Hard to Impossible, starts...(noob)

[mwm]

Noob content. Sure am glad to have found you guys/gals. I am a big soob fan, but not really a fanatic. I just luv my RX!

 

Now for the problem.

I have an '88 RX, with 211,00 miles, that I bought new. I replaced broken timing belts, and now the car just does'nt want to start right. On cold starts it will shut off after about 2 seconds. If given half throttle, it will start, but sputter for a bit then clear. Once it is running, it runs fine, has plenty of power, does not miss, and every thing seems fine. That is until I try to start it at operating temperature. It just will not start at normal temp. Wait for 15 or 20 minutes and it will start with full throttle(full throttle only), kind of like it is flooded.

 

I would like to add that the car sat, for about 2 months, from the time the belts broke, and the time I replaced them. I would suspect timing problems, but it runs great, once running.

 

tests:

Injectors: clicking when running - OK

voltage at wiring connector - 0 - what's up with that?

 

Throttle switch: idle contact- checks out - OK

full contact - there is no post to check the full contact -

Why is that?

 

dash pot check: throttle lever does not make contact with dash pot until

idle speed. The book says it should be 2800-3400.

I have not changed this, but seems unlikely culprit.

 

Auxillary air valve: checks out OK on all counts

 

Coolant thermosensor: have yet to find it

 

Fuel pressure: have not checked

 

Vacuum: no leaks found....but?... my hearing ain't what it used to be

 

Anything come to mind? Something stupid that I have over looked? Should I adjust the dash pot, and see what happens. I am all ears, even though they don't work so well.

 

Mike McDaniel,

from WV

[xyon]

I'm not real familar with subaru's in particular - but for any car with EFI the coolant temp sensor has a major effect on how much fuel is injected for starting (and running too). I would check that - as it's easy to do with a multi meter once you have found the spec on what resistance you should see at a particular temp - sorry I don't have the info.

 

Cheers

Bruce

[mwm]

Figures. One of the things I didn't check, turns out to be a likely culprit. Now if I can only find it.

 

Mike,

WV

[Ross]

Its on the inlet manifold, somewhere below the aux.air valve.

 

I'd agree that thats probably the problem..

[mwm]

Thanks Bruce, I think you nailed it. Another thanks to Ross, for helping with the location.

 

I'm not sure I got a reliable ohm reading, because it never read above 250, all the way thru operating temp. Although, with the sensor disconnected, it started right up, even when hot.

 

Mike,

WV

[MilesFox]

if you cand find a listing for the coolant temp sensor at the parts counter, try looking for a nissan 200sx, pick the brown one as its the same

 

my experience with advance auto is they had no listing for any subaru turbo, but the nissan was in stock, same part

[mwm]

Now that's what I get for not checking back. Gave up after three parts dealers and had a mechanic friend order from Subaru.

 

How much damage do you figure I did to myself. He told me the sensor was going to be about 40 bucks. Next time, I'll try to keep the faith.

 

Mike