Questions and Answers

Subaru XT Won't Start Q. I just bought a 1986 Subaru XT 1.8 liter with fuel injection from a family member. It quit running two years ago and has been sitting in a garage since then. I have had it running a few times, but every time I get it started, it runs for about ten minutes then stalls out. After stalling it won't start few a few days.

Then one day it will start and do the same thing. I have given it a tune-up, replacing the coil, distributor cap and rotor,etc... I would like to know if there is anything I can replace to fix it on my own. I have several repair manuals, but have had no luck with them. I feel it is fuel related. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bart

A. First thing we need to do is find out what's missing, fuel or spark. Take an old spark plug and gap it to about 0.200". Unplug one of the spark plugs and plug the test plug into it. Lay it on top of the engine, something metal for a good ground. Now crank the engine and see if you have spark, If not, it's an electrical problem.

If you have spark, disconnect a vacuum line from the intake manifold. While someone cranks the engine over, spray carburetor cleaner into the engine. If the engine runs, you have a fuel problem.

Once we narrow this down we can go from there.