'92 Legacy Problem-please help

[Guest coopershawk]

I have a '92 Legacy AWD automatic with 62000 miles on it. Recently it has started giving me some problems after climbing a mild hill...the engine starts shuddering violently and the valves are pinging like crazy. This starts after climbing a hill and then stopping at a stop light. Eventually the problems stop and it is OK until the next hill. The timing belt has been changed and everything else seems to be OK. Any ideas???

[78TurboBrat]

Sounds like your timing might be too far advanced, check that and try running a better grade of gas, as i have two legacy's and both seem to like the higher gas much better.

[Guest coopershawk]

Sounds like your timing might be too far advanced, check that and try running a better grade of gas, as i have two legacy's and both seem to like the higher g

as much better.

 

Thanks for your advice. I thought the same as you...moved up to "premium" gas for a few tanks but there was no difference. I'll check the timing. The local Subaru dealer thinks it might be carbonization.

[Bill90Loyale]

The local Subaru dealer thinks it might be carbonization.

Seafoam. Do the whole treatment, particularly the intake manifold part.

Search "Seafoam" on this forum for more info.

[Guest coopershawk]

Seafoam. Do the whole treatment, particularly the intake manifold part.

Search "Seafoam" on this forum for more info.

 

Thanks for the tip...sounds like Seafoam might be the answer!

[Qman]

First, you can not "adjust" the timing on a 2.2l. Second, I would use a fuel system cleaner designed for FI. The best I have found is REDLINE fuel system cleaner. It is not a petroleum based product, completely synthetic, and does a greta job. Has anyone pulled the codes yet? That's where it should start. Pull codes then fix those issues. It could be something as simple as an O2 sensor giving a bad reading. Or the beginnings of a cat that is starting to plug.

 

 

BTW, I am moving this to the new gen forum for better coverage.

[AusLegacy]

Have to agree with the Seafoam option. Have had a very similar problem on my '91 legacy, and a blast of carby/intake cleaner did the trick ( didn't use Seafoam just a standard Intake cleaner that does not clog Cats.)

[Guest coopershawk]

First, you can not "adjust" the timing on a 2.2l. Second, I would use a fuel system cleaner designed for FI. The best I have found is REDLINE fuel system cleaner. It is not a petroleum based product, completely synthetic, and does a greta job. Has anyone pulled the codes yet? That's where it should start. Pull codes then fix those issues. It could be something as simple as an O2 sensor giving a bad reading. Or the beginnings of a cat that is starting to plug.

 

 

BTW, I am moving this to the new gen forum for better coverage.

 

Great advice...thanks so much!

[Guest coopershawk]

Have to agree with the Seafoam option. Have had a very similar problem on my '91 legacy, and a blast of carby/intake cleaner did the trick ( didn't use Seafoam just a standard Intake cleaner that does not clog Cats.)

I'll try an intake cleaner and keep everyone posted...thanks!What a great forum!

[Guest coopershawk]

Thanks to all those who replied to my request for help...a decarbonization solvent available in Canada was used and the problem was solved! The Legacy continues...

[cookie]

used Labatts in Canada. I'll be in Quebec next week and I'll see if it works for me.