Problem!! '98 Legacy won't start

[lotsaluc]

Here's the story of my 1998 Legacy Outback 2.5 DOHC:
I was driving on the highway and i noticed a ticking noise. I quickly looked at my gauges and realized i was overheating. I pushed in the clutch and began to pull over, the car shut itself off. I checked the radiator, it was low so i started adding water, but I could never get it to crank again and realized water was coming out in front of the catalytic converter. So i figured head gaskets blew, and I got it towed home. I pulled the motor, pulled the heads (cam removal too), replaced head gaskets (both had failed), also decided to replace timing belt and water pump. I put everything back together and put it back in the car. ALL TIMING MARKS LINE UP, but when I turn the key the motor turns over and attempts to fire. It definitely seems like there is a problem with the timing. I also got the P0336 code (crankshaft position sensor A circuit range/performance) What is range/performance? Anyways, i went ahead and replaced the sensor, nothing changed.... Without the plugs connected, the engine turns over smoothly and i can turn it by hand as well. Any tips or thoughts would be graciously appreciated. I need to get this car on the road!!!
-thanks

[Wiscon_Mark]

I moved this topic to the correct forum.

[lotsaluc]

I appreciate it!

[chuckthefuk]

P0336

What does that mean?

The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) is usually a two wire sensor: a signal and a ground. The CKP sensor consists of (usually) a permanent magnent sensor that is mounted in front of a reluctor (toothed) wheel mounted to the crankshaft. As the reluctor wheel passes in front of the crank sensor, an A/C signal is produced that varies according to engine speed. The PCM (powertrain control module) uses this A/C signal to interpret engine RPM. Some crank sensors are hall-effect sensors instead of permanent magnent sensors. These are three wire sensors, provided with voltage, ground, and signal. They too have a reluctor wheel with vanes and "windows" that change the voltage signal to the PCM, providing a RPM signal. I will focus on the former, since they are simpler design and more common.

The crankshaft reluctor has a specific number of teeth and the PCM can determine the position of the crankshaft using only this sensor's signature pattern. The PCM uses this sensor to also determine cylinder misfires by measuring the reluctor teeth locations in the CKP sensor signal. In conjunction with the Camshaft position sensor (CMP) the PCM can determine timing of spark and fuel injection. If the PCM senses a loss of CKP sensor signal (RPM signal) even momentarily, P0336 may set.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0336 DTC may include:

Intermittent stalling & no start
No start
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
Intermittent misfire

Causes

Potential causes of a P0336 code include:

Bad crank sensor
Broken reluctor ring (missing teeth, debris lodged in ring)
Reluctor ring dislodged/stripped from it's stationary location
Wiring harness chafing causing short
Wiring open in CKP circuit

Possible Solutions

Crankshaft sensor problems are at times intermittent and the vehicle may start and run for some time until problem occurs. Try to reproduce the complaint. When engine stalls or if the engine will not start and continue to run, then crank engine while observing RPM reading. If there is no RPM reading, check for a signal coming out of the crank sensor. Using a scope is best, but since most DIYers don't have access to one you may be able to use a code reader or the tachometer to check for RPM signal.

Visually check the CKP harness for damage or cracking in the wiring insulation. Repair as necessary. Make sure the wiring isn't mis-routed near high voltage spark plug wires. Check for loose connection or broken lock at the sensor connector. Repair as necessary. Obtain a resistance spec for the Crank sensor. Remove and check it. If it doesn't pass, replace it. If it checks out okay, check the reluctor ring for damage, broken teeth, or debris lodged in the ring. Make sure the reluctor ring isn't dislodged. It should be stationary on the crankshaft. Carefully repair/replace as necessary. Note: some reluctor rings are located in the bell housing of the transmission or behind the front engine cover and cannot be easily accessed.

If the vehicle intermittently stalls and after stalling you have no RPM signal and you have verified the wiring to the CKP sensor is good, then try replacing the sensor. If that doesn't take care of it, and you can't access the reluctor ring, seek help from an automotive professional.

Article written by Dale Toalston

Source => http://www.obd-codes.com/p0336

"You are probably just a few teeth off on your belt. A missing tooth on your crank sprocket will kick the same code. the crank sprocket has many teeth on it one of them is different to indicate cylinder number one, this is how the computer knows when cylinder one is at tdc. The cam sprocket has one tooth on it so the computer knows if cylinder one is on a compression stroke or exhaust stroke. When these events are out of sync it will set this code." - Nasioc

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/crank_sprocket_timing-1.jpg

...

So yes its most likely your timing.

-Chuck

[lotsaluc]

That last diagram saved the day!! I had the crank 90 degrees off.... I had no idea you used mark "A" rather than the other mark on the crankshaft (TDC mark). This never was clear my my Haynes manual, timing belt diagram, or in all the videos i watched. I figured for sure you timed it using the TDC mark at the 12 o'clock location. I turned my crank to the correct place and my subie purred again!! THANK YOU CHUCK!

[chuckthefuk]

You are welcome.

Save yourself next time and download the factory service manual from my signature / literature section.

Cheers
-Chuck

[iampetro]

this is a feel good story :)