WRX Starter Mystery
Out of the blue, my 2004 manual transmission WRX starter began to turn over the engine at an unusually rapid rate. The engine will not fire.
I have replaced the starter, that was not the problem.
I have inspected the flywheel. I cannot see any evidence of teeth being worn. I have rotated the engine to get a different starting point for the starter gear. No difference.
I have inspected the timing belt. It seems fine. It was replaced a year ago.
Everything appears to be normal other than the unusually fast speed at which the engine is being turned over when the key is in the start position.
Next steps anyone? Blown gaskets, sensors?
I have replaced the starter, that was not the problem.
I have inspected the flywheel. I cannot see any evidence of teeth being worn. I have rotated the engine to get a different starting point for the starter gear. No difference.
I have inspected the timing belt. It seems fine. It was replaced a year ago.
Everything appears to be normal other than the unusually fast speed at which the engine is being turned over when the key is in the start position.
Next steps anyone? Blown gaskets, sensors?
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Comments
The initial circumstance where the starter turned the engine "too fast," I would think was due to the engine flooding. That's a quick fix... you hold the accelerator to the floor, crank the engine for a few more seconds, the flood clears, and the car sputters to life when you release the pedal.
But, you've gone through all this rigamarole you listed and still nothing?
Start by pulling a plug and taking a look / sniff.... is it saturated with fuel? If it is, put that puppy back in there and follow the procedure I listed above. Hopefully you'll get the car started, then follow up with some preventative maintenance as needed so it doesn't flood again.
I will have a look. The plugs don't seem to be readily accessible. Maybe from below?
I did notice however when I was cranking it with the inter-cooler removed that a mist of fuel/ air vapor came out of the upper connection into the engine. When that happened I thought perhaps the timing belt had slipped. Apparently it is fine.
I connected my trouble code reader this morning. It came up with no stored codes. I am not sure why that would be.
As suggested while I have a lot of the engine apart I will take a look at the plugs.
Next step I will put it all back together and explore the possibility flooding.
Either way, good luck to you!!!!
Fun stuff. I think I got a little carried away.
It reminded me of all those years I skipped out of college classes to work on my 74 442.
Thanks for the advise and support. I appreciate it.
I put it all back together. Very confidently put the pedal to the metal and cranked it. No go.
Cursed and then gave up for the day.
I am planning to have it towed to the dealership unless I have an epiphany during the next few days.
Subaru dealer claims timing belt jumped. Now need to replace entire engine.
Bent valves therefore no compression.
I am not sure how many times a replaced timing belt "jumps" but I would like to see the data on that one!
If you heard nothing other than the symptoms you described, I wouldn't think an entire engine is needed. Heads likely, but the short block should be fine.
I have quite a lot of hours under the hood of older engines. It seems that this engine is smaller, lighter and just more dense with bolt on items. Could it really be that challenging to replace it myself?
Label everything, disassemble carefully, have a helper on hand during physical block removal and installation, take your time, and have fun. You will need to have it tuned once you're done.
I pulled the engine out of my '96 Outback twice and didn't have any problems either time. The second time was to replace the head gaskets, which takes you into the block fairly deep.
I will check out that forum you suggested. You tube could help as well I would think.