Struggled to fire up
 

Only had the car a week. Yesterday I tried to start it when it was hot and it just turned over but I put that down to the fact I didnt let the fuel pump pump fuel first. Turned ignition off, back on, left it a few seconds then started it fine.

Been using it quite a bit today, got back in it and tried to start it but it wouldnt fire up, just turn over. Did that about 3 times. Got out and opened the bonnet (for some reason) then tried to start it and it started fine and normal.

Any ideas? I thought it may be the turbo timer messing up the immobiliser?

Its getting worse now and at one point just stalled when waiting for someone to come out... when it stuggles to start the fuel pump sounds like its sucking in air when it has a full tank?

Failing pump maybe?

Where abouts can you hear the noise of air being sucked in? Front / back, i know its probably hard to pin point.

If air was being sucked in then in theory you should be able to smell fuel.

What year of scoob is it?

It's a 1995. It sounds like it's coming from the rear but will double check now.

I have been looking up Fuel Pump problems on the search but mine seems weird as it does start most of the time, and the cutting out while idling is new :S

It's coming from the rear. I got my girlfriend to turn the ignition on in total of about 10 times and only heard the bad sucking once maybe twice... All the other times it sounds normal. Started it twice and it started fine. Don't smell any fuel either.

By the way I'm not saying its sucking air in but thats what it sounds like... Also sounds like it could be sucking up loads of crap from the bottom of the tank but I'm not sure...?

I would pop the boot carpet up and remove the oval cover on the right hand side that covers the cap the pump is mounted too if your thoughts are leading you towards that direction.

Get in the boot and get someone to turn the key and listen to see if it primes, you should be able to feel it working too. if it starts and stalls fairly soon after id stay in the boot and listen to the pump to see if its that.


Mines a my99 version5 and my pump was worn and tired so I changed it for a walbro225. Fairly easy job to change.


I'd also be inclined if it was mine to pop out or maybe even change the spark plugs, check the plug gaps.

Ok so going from that I'd be looking to change the pump to eliminate it, sounds like it could be on its way out.

Okay do you know anyone selling a fuel pump? Budget is a bit tight until August so may just look for a cheap second hand one until I can afford an uprated one?

What models will fit mine? Or do I need to find a 1995 sti pump?

I have my old one from my99 but I was told it was getting tired when pushing high revs causing my engine to run lean ( something to keep in mind when buying used ). You could have it to try and see if it solves a problem on tick over and general poodling about but i wouldn't drive on full boost just in case.
Most pumps will fit across a range of versions from 93-02 etc ( check your year when buying ). Just don't buy a cheep Chinese copy of a good make!!!


Personally I would try to buy new even if you have to wait for funds.

Ive seen on importcarparts a new one for £150. May just get that.

How hard is it to change?

Lol, Jesus H pull the reins in!!! £150!!!

Ring Asperformance tomorrow morn and speak to alyn and get yourself a walbro 225 at Half the price!!

Oh I thought that was average. My dads buying a fuel pump for his Peugeot for £130 so thought £150 for mine waa about right lol.

Thanks I'll ring him tomorrow. Is alyn pronounced as alan?

Oh and it's a fairly simple change over.

Plenty of rag when disconnecting the pipes, have patients and be gentle when removing the unit as it can be fiddly getting it out. Lay it out on a clean cloth and change all the bits over and reverse the getting out process.


Oh and disconnect the battery and don't smoke! Lol

Lol, Yeah kinda. Very helpful chap.

Thanks for your help.

No worries, I try to be and that's what we're all here for.

Have a nearly new pump walbro 225 £70 comes connected to the carrier so just drop in.

PM'd midlife2.

Good result and sensible to change the pump on an older car anyway.

Picking it up tomorrow so fingers crossed it cures it.

If not there's a couple of good guys your way in Tone @ Jaffasport and Brent & Luke @ SMD

Yeah hopefully it is the pump as funds are limited till August.

Looking or ward to seeing your car

Will you have yours at work Hugh?

Not sure

Would like to say a big thank you to midlife2 and majorscooby for the help with the fuel pump. Changed it today after it wouldnt start again and it starts much quicker and when it primes it sounds like a pump should do.

Hopefully its cured.

Nice one guys :ok: hopefully its sorted the problem for you :nod:

Glad to be of service with what little knowledge I have. Lol

Fingers crossed but I'm sure we've sussed it.

Just to let you know its back :(. In a carpark and took two attempts to start... only seems to be when hot and the new pump sounded weird too. Meh :(.

Anymore ideas?

Also stopped to get cash out and left it running and it just cut out.

Plugs? Leads? Coil pack?

Weird! Can't think, need to see a vid and a listen of what it's doing.

Well I just went to East Sussex Subaru Specialist and spoke to Stuart, couldn't recommend him enough! Very friendly and helpful.

He plugged it in and came up with a fault of the crank sensor. Got one off him for £30.

He also told me my engine probably isn't the original but its an RA engine as its a closed deck block and has a 5th injector. Rare...

Nice about the CDB, fingers crossed that's it. I wouldn't of guessed crank sensor but that's good knowledge to know!