Help please? (Car died driving home, $400 later and it just barely starts up)

[TrashFRieS]

Originally Posted by TommyW

Get a new one. The shop will also redo the heads and valves. Don't get anything used.

Thank you ! I was told by a friend that a used block would be fine but even just thinking about that out loud it sounds silly. The only thing that worries me is the price but I’m already in the “getting it financed” realm of things so I might as well get it done right lol


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[humfrz]

Originally Posted by TrashFRieS

The routine maintenance happened as a result of the failure. The guy that sold me the thing assured me up down left and right (but not in writing) that the car had been meticulously cared for. Only invested in the new MAF after getting P0102. And as far as the battery goes after the failure it was seen to be bleeding. Not sure if this was a cause or result of the failure. Thank you for your comments, will keep you updated


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OK.

Are you sure the new MAF is correctly installed and getting power?

The battery started "bleeding"? Do you mean leaking or running down easily?

A weak battery can cause the ECU to do all kinds of weird things.

I'm going to ring up ol @steve99 for you. He is pretty smart with these engines. Maybe he can help.

I hope you get it sorted out soon. Keep us posted.

STORY TIME

The last time I heard an engine run like that was a flathead V-8 Ford engine on a trailer. The painter was using it to spray paint our barn back on the farm. He had removed 4 spark plugs and screwed in pipe fittings that led to his air powered spray gun.

Yep, them old flatheads were tough -

[steve99]

Originally Posted by humfrz

OK.

Are you sure the new MAF is correctly installed and getting power?

The battery started "bleeding"? Do you mean leaking or running down easily?

A weak battery can cause the ECU to do all kinds of weird things.

I'm going to ring up ol @steve99 for you. He is pretty smart with these engines. Maybe he can help.

I hope you get it sorted out soon. Keep us posted.

STORY TIME

The last time I heard an engine run like that was a flathead V-8 Ford engine on a trailer. The painter was using it to spray paint our barn back on the farm. He had removed 4 spark plugs and screwed in pipe fittings that led to his air powered spray gun.

Yep, them old flatheads were tough -

Readi g thread seem the maintenwnce was done after is started making bad noises but maybe im reading it wrong.


Video doesnt sound good does sound mechanical


Could try unplugging maf sensor completly and starting car with maf disconnected it will run vasic limp mode but should run.

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by TrashFRieS

Thank you ! I was told by a friend that a used block would be fine but even just thinking about that out loud it sounds silly. The only thing that worries me is the price but I’m already in the “getting it financed” realm of things so I might as well get it done right lol


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the price is slightly higher however you’ll have a new motor and there is a lot of comfort in that. I can not stress enough how important it is to use a qualified Subaru shop that has A LOT of experience building the FA 20. If the timing cover isn’t installed properly and sealant isn’t applied correctly you could be back in the same boat again.

[Decep]

Is it really only slightly higher? That's a ton more work in labor than just swapping an engine.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by Decep

Is it really only slightly higher? That's a ton more work in labor than just swapping an engine.

imo, i don't consider used parts a value-added option unless they're no more than 1/2 the cost of the new option, though i prefer to spend no more than 1/3 the cost of the new option. that way, if the first doesn't work out, i've saved enough to justify a second try.

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by Decep

Is it really only slightly higher? That's a ton more work in labor than just swapping an engine.

Depends if you’re talking shortblocks however used I’m sure that would be a longblock which would be less expensive. I’ll tell you what IS expensive is swapping a used engine and then finding out it was bad after a short time and then going with a new shortblock after all. I learned that lesson the hard way many years ago.

[Decep]

Point taken.. im sure its in the back of everyone's mind who has to buy a used engine.

[milanojess]

Are you getting any code? It did sound pretty bad and first thing came to mind was the valves too. Also a bad ignition module would make it run really bad too but probably would t sound like that…

Find out where the valve job was done at. You wouldn’t be able to register car in California if it’s not done. Not certain about other states

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by milanojess

Are you getting any code?

When my motor went there were no code so I thought that maybe it was an exhaust gasket or something.

[FrickingReallySlow]

btw, did you rebuild with the 2017+ shortblock or the 2013-2016 one? I'm kinda curious if the new shortblock with stronger pistons can be use for rebuilt with 2013 heads

Originally Posted by TommyW

Depends if you’re talking shortblocks however used I’m sure that would be a longblock which would be less expensive. I’ll tell you what IS expensive is swapping a used engine and then finding out it was bad after a short time and then going with a new shortblock after all. I learned that lesson the hard way many years ago.

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by FrickingReallySlow

btw, did you rebuild with the 2017+ shortblock or the 2013-2016 one? I'm kinda curious if the new shortblock with stronger pistons can be use for rebuilt with 2013 heads

I used the IAG shortblock. They upgrade the oiling, use slotted King’s rod bearings and forged internals among other niceties. The motor is designed to handle 500 hp and I’m NA so not worried about it having issues at the track again.

[pope]

+1 on that being a blown engine. No need to keep trying to diagnose it.

Fastest solution will be to find the newest, lowest mileage engine you can and do the harness/sensor changes needed to bolt it into the older car.

[TrashFRieS]

Well boys.
$7,119.25.
Is it worth it?
The dealership won’t give me anything for it since it starts but technically doesn’t run.
Thank you to everyone who’s been in this thread. You guys are the best


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