Starting Issue

[BoostWagn]

Let me start off by saying that I have searched, but I am not sure if the issue that I am having is the same as what I am finding. I am having a strange starting issue in my 2005 Outback XT. It's a 5 speed and the only modification is it's straight piped, still has cats though. Turn your audio up and give the video a listen, please give me any input that you may have.

 

 

A little more info on it, it has been doing this randomly for a year or so now. I have noticed that it seems to happen when a little lower on fuel or cheaper fuel is used. It is less common (but still happens) with a full tank and/or when filled up at Chevron. I run 91 octane, since it's the highest that is readily available here in Utah. The car has no fuel filter outside of the fuel tank. It has 125,xxx miles, timing belt was done at roughly 105,xxx by the Young Subaru. It usually only starts funny (randomly) after it has been sitting for a for 30+ minutes. It is not throwing a CEL.

Thanks,

-Shawn-

[JmP6889928]

How does it run once it's started? It sounds like a timing issue in the way it hesitates when you crank it.

[BoostWagn]

It runs great, once started. Idles very smooth (around 800 RPM) and accelerates great. There is no hesitation while maintaining steady speed either. It runs exactly as you would hope that it would, except for the starting issue. Would timing cause an intermittent issue like that? I would think that timing would be an all the time issue, but I could be wrong.

Thanks,

-Shawn-

[JmP6889928]

Then starter bushings.

[BoostWagn]

Starter bushings?

[idiot4hire]

I am having the same problem I was thinking fuel pump or starter

[Max Capacity]

Next time you shut the car off, make sure you turn off everthing. Then in the morning, put the key in and turn it to ON, listen for the fuel pump to prime.

 

I tend to listen for mine every morning.

[BoostWagn]

I am having the same problem I was thinking fuel pump or starter

 

I am thinking fuel as well. I don't think that starter would be intermittent. I'm going to test the fuel pressure at the rail, tonight. I was talking to a buddy (who works at a shop) and he said that Subaru has an in tank filter in these cars, but the only way to change it is to replace the whole pump/filter assembly. I am thinking about removing that filter and just running a high quality, washable inline filter under the hood.

 

Next time you shut the car off, make sure you turn off everthing. Then in the morning, put the key in and turn it to ON, listen for the fuel pump to prime.

 

I tend to listen for mine every morning.

 

That's a good idea. I'll go check that now.

 

Thanks,

-Shawn-

[JmP6889928]

Starter turns over slowly then fast then slowly initially when you hit the key. Starter bushings are generally the issue when this happens PROVIDING that the timing is correct.

[idiot4hire]

I have a aftermarket fuel pump that's been on for 30,000 miles

[Max Capacity]

Starter turns over slowly then fast then slowly initially when you hit the key. Starter bushings are generally the issue when this happens PROVIDING that the timing is correct.

 

I'm thinking he means starter brushes. They ride on the armature.

[JmP6889928]

I'm thinking he means starter brushes. They ride on the armature.

 

No....the shaft bushings on the end of the actual starter motor. They become worn because of the weight of the armature pushing down on the same spot for a very long time.

 

We used to rebuild literally thousands of Ford and GM starters that had nothing wrong except the bushings being worn and allowing the armature stack to contact the field and binding the armature shaft inside of the nose cone and brush plate.

 

Starter motors are pretty damn tough but the failure point is more often than not, the bronze bushings the armature shaft runs in.

[FJuan]

^^ Agreed. To me, it sounds like the starter needs to be rebuilt or replace.