1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Legacy won't start when hot

My 98' Outback Legacy won't start (intermittently) when it's been running for a while or if it's is hot outside (above 75 deg). The car won't even crank--just a click sound. Usually if I wait about 20 mins it will start just fine. All electrical devices in the car work-- stereo, headlights, horn, radio, etc. It will ALWAYS start if I have someone jump the car.

So...I replaced the battery and it still won't start on occasion. Any ideas?

Reply to
Tony Jurado
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hmmm...I think some 'older' soobs had crank angle sensors that would become intermittent with temp.

dunno about '98 and dunno if a CEL would be generated.

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

Always a good idea to first verify the battery cables are clean, not corroded and tight on the battery posts. But the problem sounds like a starter solenoid going bad and/or the brushes inside the starter motor are worn.

Reply to
johninky

Ahh, you're right. It doesn't crank!

Tony, carry a length of 2x4 or similar with you, next time the problem occurs, strike (more than a tap, less than BASH) the starter and try again. Also, try wiggling the starter cables. If either of those things work, should point you in the right direction. (solenoid contacts likely)

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

If it clicks and doesn't start it's the starter. A little known seceret: SOME sub's have a rebuildable starter. If it has been replaced in the past your probably out of luck. look at the solenoid, if it has the ability to remove the end cap by screws or nuts than you can rebuild it.

Go to the dealership and ask for the starter rebuild parts (I don't know what the exact name is for them) they are the two wire lugs that go into and out of the solenoid. (can't be too expensive) Remove the starter Remove the end cap under this is a copper "mushroom" shaped piece Replace the two wire lug parts. The solenoid action pulls the mushroom piece and joins the two lugs; the arc over time and wear out. On the mushroom piece, look at the "lip" and clean the arcing off of it. Reassemble and install starter.

I have not yet figured out what subies use the rebuildable starters and what ones do not....

Steve

Reply to
S.Hansen
10$% snipped-for-privacy@nlpi070.nbdc.sbc.com...

Just for the record, the starter is on top of the bellhousing on the drivers side. It is easily accessible from the top of the engine without crawling under the car. So a rubber mallet or deadblow hammer might work for persuading the solenoid to engage. Also looking at it to assess the rebuildableness of it shouldn't be too hard.

I love how subaru makes these cars easy to work on. All the engine accessories they could stick on top are there for easy access. I don't even have to lay under the car to take off my oil filter. I just get down on one knee and reach under the front bumper. Brilliant designs.

Bill

Reply to
weelliott

This is common with older Toyotas, the contacts wear down. Even before I knew much about cars I became familiar with this condition! Kind of an easy fix, depending on where the motor is located...

Reply to
Hachiroku

I have a Supra I'll sell cheap! ;)

Probably the worst car I've ever owned for making repairs. And one of the cars I've owned that needed them. When I worked at a Toyota dealer one of the older mechanics said, "You have one of THOSE? That car's going to nickle and dime you..."

Shoot, they could at least have made it easy to work on!!!

But, your point taken, I have noticed the two Suby's I have are pretty easy to work on!

I'll have to try to find an SVX...

Reply to
Hachiroku

Are you freaking crazy!

Reply to
S.Hansen

How come?!?! What's the deal with those. I wanted one when they came out in the early 90's.

There's one in town that looks pretty good and seems to run well.

So, what's the deal with the SVX?

I have a Supra...can't be too much worse than that! (I got the *LAST* Trans cooler line in the WORLD shipped from a dealer in Japan...)

Or, a Mitsubishi 3000GT. Call me a glutton for punishment... ;)

Oh, BTW, yes, I *AM* crazy!!! ;p

Reply to
Hachiroku

Overall an increadable car for its time, infact most say it was ahead of it's time. Didn't sell well because not many wanted to pay 30,000 for a car back then. Remember, when it came out subaru was known as a "Affordable" car company The 6 cylinder engine runs 2 timing belts. Very tight fit, Car is heavy Very difficult to get plugs out. Coilovers, are interchangable from left to right, but not to the cylinder next to it. difficult to get them unplugged!

All the techs run from a SVX when it comes in-- that should tell you something... ;)

Steve

Reply to
S.Hansen

Transmission issues too IIRC. Still, they have a strong following.

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

I have the original sticker from my '88 Supra. It was $33K!!

Reply to
Hachiroku

Pretty cool looking car, and a lot of innovation. And AWD to boot.

Reply to
Hachiroku

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