Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video)

Heads, valves, pistons, rods, crankshaft, etc...

Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators

Post Reply
MrTodd
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:52 pm
Location: OR

Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video)

Post by MrTodd »

Hey everyone.

Here's what I got. Recently picked up a '93 Legacy, N/A, AWD, manual 5spd - bone stock. It was running just fine when I got it. I replaced the clutch myself the other day by dropping the tranny. Put it all back together, quadrouple checked my connections/hoses/etc...

...starts up just fine. Idles for about 5 seconds, then putters to a stop. If I give it gas it will stay alive, but it's pretty damn boggy if I do that. I read somewhere that it might be the MAF sensor. I went ahead and unplugged the sensor - starts up just fine, idles just fine, stays alive (runs like garbage though without that sensor plugged in).

Now, I went to my local junkyard and picked up two MAF sensors to try out on my car to see if that's the culprit. I don't know if these junkyard parts are working or not, but I'm ASSuming they do work. Plugged them both in, one at a time, and it still does the exact same thing as with my original MAF sensor. I also disconnected the negative battery terminal for 20 seconds to reset the ECU. Still dies. Checked my fuse box under the hood, fuses are intact. Check engine light is NOT on when the MAF sensor is plugged in.

Here are the pictures of the sensors (kept them attached to the air filter box - one on the far left is the original).
Image
Image


Here are a few pics of my engine bay. When I removed the tranny I really didn't unplug very many things. Even so, perhaps I reconnected something wrong?
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Also, a peek at my ghetto rigged O2 sensor stay. (Used a zip tie to keep it out of the way of the axle - do you think it somehow died on me during the clutch install?)
Image


Last, but certainly not least: I recorded a video of what's going on.
---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-vB3gMPA_g



Let me know what you think! This thing is frustrating.
rallyak
Third Gear
Posts: 896
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:02 am
Location: Anchorage,Alaska

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by rallyak »

The hose to the iac is not connected I can see it in this pic.

Image

Also this one

Image

It the big 1 inch hose that goes from the air tube to the iac. It's a big vacuum leak that will cause that for sure.
Charles

90' White/Gray Outback DD workhorse (670,xxx) miles
92' Onyx Metallic (430,xxx) Wife's DD
68' Barracuda formula S 340 4spd coupe (ongoing project)
66' Mustang 2+2 4spd wife's (ongoing project)
86BRATMAN
Second Gear
Posts: 415
Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:59 am
Location: Tazewell VA

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by 86BRATMAN »

Yep rallyak nailed it. I did the same thing a couple months ago when I did my manual swap, easy to overlook and scary as hell when you see the result.
MrTodd
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:52 pm
Location: OR

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by MrTodd »

Woah... Haha, now I feel like a total moron. Unfortunately my car isn't with me right now so I can't try it just yet. Ugh. Apparently I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.

I'll let you know the results as soon as I get back to it. Until then, thank you for the responses! It's very much appreciated.
rallyak
Third Gear
Posts: 896
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:02 am
Location: Anchorage,Alaska

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by rallyak »

I'm sure most of use has done that, I know I have. Don't beat your self up and that what's this forum is for.
Charles

90' White/Gray Outback DD workhorse (670,xxx) miles
92' Onyx Metallic (430,xxx) Wife's DD
68' Barracuda formula S 340 4spd coupe (ongoing project)
66' Mustang 2+2 4spd wife's (ongoing project)
Legacy777
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 27930
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 11:37 am
Location: Houston, Tx
Contact:

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by Legacy777 »

Good catch Charles!
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
MrTodd
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:52 pm
Location: OR

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by MrTodd »

Okay, finally got around to seeing my car.. (I keep it at my parent's house rightnow, but I'll start using it as my DD soon enough)

I connected that hose and sure enough, idles just fine. Took it for a little spin and it's working great! Guys, thank you so much for the help! I really appreciate it.

Now on to fixing other things with this!! I'll be documenting my progress. :)
rallyak
Third Gear
Posts: 896
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:02 am
Location: Anchorage,Alaska

Re: Starts, idles, but dies after 4-5 seconds. (pics + video

Post by rallyak »

Glad that was it, it was no problem.
Charles

90' White/Gray Outback DD workhorse (670,xxx) miles
92' Onyx Metallic (430,xxx) Wife's DD
68' Barracuda formula S 340 4spd coupe (ongoing project)
66' Mustang 2+2 4spd wife's (ongoing project)
Post Reply