The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi again guys, really need help with starting issue, 98 2.5 ltr liberty, have intermmitant starting issue with car, Ithink that was why it was so cheap, car cranks over but will not fire, if you bump start it it will start, and then will continue to start with key. Then if you leave for a day or two it wont start with key again and go through same process again, any ideas greatly appreciated, had computer check ,no faults show up, new fuel pump, new starter motor, new fuel filter, got spark at coil pack, backfires if you spray start ya bar...rd, down aircleaner /airflow. alternator and battery both check out ok, new ignition switch ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Maybe that ignition relay issue? There's a thread on here somewhere about it

First off - what's been done with the engine? I reckon the Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) has been tampered with. If the solenoid has been moved you'll have to find out how to adjust it to where it should be. I've never done this as I've always just left it alone to avoid that sort of work...

Other things to look for are vacuum leaks - check all your vacuum lines to make sure they're connected, check for any cracks in the hoses/lines/connections.

When was the cam belt done? It could be out a tooth or two which would cause issues with the timing of the cam sensor which could then effect the timing of the spark. I wouldn't expect my EJ to backfire when trying to start with start ya bas1ard

Cheers

Bennie

Check for the basics.. Compression, Spark and Fuel

I'd also be looking at making sure the timing belt is aligned correctly before going any further