Having some CEL issues. Looking for help

[rudgers73]

So, for a last few weeks it has been pretty wet here in Rochester and I carpool with a few other guys, so my cars sits a lot some weeks- sometimes for days at a time without me driving it. I have noticed a few times when I start it up and go after sitting for a day or two in the rain it will spit and sputter when I goose the throttle and go. After it get down the road a mile or so and "rev it out" it goes away and it's fine. So, this happened a couple of times in the last few weeks. I went to hop in my car and shoot home to my parents' Thursday night, and since I got right on the highway (I live < 1/8th mile from the on ramp), I got right on it to get up to speed and it started coughing again. But, since I was on the ramp I stayed on it and it continued spitting and coughing until the CEL came on and it started flashing. I backed way off after I got on the highway and stayed in the right lane until it smoothed out. Now I am stuck with the CEL on. I had it scanned and the only thing that showed up was a CYL 4 misfire.

I've done plugs in the last 15k miles or so, my dad and I dumped water on all of the plug wires while it was idling and it didn't do a thing, I have checked wire harnesses and connections and can't find anything loose or worn. The only thing that I have done since this has started happening was remove the inside of the scoop. The head gaskets were just done about 1600 miles ago at the dealer. It only seems to be after it sits in the rain.

Any ideas guys (or gals)

Thanks

[rudgers73]

ttt

[Okin DaVanh]

Reset the ECU yet, to see if it comes back?

Also, maybe moister entry (snorkus delete) or even check the coil pack. You did say you had a scoop...

[rudgers73]

I haven't reset the ECU yet. I'll do that tomorrow. We'll see what happens with clean slate.

I'll keep the thread updated if it continues giving me trouble.

Jason

[Huffer]

The only thing that I have done since this has started happening was remove the inside of the scoop.

Knock sensor is getting wet. Put the scoop insert back.

[rudgers73]

The only thing that I have done since this has started happening was remove the inside of the scoop.

Knock sensor is getting wet. Put the scoop insert back.

It is kinda behaving like when my knock sensor went bad...

Maybe I should put it back in. I only took it out to increase airflow under the hood when my phase 1 head gasket was shitting the bed, but then again I never got a chance to race with it open yet. I will be on the track Saturday.

Does anybody on here have issues with temp run-away during autocross (after a hard couple of runs)? Should opening the scoop help? Should the new HG's take care of it? Could I seal the knock sensor somehow and keep the scoop open for increased air flow? Anybody got any ideas or input?

[Huffer]

The scoop doesn't vent that much air - the air gets forced in and DOWN onto the engine. If anything it would have acted like a wing spoiler for downforce. If you want to vent air you can space the mounting bracket on the hood so the back end (by the windshield) is higher than the front, giving a raked look and helping vent air from the back of the hood.

Or, you install vents in the hood.

Put the insert back in, and let the poor knock sensor do its job... :)

[rudgers73]

The scoop doesn't vent that much air - the air gets forced in and DOWN onto the engine. If anything it would have acted like a wing spoiler for downforce. If you want to vent air you can space the mounting bracket on the hood so the back end (by the windshield) is higher than the front, giving a raked look and helping vent air from the back of the hood.

Or, you install vents in the hood.

Put the insert back in, and let the poor knock sensor do its job... :)


haha, ok it's back in. After a couple of drive cycles my CEL will hopefully cease and desist.

Anybody here know the "recipe" for the Subaru drive cycle? My dad has charts for American cars, but not Japanese or European.
Thanks

[greenspeed]

The cel was flashing to notify you of a type a misfire that can damage the cats and that's why it is flashing.

Not familar with a drive cycle. Try and see if you can get a compression check in to. Maybe i'vr been around the turbo cars too much but a good old fashion ct and leak down really lets you set a base line.

I'm running a open scoop with my knock sensor under and never had an issue in the rain *then again I have a top mount* it should be able to with stand some water. Next time you leave it out a few days in the rain look where the knock sensor is and see if you have a puddle of water there. Check your air filter because if it's sputtering almost seems like you're too rich. *just like on your lawn mower when you hold the choke down when it's idling*

Just some idea. Plus at 100k plugs and wires should be changed as a good measure and never hurts to do the cp too.

As for over heating. I'm running an ej205 in my leg and have run it really hard using the stock radiator and never once had a temp spike use.

[Huffer]

Reset the ECU and drive normally (disconnect battery for 30mins).

Running an open scoop with a TMIC doesn't count in this example - you're effectively blocking the hole with a large item that is going to disperse or divert water from the knock sensor.

[rudgers73]

I am going to flash my ECU tomorrow at work. Hopefully the re-installation of the scoop will fix my issue. It seems all to coincidental that my car ran fine for a solid year and a half with my current setup and after I took out the inside of the scoop makes it run crappy only when sitting wet. I will let you guys know if the CEL comes back after this weekend. I'll also let you know if my car was running hot or not.

Thanks for the input guys

Drive fast and take chances,

Jason

[jey]

It should not overheat at an AutoX - give the cooling system a good service. Change the thermostat, drain and fill the coolant. This isn't an air-cooled VW!

[rudgers73]

It should not overheat at an AutoX - give the cooling system a good service. Change the thermostat, drain and fill the coolant. This isn't an air-cooled VW!

Well when the HG's were replaced it got a flush and refill on the coolant along with a t-stat, so hopefully it should be good. It never used to get really hot until the HG's started to leak internally very slightly. Then it got worse and worse the more I pushed it. I guess having oil in the coolant kinda draws from the heating and cooling capacity of the antifreeze :roll: haha

[jey]

Well when the HG's were replaced it got a flush and refill on the coolant along with a t-stat, so hopefully it should be good. It never used to get really hot until the HG's started to leak internally very slightly. Then it got worse and worse the more I pushed it. I guess having oil in the coolant kinda draws from the heating and cooling capacity of the antifreeze :roll: haha

You got the HG's replaced and they're leaking again??

[nipper]

So no one has suggested checking the spark plug buckets for oil leaks, and the spark plug boots for oil contaimination?

This is typical of failing spark plug wires at the boots.


nipper

[rudgers73]

You got the HG's replaced and they're leaking again??


No, haha. I haven't raced with my new HG's yet. I probably could have worded that in a different order to make it more chronological tho ha sry

[itsmidge]

So no one has suggested checking the spark plug buckets for oil leaks, and the spark plug boots for oil contaimination?

This is typical of failing spark plug wires at the boots.


nipper

would this contribute to the flashing cel, mine been doin it for about a month now, i am leakig oil out of the passenger side valve cover. looks like its going in/around the plugs.

[jey]

would this contribute to the flashing cel, mine been doin it for about a month now, i am leakig oil out of the passenger side valve cover. looks like its going in/around the plugs.

Yes it could - get the CEL pulled and see if it's only misfiring on one cylinder/bank.

[itsmidge]

me and my buddy just did it again the other day, no codes, last month is through back 1 sensor 1, but i replaced the o2 sensor, still flashing cel, no codes now though.