I have a Subaru EA81 1.8 l engine in a boat. Ran fine for years. Lately it has been giving me problems. It misses, especially when up to operating temperature (~175 degrees F). When up to that temperature it seems to loap when idling. I can remove the vacuum hose from the distributor bellows and it doesn't seem to make a difference on how the engine runs. The engine also overheats ocassionally. I've changed the plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. I've also pulled and shaved the heads. Most recently I reassebled and cleaned tha carburator. I'm thinking of pulling the distributor and checking it out. Don't know what else to do - I'm discouraged. Would appreciate any suggestions that you can offer.............

in order to replace the cam seal you have to remove timing belt if tou did not have this problem before you have one skipped thoot on your subaro box engine recheck your timing again

Hi sounds like the typical fuel pump or filter problem with these cars, best way to tell is take top fuel hose off on fuel filter under hood, turn key on ignition (not start) and fuel should pump out, if not its your pump, just beware of doing when engine is hot

I have the same problem. But my check engine light comes on when this occurs. The car runs fine otherwise. The problem manifests when it's hot out and I've been driving for a while with the A/C on. When I stop somewhere (like the supermarket), shop, and get back in my car. It starts fine but when I put it in gear to go, it's extremely sluggish for a few seconds and the check engine light comes on. Then is runs fine but the check engine light remains on. The next day when I start it, the check engine light is not on. Also, I recently had the head gasket replaced. I took it back into the shop the first time the check engine light came on. The mechanic checked it and said everything checks fine. He re-set the light saying to keep an eye on it and bring it back in if the check engine light comes back on. It ran fine for 1.5 weeks and now this problem has started to occur.

Did you find anything out dwbradway? I wish I had a solution for you but I just have the same kind of problem. Any help would be appreciated!

Always let your vechile to reach operating temperature ,saves on wear and tear especially on them very cold mornings,Take it to your lube and maintence person and change the fluids and check for metals in the fluids you might have to replace soon,because the clutches are worn to a point of being replaced is the only option

I would try replacing the fuel filter. I had a 1992 Subaru Loyale with a similar problem. I thought it was the pump, but I replaced the filter first and it ran fine. I believe the fuel filter is in the engine compartment, on the driver's side, near the strut tower.

was the check engine light on? have it scanned for a code if it was. remove the timing cover just enough to peek and just make sure the timing belt isnt broken. do you smell gas coming out of the exhaust while cranking the engine for 10 seconds? if not it could be gas related. or pull one of the plug wires off a spark plug and hold it a 1/4 inch or a little less away from the engine ground (ANY METAL PART OF THE ENGINE)see if it archs while cranking for 5 seconds, if it does not arch suspect that the camm and or crank sensor is a bad. PLEASE NOTE: this information is based on what you have told me. however if you have it scanned and give me the code pulled i will be better equipped to help you. if u run the tests i gave you and come up with nothing you may have to take it to your local technician for more complex tests to be done.

possible but sounds like you have a misfire occurring is your check engine light on if so this will give you a code determining which cylinder it is occurring on.i would start out with new plugs and wires especially if you know they have not been done lately

Might be the fuel filter(s). Especially if you've run out of gas lately.

If you are getting a CEL (Check Engine Light) then figure out the code. This is an OBD-I engine so you need to connect the appropriate test connector and count the blinking lights. (Google Subaru OBD-1 codes).
Now as for your problem. Most common cause is the MAF (mass air flow sensor). The square box on the air intake. Try tapping it with a screw driver, the connect inside is joined only with solder and years of stress can crack the solder joint. If your engine stalls whenever you tap it, get a new one or rip off the cover and resolder the connect. Also check the IAC (Idle Air Control solenoid).

Does the engine have a lot of miles(Km) on it--over 100K? If so, try using 'high-mileage' oil in the engine. It will free sticky valve lifters, rings, and soften oil seals. Instead of water sprays, buy a can of 'cold spray' from an electronics parts supply house to test for 'cold' failures--it is more direct and much colder. This may be a humidity problem rather than a temperature problem. I assume that the engine computer was read for any codes stored.