and down...and then would dive for 9 volts and less...then the car would die...so...that's what started all of this...then I bought a new battery and it ran for the day and I went to Autozone when the voltage dropped below 10 volts...there ya go...please help.

Diamond has electrical problems...and is up for sale or even donate if need be to a Roo lover...I am totally serious...big time. I posted a thread about her and have got no responses...sob...sniff. Anyhoo...click the "WWW" link below to read more about her. Again...let me say this...she is FREE to someone who knows more...AND...loves more for the Subarus...no ****!! Sorry...booohoooo....just come get her...by the way...she is mechanically "brand new"...just electrically challenged. Click it and read. Use my website if you wish...I have learned a lot of things about the Roos...they are bad rump roast cars when need be...just can't deal with the "gremlins" right now.

Okay...I have a '81 GL Wagon 1.8L 4WD w/ manual tranny. Here's the story again: Been having problems with the charging system...Autozone says the lifetime warrantied alternator went bad...replaced it and the battery. While doing so...I neglected to disconnect the pos battery cable and saw sparks from the alternator area...and when I did so I broke a fusible link on that ciruit. Now...with new fusible link the wagon starts but does not run for more than 2 minutes...the voltmeter idiot light comes on and shows only 10 volts. I am totally confused...hehe....duh buh duh...hehe. Got a good coil out of a '82 Hatchback but doesn't fit...wtf? Now I can't remember which wires go where...there are five of them on the small posts...and of course the main wire is obvious. I have a used VR but haven't tried it yet...the last time I got a new one from NAPA...it caught fire..so I put the old one back in...freaked me out..haha. I need to get the wagon up and running as cheap as possible...and then probably going to sell her...damn..oh well...don't crucify me....please. I need some input here folks.

Okay..new problem...Diamond now starts...but then dies. Voltmeter idoit lights up and shows 10 volts or less while running. What else should I be looking for now? Please help.

Called S-Wings here in Denver and told them what happened...and guess what? Broke a corroded wire at the "fusible link" at the posivite batttery cable. No fuse...just wires and connectors...go figure. Well..if any one cares...she is up and running...and still up for sale. Make an offfer and have a love for Subarus...woohoooo.

Okay Roo lovers...I put Diamond up for sale...but...I have an inkling of what is going on. Someone ealier spoke of fusible links...well...the fuse box ones are good...all of them...I found one by the VR and it is good. Where would the ignition relay be? The HTKYSA doesn't mention it...and I can't find my Hanes manual. Where should I start digging in to get her up and running? It has and always be a fuse or relay on this car that "POPS"...then I go into panic mode...then a couple days down the road...at the cost of a fuse or relay....she is up an running. I hate to sell her....but...I need the garage space too...so...let's get her running and then maybe someone will want to take her in. Remember this....brand new engine...tranny...tires...alternator...battery...brakes...hitch (with trailer if need be)...extra alloy "motion" wheels with street tires (got spoked now with studded snows)....brush guard....third fully operational "passing"/head-light....fog/driving lights...etc....all professionally installed. I just feel it's time to stop working on cars and get a new one with a warranty....I have over 13 years experience working on cars..damn. Anyhoo..that's my speel. Help me out and maybe we can talk about selling her out to a good Roo lover...hehe...Thanks all!!

I used it to restore my Diamond...and...regretfully...she is up for sale too now. Click on the "WWW" to see more.

Okay...here's the story. Alternator in my '81 GL Wagon went bad. I neglected to disconnect the battery while unistalling and reinstalling a new one. I saw a good amount of sparks while doing the transplant. Now...got power..but no ignition..any input would be greatly appreciated. BTW...fusible links are good...battery is new....and I don't know what the hell happened. Please..if anyone knows what I should check...let me know..thank you.

My Mazda took a big ol' crapper...hehe...goin' car shoppin' for another. Don't think I will make it. I thought the date was today...but the links don't work any more...so dunno...if it is tomorrow (Sunday)...we will have to see. Busy...busy...busy.

Well...first stopped by a Ford dealership offering 8K off on 2003 Explorers because the new highway is taking over. Found out we are 7K upside down on the Kia which kind of evens it out. Doing the waiting game for the banks to make up their mind...suck. We stopped by Saturn...no go there with trading in the Kia because we still owe on it. Been doing some research and have found that the 2.5L has had some issues...and don't quite know what to do if we do decide to go for another newer Subaru. Considering trying to find a vintage like mine or somthing now...my 1.8L is a monster of a engine...it can even tow more than it's own gross weight..hehe. What models have the 2.2?...I have found that they have a lot less issues. The story goes on and on...I hate car shopping. Popped a new spark plug in the bad cylinder and it runs a little more smoothly...but I am almost positive that it's time to trade it. Anyone wanna buy a Mazda?...hehe...you never know...it's only got 46K on it...it could be just a fuel injector...just odd that it happened so quickly....hrmmm...but I used to be a mechanic for 13 years...and the old spark plug was black as could be after 30 miles...so...if anyone else has any experience with a '92 1.8 DOHC Mazda engine..and has had a similar experience...let me know...Thanks.

We are out the door...looks like a 2000 or up Outback then...thanks again.

The 2003 Kia is not paid for...the '92 Mazda Protege took a crap this morning...with only 46K on it...running on 3 cylinders. Was considering a Subaru in the 2000 and up series...Forrester...Outback...etc...with large cargo space. Trying to keep the budget below 20K bucks. I looked through the newer generation of Subarus and found that there have beens some issues with recalls. What is the bang for the buck?

Thinking seriously...very seriously of trading in my wife's Kia and my Mazda for a newer Subaru...in fact within the next couple of hours. Which one is the best do you think? I already own a '81 GL 4WD Wagon...and love it...so...let me know what you all think...thank you.

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The part number is as follows: #334268 14118....cost me $36.99...the parts guys even were surprised at the low cost. I would suspect that there is no internal voltage regulator due to the low cost...but who knows. Anyhoo....like I mentioned before...this is a very intermittent thing...the voltmeter hardly ever goes below 12 volts...but all of the idiot lights come on and stay on until I shut off and restart the car....the car runs fine. Thanks for checking this out for me...Later.

Sorry...forgot to mention the new battery...it is new. The gremlins have a vengence...haha. I am sliding toward getting the alternator tested and replaced..we will see. Thanks!!

I have idiot lights coming on. It's a brand new alternator from Autozone with a lifetime warranty...yeah!! You wanna hear something weird? I bought a new voltage regulator from the local NAPA...put it in and smoked it...literally...put the old one back in...no problems until lately. Fusible links are good...so...what else should I check...maybe take the alternator and get a new one?