Strange Issue with 1995 Subaru WRX

[snhall]

Hey Guys. I am new to this forum and hoping someone can give me some insight into what is happening with my 1995 Subaru WRX. So here is the breakdown:

 

My Subaru had a starter issue, so i took the starter to get repaired. At the same time I decided to change the spark plugs because the car was taking a while to start up. Once i channged the spark plugs, she ran like a dream for about 3 days. I was headed to work and the car ran fine that morning. I went to go for lunch and the car started up, but was running as if it was misfiring. Smoke started to come out of the exhaust (White, then black at times). So i shut it off, and tried starting it again, still same issue. Then out of the blue it started Idling normally and it ran fine. So I thought it may have been an issue with gas (like water in it or something) so i drove to my destination with no issues. Went back to start it, same issue came up, only this time it took longer for it to return to normal. Once it returned to normal i started to head home to get it somewhere I could take a look at it. It ran terribly after a while. So I checked to see if there was any spark to the Coils and spark was present. I checked to see if fuel was flowing to the engine via the Fuel Filter and I was getting fuel. I had repaced my MAF sensor earlier in the year(Feb 2015), so I ruled that out. I then decided to change the spark plugs again, and saw alot or black residue on them, which i assumed meant they were foul. So I thought maybe the wrong spark plugs were in the car and got another set. Put those in and the car started with one crank! thinking everything was fine at this point, I turned the vehicle off and then tried to start it again. Car took 3 cranks before it started this time. Then i turned it off again and tried to start it again and it wouldnt start at all. So i came to the conclusion that it may possibly be the Coil Packs, because I never changed them and noticed that there were small cracks on the sides. So I ordered 4 brand new coils. Put them in, and it started up 1 crank again. So confident that it was the culprit, I turned it off and tried to start again, 2-3 cranks and it started. then turned it off again and it wouldnt start at all. I then decided to push start the vehicle and it started up, but ran poorly. I HAVE NO IDEA what is wrong, And I am hoping for some insight from any of you guys as to what to check for or check out. PLEASE HELP!

[1 Lucky Texan]

kinda feels like the oil seal at the turbo are gone - major source to foul the plugs. (were all 4 plugs in a similar condition?)

 

maybe look for excessive oil in the intercooler. (one or 2 drops might be normal - minimal is best)

 

the PCV system on boosted cars is odd and I suppose there 'could' be some kind of PCV valve problem leading to too much oil going in the intake.

 

dropping the downtube I think can allow you to check for turbo shaft play too - might need a good shop/dealer for that inspection.

Edited January 12, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[wtdash]

Hi,

I'd also change your CTS - Coolant temp sensor - as something is causing it to run RICH or as stated above excessive oil.

GL,

TD

 

P.s. I'd ask  this on an Aussie site, too as the USA didn't get the WRX 'til '02.

[snhall]

Hey so here is an update:

 

Found a blown fuse close by the battery (60 amp) and so I did a direct connection to the battery. Started the car and it ran fine! I was like YES!!!! RESOLVED!!!!! took it for a drive and ran beautifully! came back home and turned it off. Went to start it up, took 2 crank tries then it ran. cut it off again after 5 mins, did the same thing again, 2 cranks then started. So I did this about 2 more times and same result.    So i turned it off and went inside for about 10 mins. Came back out, tried to start it, wouldnt start any more. Spoke with a friend of mines saying it might be the injectors. Any thoughts on that?

[1 Lucky Texan]

any diagnostic codes stored?

 

some older MAFs get intermittent - that might throw the a:f ratio so far off to choke the car.

 

doubt EVERY injector is bad - doesn't mean the ECU isn't confused and keeping the injectors open too much - intermittently.

[crazyhorse001]

Black residue on the plugs...wet, oily residue, or dry powdery? Did they smell of gas?

 

Wet, oily on the plugs that doesnt smell of gas indicates you're getting oil in the cylinder. If it smells like gas, youre running rich.

 

A big telltale is the smoke out the exhaust. Its the same deal as the plugs. It will either smell like oil, or gas.

 

Just about all the above posts have really good info. Follow up on those, and get back with us so we can continue to help you out.