Pcshedman

Have a 97 Legacy Outback 2.5 which was running fine on the motorway but suddenly ran rough. Got it off the motorway but began to feel like cutting out.Sounded like running on 3 cylinders (or less!) but got it home-just.
Looked under bonnet and noticed the top hose to the radiator was evacuated. Released radiator cap and it assumed normal shape.Topped up ok.
As quite new to Subarus would assume ignition fault/plug fouled/ fuel fault or even worse engine fault?
Does use oil so maybe oiled a plug?
Most annoying as a really nice car but if it was a plug sure doesnt look easy!
Any help really appreciated.

Matt Sills

iTrader: (1)

When you say the top hose evacuated do you mean the hose had collapsed ? Did the engine over heat ?

Pcshedman

YES COLLAPSED BUT DID NOT SHOW ON TEMP GAUGE. THINKING OF NEW RAD CAP?
Will have to test for sparks at plug leads tomorrow to see if running on less than four cylinders due to plug failure or coil pack?
Plug removal seems best from below?
Are Bosch plugs ok to use as miles cheaper than others?

Matt Sills

iTrader: (1)

Have you checked the coolant level? are you sure its a coolant hose ?
I think your jumping the gun, you need to diagnose the fault before trying to fix it.

Pcshedman

Yes coolant hose -the big fat one at the top left of the radiator. Coolant only slightly down in radiator.
Only noticed this when got car home onto drive and looked at engine. After cooling engine restarted but not on four cylinders.

Matt Sills

iTrader: (1)

Could be a faulty rad cap causing the hose to collapse, or its just worn. That wouldn't cause your engine to run rough unless it over heated tho. Have you checked to see if all spark plugs are firing ?

Pcshedman

Got new cap and found cylinder near bulkhead drivers side not firing. How on earth do you change a plug on it?

Matt Sills

iTrader: (1)

On an impreza it can be done but not sure about a legacy.

finallyaname

Plug change how to on a leggy : http://www.uklegacy.com/forums/index...owtopic=120900

Think that's on a gtb, but the process should be pretty much the same tbh. You just might have it a bit easier as the twin turbo is one of the most packed standard bays ever! Lol

Pcshedman

Thanks for that link. I only need to get the one plug out to get it back firing on four. have pulled plug lead off and put another plug on end and layed on block and it sparked ok.
If it wont run on four then must be injector or something sinister!