EG33 running rough

[fwdtechnica]

I bought my 1994 SVX LE about a month ago for 500 bucks. The previous owner said it blew a headgasket, however upon further investigation (compression test looks fine, no coolant in oil and vice versa) I do not think the headgasket is bad.

First day I had it I started the car and it is stuck in limp home mode. When I unplug fuel injector #2 the way the car runs does not change. Fuel injector #2 appears to be getting power and pulsing correctly. For good parts shotgun measure, I replaced the coil pack and fuel injector. Results in no change and I have tested spark. I had a spare ECU laying around from a running SVX as well, that also did not change the way the car runs.

When I rev past 1500 rpm it with smooth out and the CEL goes away, however then it dies. Looking around other Subaru forums I decided to throw in a Walbro that I had in the shop and a new fuel filter. Both of these did not change it.

Sounds like a misfire problem, however it seems to be a ghost more than anything.

I'll post a video tomorrow

[92 SVX]

Originally Posted by fwdtechnica

I bought my 1994 SVX LE about a month ago for 500 bucks. The previous owner said it blew a headgasket, however upon further investigation (compression test looks fine, no coolant in oil and vice versa) I do not think the headgasket is bad.

First day I had it I started the car and it is stuck in limp home mode. When I unplug fuel injector #2 the way the car runs does not change. Fuel injector #2 appears to be getting power and pulsing correctly. For good parts shotgun measure, I replaced the coil pack and fuel injector. Results in no change and I have tested spark. I had a spare ECU laying around from a running SVX as well, that also did not change the way the car runs.

When I rev past 1500 rpm it with smooth out and the CEL goes away, however then it dies. Looking around other Subaru forums I decided to throw in a Walbro that I had in the shop and a new fuel filter. Both of these did not change it.

Sounds like a misfire problem, however it seems to be a ghost more than anything.

I'll post a video tomorrow

couple of questions for you, have you performed the exhaust gas in the coolant test? does the coolant hoses pressurize and eventually push coolant out the overflow? Don't rule out headgasket until you have done that.
here is a short video I made helping to do that.

[oab_au]

What was the trouble code you got.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by fwdtechnica

I bought my 1994 SVX LE about a month ago for 500 bucks. The previous owner said it blew a headgasket, however upon further investigation (compression test looks fine, no coolant in oil and vice versa) I do not think the headgasket is bad.

First day I had it I started the car and it is stuck in limp home mode. When I unplug fuel injector #2 the way the car runs does not change. Fuel injector #2 appears to be getting power and pulsing correctly. For good parts shotgun measure, I replaced the coil pack and fuel injector. Results in no change and I have tested spark. I had a spare ECU laying around from a running SVX as well, that also did not change the way the car runs.

When I rev past 1500 rpm it with smooth out and the CEL goes away, however then it dies. Looking around other Subaru forums I decided to throw in a Walbro that I had in the shop and a new fuel filter. Both of these did not change it.

Sounds like a misfire problem, however it seems to be a ghost more than anything.

I'll post a video tomorrow

You mention a "shop". Does this mean that you are a professional mechanic?

Are you advising that it is the transmission which is in limp mode?

What makes you suspect a fuel pump or filter problem which otherwise appears to be unlikely?

Are you sure that it is firing on all cylinders when --- "past 1500 rpm it with (will) smooth out" ?

Have you checked for engine fault codes as a result the CEL illuminating ?

Having made several replacements it could be that as a result you may be in danger losing your way is respect of a logical diagnosis.

[fwdtechnica]

Originally Posted by Trevor

You mention a "shop". Does this mean that you are a professional mechanic?

Are you advising that it is the transmission which is in limp mode?

What makes you suspect a fuel pump or filter problem which otherwise appears to be unlikely?

Are you sure that it is firing on all cylinders when --- "past 1500 rpm it with (will) smooth out" ?

Have you checked for engine fault codes as a result the CEL illuminating ?

Having made several replacements it could be that as a result you may be in danger losing your way is respect of a logical diagnosis.

Professional? Yes

Nearly seven months later I might have a number of answers to all this.

The SVX was indeed in limp mode, however I never quite pinned it to one specific problem. It was many problems of course.

The fuel filter has many miles on it and was filled with a black substance and the original fuel pump for sure was no good.

Though the ECU was throwing a trouble code for a fuel injector, they were all firing. Going to take a wild guess and say this lifter shim here made from a copper pipe I found in the engine had something to do with it considering the lifter would not even articulate and the camshaft lobe was nearly rounded off https://i.imgur.com/DaoUNAa.jpg

Now besides the copper pipe, let's get into all the items I found on the engine that were barely functioning:
•Knock sensors: bad
•Cam angle: corroded
•Crank angle: One from an EJ22, one original that was also corroded beyond repair
•Wiring harness: it was a mouse nest
•More mice damage to nearly everything on the car
•Cylinder head with copper pipe was badly damaged from the copper pipe fix, plus the cam was ruined, plus the journal, etc

Wrapping this up, it runs now after replacing many things, including the headgaskets which mind you were good after all. I have no idea what that one problem was.

[mavstang73]

Did you post that copper pipe pic on Facebook?

I could have sworn I've seen that image a few months ago. Or at least somewhere other than this thread.
Meaning its either from you or perhaps the original owner????
I cant imagine any self respecting SVX owner doing that to their car however.

Glad to hear you've brought her back.

[Blacky]

Was the former owner a plumber?
I've seen quite a few weird "fixes" in my time but that one is special. Why would anyone take the time and effort to do that to an engine and expect it to work and last.

[ShiuludeSVX]

Originally Posted by Blacky

Was the former owner a plumber?
I've seen quite a few weird "fixes" in my time but that one is special. Why would anyone take the time and effort to do that to an engine and expect it to work and last.

From what I've seen and heard over the years I would say it's more like expecting it last through a sale, and not after. Sorta like the person who puts "Motor Honey" in a crankcase to keep the car running until it's gone.

I'm glad to hear that there is another that has been saved from the recycle bin.