An Elusive problem.
 

My car as some of you may have read from previous posts, Has a problem we cannot figure out and before I take it to subaru later this week wanted to know if anyone has any other ideas as to what could possibly be causing this issue. :confused:

The symptoms:
The car starts fine with no problems. If the car is idle in Park and you rev it, it will rev to 5200RPM MAX and stall out. Then it is a bear to start a second time.
While driving down the road, you cannot press the gas pedal more than halfway down, if you do the engine will rev, but the car will not gain any speed, however it does not loose speed either.
If you rev it and promply let off the gas completely (say rev it to 4500 rpm) it will stall out.

What has been replaced:
The engine (with new cam & crank seals, valve cover gaskets, water pump, t-belt, spark plugs, timing belt idlers, accessory belt idlers)
The transmission w/4.44's w/Tranny cooler and filter installed
Torque converter was replaced w/tranny
Replaced MAF
Fuel pump
fuel filter
igniter
coil packs
ECU
TPS
and also tested Vacuum and fuel pressure

There are NO codes, no check engine light on, no power light flashing NOTHING!

Any ideas??

All I want to add is that it was doing this before I ever did anything to it and after a swap of the engine and tranny it is still doing it but with one less symptom: Before the engine swap it would not start when cold without flooring the pedal and then holding it at an idle for a few minutes. After the swap that problem is gone and it starts and idles perfectly under all temperatures and conditions, But all other symptoms are still there from before the swap.:confused:

Do you have the original intake manifold on the new motor? Thank you, Fishtail.

No parts were swapped between the old and new motors except the accessories.

(1) You say, "if you do the engine will rev, but the car will not gain any speed, however it does not loose speed either".

If the engine revs but there is no gain in speed, you have a transmission fault.

(2) Even though you have in affect replaced many items as a result of an integral engine swap, it could be that by coincidence, both engines had a similar fault. First up I would be checking the TPS.

(3) The ECU could well be the culprit, as this has been common to both engines and you have no faults recorded.

One can only make suggestions. You have a curly one to tackle. One option at a time, each absolutely checked and ruled out, is the way to go. As if you did not know, and I am only in effect saying, "What a bugger" :eek:

Hi Trevor, I'll answer you to your questions in order.

1) I'm pretty sure it is not a transmission fault. The car does not accelerate because it has no power to do so, It's almost like the engine is strangled and out of breath. In Park and Neutral the engine will not rev beyond 5200 RPMs.

2 + 3) I swapped the TPS, igniter, MAF, fuel pump, fuel filter, coils, and ECU to no effect.

I'm now starting to lean towards clogged cats/exhaust, But it doesn't sound clogged.:confused:

That sounds like a torque converter to me, kinda. The stator, impeller, and turbine may be sticking. It is hard to tell. I would definatly take it to a professional, there is something seriously wrong with it.

(1) OK there was a confusion based on the wording used.

(2) You must accept testing by substitution is not definitive, as a substitute can also be faulty, even if new. Been there several times. :eek:

Your most interesting comment is, "It's almost like the engine is strangled and out of breath." You have enough experience and knowledge to suggest that your hunch is correct. It's not getting in, or can't get out.:confused:

Why? --- Can't get in/out? Not there to get in the required quantity, or when required? Or --- not being lit up properly after revs reach a certain point? I am sure all these aspects have racked your brain to a point of frustration.:(

The only thing I can offer from so far away, is to stir your thought pattern in some way. However I sense that you accept that this as just another problem. I will swear with/for you. ;)

I replaced it along with the transmission.:)

All the parts I used are all known to be good as they came out of perfect running vehicles.;) Yes, I could use some help swearing because I can't get enough words out quick enough for as frustrated as this has made me.:rolleyes::D

Problem solved.
 

The exaust is clogged.
We unhooked the exaust from the bottom of the manifolds, started the car and it revs to its max RPM now.
I also left it slightly unhooked and took it around the block, I can now floor it and it will move!:D
Now to find out which piece is bad and replace it or replace the whole exaust.:eek:

Going by your hunch paid dividends. ;) :D

YAY! Just let me know if you want me to order up some cats for you or anything Tina.;) Congrats and I hope you will be fully enjoying the car soon.:)

Check the entire air inlet ducting for obstructions. I had a motorcycle with same type problem.Turned out was a piece of a plastic bag way up inside, at low RPMs everything was fine but as the air flow increased the bag would choke off all the air and engine would die/flood at the same time, thus the hard time starting back up.






If it sounds stupid and it works, it isn't stupid.

Best way to keep Murphy off your back is to shoot him between the eyes.

glad to hear she is kicking again!!!

Tom