1987 XT ...sputters... HELP

[Keebler-Kahnn]

I just bought my first XT. I have owned several Subies over the years but this one has me stumped....

 

Runs fine at idle, but when I throttle up, it begins to sputter and cough. Power is weak on take-off, but is semi-OK at running speed (55 mph).

 

At itle the exhaust output is normal, but in Park, throttled up, exhaust pressure drops considerbaly.

 

I thought it was the front Catalyst (it was getting hot and smoking, might have been getting plugged), so I carved out the guts and re-welded it. Seemed to help a bit, but still doing the same thing. I also checked the dist cap and it is new as well as the rotor bug. Plugs are also new (BOSCH Platnium).

 

the car only has 84K miles on it and is a one owner, garage kept it entire life. the previous owner has low oil pressure at itle and was knocking, so he replaced it with a salvage motor with 40K miles on it.

 

Any ideas GREATLY Apprecited!

 

Later all.

Keeb~

________________________________

There are OLD Pilots and BOLD Pilots...Never OLD~BOLD Pilots.

[Keebler-Kahnn]

Also...I'm not sure what model the engine is, but it is NON-turbo, 1.8 MPFI, FWD, Automatic.

 

Later all.

Keeb~

_______________

 

10:14 pm 06-11-04

 

I adjusted the timing the OLD School way.... turned it both directions untill idled rough, found center, then throttled up to 2K rpm, adjusted untill ran smooth. The car still sputers a lil bit, but can climb the hill behind our house now.

 

I cant find a timing mark anywhere to adjust it with the light gun.

Any ideas?

 

I'm going to AutoZ**e tomorrow to get new fluids and filters, good old fashioned NGK plugs, and Gas treatment. it might help a bit more....

 

Last Question, is there any site that I can find performance mods,

(Body, engine) just for the MPFI 1.8 non-turbo XT?

 

later all,

Keeb~