1996 SUBARU LEGACY check engine

1. Foreword
This chapter describes major inspection and service pro-
cedures for the engine mounted on the body. For proce-
dures not found in this chapter, refer to the service proce-
dure section in the applicable chapter.
2. Ignition Timing
A: MEASUREMENT
1. 2200 cc MODEL
1) Warm-up the engine.
G2M0094
2) To check the ignition timing, connect a timing light to #1
cylinder spark plug cord, and illuminate the timing mark
with the timing light.
3) Start the engine at idle speed and check the ignition
timing.
If the timing is not correct, check the ignition control sys-
tem.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
14°±8°/700 (MT)
20°±8°/700 (AT)
2. 2500 cc MODEL
CAUTION:
After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be care-
ful not to burn yourself during measurement.
1) Warm-up the engine.
B2M0750A
2) To check the ignition timing, connect a timing light to #1
cylinder spark plug cord, and illuminate the timing mark
with the timing light.
3) Start the engine at idle speed and check the ignition
timing.
If the timing is not correct, check the ignition control sys-
tem.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
15°±8°/700
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1. Foreword - 2. Ignition Timing

3. Engine Idle Speed
A: MEASUREMENT
1) Before checking idle speed, check the following:
(1) Ensure that air cleaner element is free from
clogging, ignition timing is correct, spark plugs are in
good condition, and that hoses are connected properly.
(2) Ensure that malfunction indicator light (CHECK
ENGINE light) does not illuminate.
2) Warm-up the engine.
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3) Connect Subaru Select Monitor or the OBD-II general
scan tool to data link connector.
CAUTION:
When connecting Subaru Select Monitor, turn ignition
switch to OFF.
4) Start the engine and measure engine speed.
NOTE:
Engine speed is indicated on Subaru Select Monitor by
selecting “MODE F04”.
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NOTE:

When using the OBD-II general scan tool, carefully read
its operation manual.

When Subaru Select Monitor is not used, attach the
pickup sensor on tachometer (Secondary pickup type) to
#1 cylinder spark plug cord.

This ignition system provides simultaneous ignition for
#1 and #2 plugs. It must be noted that some tachometers
may register twice that of actual engine speed.
5) Check idle speed when unloaded. (With headlights,
heater fan, rear defroster, radiator fan, air conditioning, etc.
OFF)
Idle speed (No load and gears in neutral (MT) or N or
P (AT) position):
700±100 rpm
6) Check idle speed when loaded. (Turn air conditioning
switch to “ON” and operate compressor for at least one
minute before measurement.)
Idle speed [A/C“ON”, no load and gears in neutral
(MT) or N or P (AT) position]:
850±50 rpm
CAUTION:
Never rotate idle adjusting screw. If idle speed is out
of specifications, refer to General On-board Diagnosis
Table under “2-7 On-Board Diagnostics II System”.
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2-2
3. Engine Idle Speed

4. Engine Compression
A: MEASUREMENT
1. 2200 cc MODEL
1) After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to
OFF.
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs.
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
5) Fully open throttle valve.
6) Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance
and operation.
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7) Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark
plug hole.
CAUTION:
When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the
screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should
be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
8) Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and
read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is
steady.
9) Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and
make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (200—300 rpm and fully open throttle):
Standard
1,079—1,275 kPa
(11.0—13.0 kg/cm
2, 156—185 psi)
Limit
883 kPa (9.0 kg/cm
2, 128 psi)
Difference between cylinders
196 kPa (2.0 kg/cm
2, 28 psi)
2. 2500 cc MODEL
CAUTION:
After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be care-
ful not to burn yourself during measurement.
1) After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to
OFF.
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs. [W3E0].>
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
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2-2
4. Engine Compression

5) Fully open throttle valve.
6) Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance
and operation.
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7) Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark
plug hole.
CAUTION:
When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the
screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should
be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
8) Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and
read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is
steady.
9) Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and
make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (350 rpm and fully open throttle):
Standard
1,216 kPa
(12.4 kg/cm
2, 176 psi)
Limit
941 kPa (9.6 kg/cm
2, 137 psi)
Difference between cylinders
49 kPa (0.5 kg/cm
2, 7 psi), or less
5
2-2
4. Engine Compression

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4) Connect oil pressure gauge hose to cylinder block.
5) Start the engine, and measure oil pressure.
Oil pressure:
98 kPa (1.0 kg/cm
2,14 psi) or more at 800 rpm
294 kPa (3.0 kg/cm2, 43 psi) or more at 5,000 rpm
CAUTION:

If oil pressure is out of specification, check oil
pump, oil filter and lubrication line.


