I just joined a few minutes ago to get some knowledge.  In no way would I consider myself a mechanic.  A mechanic can diagnose and fix the issues.  I can do the latter, just not the diagnosing part.  

 

That said I'll go into the issue at hand.  I bought my 93 impreza fwd ej18 automatic with 175k on it or thereabouts.  I knew there'd be issues as there always is with older vehicles.  Oil leaks being the worst of my subie's issues.

 

This is what I've done so far.  (1) replaced the Oil separator gasket.  (2) timing belt and water pump (3) front crank seal (4) oil pump o ring (5) both cam seals  (6) front cam seal O ring (7) rear cam seal O ring and cam plug were to be done, but Partsgeek sent wrong items for them.

 

Motor ran very well previous to this.  Upon reinstallation I had to contend with a lifter that lost pressure, but it did come back to life pretty quick.  I had to add a pint or so of trans fluid as well as my plug blew out of line when I test started it before completing the radiator and such.

 

so, here's where I'm at now.  It starts and idles and runs perfectly for a bit.  What I'm noticing now is after being warmed up, if you accelerate quickly and mash the pedal down it is fine.  If you just barely ease into the pedal it is fine. If you just drive it normally like everyone does it will start to bog down and back fire through the muffler.  It has not died and I hope it doesn't. 

 

The only code that comes up is 33 being the VSS.

 

For my limited knowledge I would say it acts like a clogged injector or the like.  But that's just it   it's limited knowledge and that's why I am asking for your help in possible diagnoses.

 

thanks,  Joe

well, I absolutely hate to say this....but... when I burped the radiator it appears that I had some fluid go into the #1 plug hole.  seeped into and onto the plug itself and thus fouling it out.  I knew it had to be simple, but I was really hoping for something not so unapologetic...  anyways, back to running excellent again with a new set of NGK plugs.  They weren't due to be changed, but we'll just say they were.  Now, how to explain my error to my better half without having her laugh....

Thank you for coming back to your Thread and letting us Know the solution.

 

So the idea might help other Users in the future.

 

Kind Regards.

No need to be apologetic. 

You're doing the work yourself, and learning from your mistakes. 

How many other drivers do that?

Nice glad you found the problem, good job. Always good to have info like this on the forum to help others with their diagnosis.