Silly question from a new SVX owner

#1 08-05-2004, 08:33 AM

I bought a 95 SVX this weekend and it ran amazingly well on saturday, but sunday the engine started loosing RPMs and just shutting off entirely without warning.

as to whats causing this im getting 3 explinations all could be the cause

#1 MAF malfunction
#2 bypassed, Spliced and generally messed up wireing
#3 clogged fuel filter

My question is how do i get to the fuel filter to check it? i looked at the how-to documents on this site, it shows how to disable power to it but not how to access it. and my manual is missing the page on Fuel Filters.

Thanks in advance!

Not related but, is anyone else having trouble getting the chat on this site to work?? i tried with IE 6 and Mozilla with no luck

benebob · #2 08-05-2004, 09:42 AM

Does it do it all the time? When hot? When cold? Is the check engine light on? Does it do it when not in gear?

Fuel filter is in the eng compartment right around the master cylider. Should be a shine cylider thing if it is an OEM. Real easy to get to. I seriously doubt this is your issue as most fuel injected cars run the fuel system at such a high psi that it'll overcome most clogs but it could be and can't hurt being replaced or at least cleaned.

You really should depressurize the system before yanking it. To do this you can pull the fuel pump fuse then start the thing and let it run until it dies. Be careful with the lines when you take'm off as they tend to get stuck on real good with age and heat.

Congrats on your purchase.

#3 08-05-2004, 10:17 AM

Thanks for the help! I had already seen the warning to depressurise the lines but thanks anyhow! Ill check it when i get home from work.

And to answer your questions
Yes it does it both in gear and in neutural
Usually when hot.
Check engine light only comes on after its shut-down

I am definatly getting the wireing re-done to undo the jury-rigging done by the used car lot, has anyone had this done so i can get an idea of pricerange, or at least time invilved in such a project?

I really want to get it running right, all my gearhead friends want to see it, and some non-gearheads!

ensteele · #4 08-05-2004, 11:12 AM

Did you figure out where the fuel filter is yet? Just wanted to make sure.

Welcome to the site and enjoy your SVX.

#5 08-05-2004, 11:20 AM

It will not be too hard to find now that i know where to look, but i cant do it for a few hours, work kinds cuts down on time to tinker with things.

#6 08-05-2004, 06:43 PM

Wow was that easy to find! I replaced it, one of the local Subaru dealers has SVX parts in stock!!! however it was apparently not the source of the trouble. oh well, off to track down a MAF.

Thanks for the help everyone!

benebob · #7 08-05-2004, 07:01 PM

I really doubt its your MAF. If it was it would/should be shooting you check engine codes.

NikFu S. · #8 08-05-2004, 07:37 PM

What is the likelihood of the actual fuel pump failing?

benebob · #9 08-05-2004, 07:50 PM

slim but possible. Subie fuel pumps tend to be bulletproof.

dcarrb · #10 08-06-2004, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NikFu S.
What is the likelihood of the actual fuel pump failing?

They do fail, but it tends to be a sudden and total event. As when a timing belt breaks, all seems well, then there's silence, then you walk.

I've slated the SVX fuel pump to be replaced before 175,000 miles in the course of routine maintenance, because the one in my GL tanked at around 180,000.

dcb

#11 08-06-2004, 07:42 AM

The car went to a mechanic on mon-tues, They were unable to get codes from the car using a reader. later today im going to try to get the codes from the check engine and power lights. If you guys have any other input it would be helpful.

I think the problem started shortly after getting an oil change/new air filter.

#12 08-06-2004, 03:30 PM

when I first bought my SVX it would die out occasionally and really freak me out. On closer inspection, I took off the plastic H-6 engine cover and found the rubber tubes that go to the intake weren't sealed and a small amonut of air was sneaking in. It took a little bit to get both sealed and then hose clamped. I also checked all the hoses on the intake air box . After that it ran great. Anyway look around for leaks!

92 Pearlie 146k

pavanbabut · #13 08-06-2004, 10:20 PM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted By Lost_Thought,
Not related but, is anyone else having trouble getting the chat on this site to work?? i tried with IE 6 and Mozilla with no luck

Same problem with me tooo...

NikFu S. · #14 08-07-2004, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peach
when I first bought my SVX it would die out occasionally and really freak me out. On closer inspection, I took off the plastic H-6 engine cover and found the rubber tubes that go to the intake weren't sealed and a small amonut of air was sneaking in. It took a little bit to get both sealed and then hose clamped. I also checked all the hoses on the intake air box . After that it ran great. Anyway look around for leaks!
92 Pearlie 146k

I'll take a look at that tomorow.