If oil pressure warning light is turned ON and oil
pressure is in specification, replace oil pressure
switch.

NOTE:
The specified data is based on an engine oil temperature
of 80°C (176°F).
6) After measuring oil pressure, install oil pressure switch.
Tightening torque:
25±3 N⋅m (2.5±0.3 kg-m, 18.1±2.2 ft-lb)
7) Install generator and V-belt in the reverse order of
removal, and adjust the V-belt deflection.
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2-2
6. Engine Oil Pressure

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1. General Precautions
1) Before disassembling engine, place it on ST3.
ST1 498457000 ENGINE STAND ADAPTER RH
ST2 498457100 ENGINE STAND ADAPTER LH
ST3 499817000 ENGINE STAND
2) All parts should be thoroughly cleaned, paying special
attention to the engine oil passages, pistons and bearings.
3) Rotating parts and sliding parts such as piston, bearing
and gear should be coated with oil prior to assembly.
4) Be careful not to let oil, grease or coolant contact the
timing belt, clutch disc and flywheel.
5) All removed parts, if to be reused, should be reinstalled
in the original positions and directions.
6) Gaskets and lock washers must be replaced with new
ones. Liquid gasket should be used where specified to
prevent leakage.
7) Bolts, nuts and washers should be replaced with new
ones as required.
8) Even if necessary inspections have been made in
advance, proceed with assembly work while making
rechecks.
2. Hydraulic Lash Adjuster
A: INSPECTION
1) Disconnect blow-by hose from rocker cover.
2) Remove spark plug cap.
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3) Remove left and right rocker covers.
CAUTION:
Before removing left rocker cover, disconnect battery
cables and generator cable.
11
2-3SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. General Precautions - 2. Hydraulic Lash Adjuster

G2M0106
1. General Precautions
1) Before disassembling engine, place it on ST3.
ST1 498457000 ENGINE STAND ADAPTER RH
ST2 498457100 ENGINE STAND ADAPTER LH
ST3 499817000 ENGINE STAND
2) All parts should be thoroughly cleaned, paying special
attention to the engine oil passages, pistons and bearings.
3) Rotating parts and sliding parts such as piston, bearing
and gear should be coated with oil prior to assembly.
4) Be careful not to let oil, grease or coolant contact the
timing belt, clutch disc and flywheel.
5) All removed parts, if to be reused, should be reinstalled
in the original positions and directions.
6) Gaskets and lock washers must be replaced with new
ones. Liquid gasket should be used where specified to
prevent leakage.
7) Bolts, nuts and washers should be replaced with new
ones as required.
8) Even if necessary inspections have been made in
advance, proceed with assembly work while making
rechecks.
2. Hydraulic Lash Adjuster
A: INSPECTION
1) Disconnect blow-by hose from rocker cover.
2) Remove spark plug cap.
B2M0413A
3) Remove left and right rocker covers.
CAUTION:
Before removing left rocker cover, disconnect battery
cables and generator cable.
11
2-3SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. General Precautions - 2. Hydraulic Lash Adjuster

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4) Manually push valve rocker (at lash adjuster location) to
check that there is no air in it.
NOTE:
When air is in lash adjuster, valve rocker moves when
pushed with fingers.
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5) If air is in lash adjuster, remove valve rocker assembly
from engine and bleed air completely.
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B: AIR BLEEDING
1) Remove valve rocker assembly.
(1) Remove bolts

1through
4in numerical
sequence.
CAUTION:
Leave two or three threads of bolt

1engaged to retain
valve rocker assembly.
(2) Equally loosen bolts

5through
8all the way,
being careful that knock pin is not gouged.
2) Manually remove lash adjusters where air is trapped.
CAUTION:
If lash adjuster is difficult to remove manually, use pli-
ers. Be careful not to scratch lash adjuster.
12
2-3SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Hydraulic Lash Adjuster