kc47 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 I've been getting a CEL with the P0171 (running too lean) code on and off for a few weeks now in my 2005 GT wagon. After trying to diagnose the issue myself I finally gave in and took it to a subie-specific shop to have them try to figure it out. They found all sensors to be working properly, but discovered a tear in the turbo inlet hose (smoke test) and are sure that is the cause. The cost to replace it was quoted at $750, although I talked to another subie shop that will do it for around $600. I didn't drive the car yesterday and when I got in it this morning the CEL had turned off. So, my questions are: Is it reasonable to believe this tear is the culprit and worth the expensive repair job? If the light stays off should I just keep driving for now? Will driving around with this (potentially) too lean condition damage my engine? Any other thoughts, suggestions, etc... are appreciated. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 I lean condition is more likely to cause damage then a rich condition. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lingling1337 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Yes it's probably the cause but you should be able to examine it yourself and see if there's a large tear. It's tough to do as a diy but worth it to save the 5 hours in labor they're apparently charging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chato Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 yes, this is why your car is lean, its a vacuum leak and its potentially really harmful for the engine. the price you're getting quoted is for pulling the intake manifold. makes sense if you want to replace the TGV or manifold gaskets as well, otherwise its possible to install it without removing the manifold. I installed a perrin inlet in a couple hours without taking anything off the top of the motor. its not easy, but wasn't impossible either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Its a PITA to do but not too bad to do yourself without pulling the entire top off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Yes, replace the orange o-rings too, Intake manifold to TGV's. Oh also tighten all the gas line clamps. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc47 Posted March 27, 2014 Author Share Posted March 27, 2014 The CEL has gone back off - if it is off am I safe to drive or is the warning not that precise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatentWagen Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 If you have a post-MAF pre-turbo leak (like a tear in the inlet), you are NOT safe to drive... unless you want me and the mad scientist to have to rip down the block and replace the piston rings you just fried LW's spec. B / YT / IG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc47 Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 Damn, hopefully I didn't do too much damage as the issue went diagnosed for a while... Finally got it in to a local independent Subaru shop who replaced it at a great price. CEL is off and so far all the strange stutter and random loss of power issues have been non-existent. Hopefully this was the source of many of the issues I've been having. Thanks for the input on this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 They replaced the inlet tube ? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc47 Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Yeah, it had a pretty bad tear around the fastener on the turbo end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 I too have this problem on my 09 LGT if you can find it what is the OEM part number for the inlet i need one but if its $200 im just going to order a perrin from Fred Beans as they are on sale right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Dont confuse Perrin with a quality fitting product though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Dont confuse Perrin with a quality fitting product though. Funny after 1 hour of research on these forums i ended up going with OEM. My car is stock the stock inlet is plenty. I also read some stories about the various inlet replacements, I will also be changing the IM to TGV gasket while im in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Funny after 1 hour of research on these forums i ended up going with OEM. My car is stock the stock inlet is plenty. I also read some stories about the various inlet replacements, I will also be changing the IM to TGV gasket while im in there. You dont NEED to pull the TGV/Manifold to install a new inlet. IF you DO you NEED to replace them....IMO YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 I've read it makes it easier, any advice on the install is welcomed ive owned Subarus but never a turbo so this is kinda new territory. In addition to the inlet i also ordered 3 (two for IC to TB and one for turbo inlet): Beefy Clamps We use these clamps on our New Holland tractor b/c the turbo outlet kept blowing off (had worm gear clamps stock) whenever we bail hay (high RPMs) We used the auto torque model. Haven't had a problem since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 I've read it makes it easier, any advice on the install is welcomed ive owned Subarus but never a turbo so this is kinda new territory. In addition to the inlet i also ordered 3 (two for IC to TB and one for turbo inlet): Beefy Clamps We use these clamps on our New Holland tractor b/c the turbo outlet kept blowing off (had worm gear clamps stock) whenever we bail hay (high RPMs) We used the auto torque model. Haven't had a problem since. It makes it take a LOT longer. a little oil on the rubber and the lower tool in this picture help. http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqQOKocE4)W,QumuBOUT3bcC0w~~48_3.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Oh yeah I have a nice set off picks short and long! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dzehner2 Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 It makes it take a LOT longer. a little oil on the rubber and the lower tool in this picture help. http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqQOKocE4)W,QumuBOUT3bcC0w~~48_3.JPG I know this is an old thread, but that bottom tool is responsible for tearing my inlet when I was trying to get it on a bit too quickly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 I know this is an old thread, but that bottom tool is responsible for tearing my inlet when I was trying to get it on a bit too quickly... Inlets are like condoms...use lube and take your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatentWagen Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 And just like rubbers, they can break with user error. It's not the tool's fault LW's spec. B / YT / IG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dzehner2 Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 That escalated quickly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatentWagen Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 It's a natural thing. Turbochargers are sexy. LW's spec. B / YT / IG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuning Alliance Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Having a tear in the turbo inlet, will mean your car is sucking in more air than whats being measured at the maf, more air in system = lean. I'd suggest putting in a perrin turbo inlet. We have some in stock shoot us a PM if interested. -Brian Contact us for all your tuning and performance parts needs! Etuning the legacy community since 2008! Follow us on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Having a tear in the turbo inlet, will mean your car is sucking in more air than whats being measured at the maf, more air in system = lean. I'd suggest putting in a perrin turbo inlet. We have some in stock shoot us a PM if interested. -Brian You forgot to mention they are notoriously hard to install Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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