97 OB Cranks fine but no run

[Skip]

My Oh Bee had been running fine.

I did the conv. to the 2.2 in the spring

no issues, ran great.

 

Parked it and left for a couple of months down south.

 

Came home, went to move her.

Bat was dead so I changed

it to a charged one.

Then reset the anti-theft system.

No problems.

 

Factoids:

1) Cranks like normal just

no fire in the hole.

 

2) Runs if I shoot starting fluid to it.

 

3) All grounds have been checked as have all fuses.

 

4) The connections to the cam & crank sensors

and wiring are fine.

No signs of mice or other problems.

 

5) Added 2 gallons of fresh gas.

No difference

 

BUT

 

6) The dash warning lights all work but the gas gauge

does not seem to be.

 

7) I can hear the fuel pump for a second or two after cranking, as it should.

 

8) Fuel filter is brand new.

 

9) Checked all major hoses for vacuum leaks

or chew marks - all is normal and tight.

 

Questions:

1) Will my scanning tool show a problem code if it has not run?

I suspect ghost codes will appear.

 

2) Is there a relationship between the dash gauges and

say the fuel injectors wiring wise.

Remeber runs if I shoot the juice to her.

 

3) Ever heard of a cam sensor just failing while sitting?

 

 

4) Anybody want a cheap Outback?, I'll throw in a

Legacy GT wagon for parts.

Call it a BOGO if you will.

[idosubaru]

when you fire it up with starting fluid - is the check engine light on once running?

 

pull the codes?

 

after some ill-attempts at starting have you pulled any plugs? i'm curious if they're wet (getting fuel)?

 

gas shelf life is quoted as 28 days in some places. i wouldn't think that matters, but throwing it out there.

[lostinthe202]

Fuel lines clogged? Doesn't explain the fuel gauge not working, was your fuel level low enough for the gauge to be left out in the O2? Maybe it just went squirrelly on ya. Also, if you only added 2 gallons, depending on how much fuel you've got in it, 2 gallons won't register much of a change on the gauge meaning maybe it is registering but it's really subtle...

 

I dunno, just tossing out ideas:)

 

Good Luck!

 

Will-

 

Edit- did the car ever sit for a long time previously in it's life? If it had, maybe the fuel lines already had a bit of varnish/corrosion built up and this put it over the edge

[Skip]

Thanks for the quick replys guys

 

Gary: I will check for codes

(ghosts will be erased and tried again)

 

Will pull a plug or two but am sure they are dry.

 

Will: I will pull a line of the fuel filter outlet and crank some

into a jar.

 

The gas gauge issue is highlighted by the fact

the low fuel light does not come on and it has in the past

so I does work.

 

 

Had around 1/4 tank when I left (parked it).

 

It has sat in the past I'm dubious of the coroded

fuel lines

because all my 8 or so running Subarus

sit for long periods.

 

to wit:

I have a couple 1978 Brats,

one of which was sitting next to the OB in question.

Had been sitting for well over a year (~18 mo.s).

Yep, she fired right up and I drove her to my work station

in the lower lot (brakes need work..ah duh??)

 

Guess I'm just not cut out for these fancy new toys.

 

"Ave-all-right folks, so whadya give ferdispiece"

underd udered do I hear underfity ...."

[lostinthe202]

Yeah, I agree that the fuel lines are an unlikely candidate, but worth checking since it's easy enough to do.

 

Just out of curiosity... what's the millage on the body/motor, 5spd?...

[Skip]

Will, I will report back on the fuel flow findings

 

as for:

" Just out of curiosity... what's the millage on the body/motor, 5spd?..."

 

~ 200 kmi

lots of body taken buy the tinworm

automatic with bad VSS no. 2 drive gear

 

 

Was found in boneyard dead... should have left her that way.

 

Boneyard shot

 

 

My upper parking lot shot

 

[OB99W]

If you havent done so already, Skip, I'd look at the wiring at the rear,

under the access plates.

 

Next, I'd determine if there's fuel pressure at the rails.

If that's okay, I'd check whether the injectors are being pulsed.

[Skip]

Thanks OB99W, was hoping you'd chime in.

 

Will do on the fuel pump wiring .. if I see no

flow at the filter, as I said I can hear it running

after I crank it.

 

My bet is ... as you sugg.... the injectors are not

firing (no noid... shame on me)

 

Thus the question on the cam sensor failing from sitting.

 

Maybe just a low fuel problem.

Gonna add another 5 gallon to see.

Maybe some nefarious creature came and stole all the gas

while I was away??

[OB99W]

You're welcome. In suggesting looking at the wiring,

I was thinking of the fuel gauge issue more so than the pump.

 

If someone else can turn the key, you could listen for injector operation.

A stethoscope or even a piece of dowel should be enough to hear them clicking.

(Yes, I've used a long screwdriver, but...)

 

I was initially considering low fuel myself,

-- after all, that would explain the gauge reading, etc. --

but thought the two gallons you had added would minimize that possibility.

 

Given current gas prices, theft (assuming access was available) isn't

that remote a possibility, unfortunately.

[Cougar]

Skip,

 

Not much more I can add to the good suggestions already given. I assume you cranked the engine enough to get gas pumped to the engine in case the fuel in the line flowed back to the the tank. I also assume you have your scope or analog meter to check the injector pulses.

 

In answer to question 2 in your first post, the two areas are seperated from each other. Pin 27 of the ECU has brn/blk wire going to the fuel gauge. Then a blue wire ties between the gauge and the sensor. You should have voltage there. A red/blk wire ties in the ground side to the sensor.

[Skip]

OB, good point on the fuel gauge wiring,

low fuel light wiring there also....

Mice might like the space??

 

I have a RemStar** and a real mech. "steth Oh scope"

I'll use them to listen for injector click.

 

 

Cougar - thanks, always a pleasure reading from you

and your knowledge/resources

rank right up there with the best there is.

 

Yes, I've cranked it for several minutes

(at intervals of 30 sec or so).

 

If it comes down to it, I will get at the ECU and do some

pin back probe testing.

 

Thanks again for the support and suggs.

 

** Rem Star

 

 

As a side note, the SS ("Ruby" seen in the background

on the above front yard picture)

Had been sitting for about 8 mo.

She fired right up and has brakes!!!^^

Now I need to get it registered and inspected and

I'll have wheels again!!!

 

^^ 4 of my cars, including the OB, have no brakes from sitting.

[Cougar]

Thanks for the nice compliment Skip, and I'll say the same to you also. You've kept me pointed straight a few times in the past when I got off the trail.

 

This problem shouldn't take too long to track it down and fix with all of us on it. Then you'll be down the road.