tricky31

Hi,
I got a 2003 Impreza Prodrive. From cold on most days the car is gutless and when i get to the T junction 400 yards from my house it will stall, then it will take 4 to 8 seconds to start again. After the T junction i have a clear road ahead of me and when the car is at normal temp she pulls like a train and does not stall! Has anyone got any ideas? Please note the check engine light never comes on! This has been like this for a long time but as i've learnt the car runs fine when warm i've got used to it but in time i'd like to sell her for a more current model and the next guy might not like the fault! Over the years i've swapped:

Maf sensor
Air idle control valve
Temp sensor
02 Sensor in the downpipe
Neutral switch
Battery
Cleaned all earths
Sprayed all pipes for vacuum leaks
ECU from another PPP

But none of the above have made any difference, anymore ideas would be great. Many thanks..

barnshaw

iTrader: (1)

have a similar problem on my 2004 sti, sometimes stalls after starting up, only really does it when weather is cold? really strange

tricky31

Glad it's not just my car then. (Maybe its the Prodrive set up) Mine does it though all the seasons, i guess in the summer months she does run better and not stall as much..

every1sgottablue1

Fuel pump???

Antony@indigo-gt

iTrader: (2)

Do you have a VTA dump valve?

tricky31

The dump valve is standard

Antony@indigo-gt

iTrader: (2)

Not that then although it could be leaking?

tricky31

Nope i've not changed the fuel pump. Would it not be faulty when the car is fully warmed up?

tricky31

I may try One from a mates car...

Antony@indigo-gt

iTrader: (2)

Would be worth a look.

Will H

Hi
I just wondered if there was any fix to this post??
I know that this is an old post and there are many other posts on the net all with similar poor performance and stalling just when cold issues and none of them I have read have been able to offer a reasoned explanation as to what is happening??
The thing is, I have a customer with a 1999 Impreza with exactly the same symptoms as Tricky31, except that with my customer, her car can be 30 seconds or even several minutes of extended cranking before it will restart at the junction, which is frustrating, as 400 meters earlier it starts first touch of the key??

I have carried out various tests such as: Fuel pressure and smoke tested the inlet system and vacuum pipes for leaks. I've also replaced oil for high grade synthetic to eliminate engine drag or HVL's jacking up.
Like the original posters car and similar to my misses, they need time in a morning to sort themselves out before being on top form.

My customer has already had fitted a new genuine engine coolant temperature sensor etc. and starting to work down the same list as Tricky31.

I have been asked to sort it, but feel a bit embarrassed really asking for help on a forum as I repair cars for a living!! However, I have had very few imprezas through the doors and don't have any dedicated diagnostic equipment (would have to borrow) as I said at the start, this is not something unique to the impreza by the sound of it and so am intrigued to get to the bottom of it with a bit of help and guidance with you guys who know these engines inside out.
Thanks for looking and hope to speak soon.
Will H

Will H

Hi
Just wanted to post a fix.
The Exhaust valve clearances had reduced to zero, or even perhaps minus and holding the valves open a tad thus loosing compression.
A cylinder head specialist machined the shims down for me and since then, the car has driven like a dream. Improvements all round and no stalling for the last few months, so the customer has just reported back to me.
Hope this will be of some help to those looking for a solution to the same fault.
Will H

G4rfo

iTrader: (1)

cheers will h