1985 Subaru Wagon engine stalls

DJGUBBELS

MEMBER
1985 SUBARU WAGON
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
140,000 MILES

My 1985 Subaru 4x4 wagon stalls and refuses to idle. My mechanics tested/replaced all of the vaccuum hoses to confirm no leakage. Now they think it is a defective carburetor. But given the age of the car, they recommended donating it to charity over spending $500+ for a rebuilt carb. Before doing so, I would like to know if anyone might offer an affordable solution that makes economic sense for this aging but otherwise ok car. Another subscriber mentioned the same problem and seemed to think it was caused by the idling plug. I don't even know what that is, much less whether it makes sense or how to replace/repair it. This is my first time using this site and I do not know what kind of donation is considered reasonable. Hopefully, mine does not offend you as too low. If so, please let me know. Thanks.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi djgubbels,

Thank you for the donation. Any donated amount is accepted with thanks and we will always help with the best of our capabilities.

If the engine runs well but is not able to hold idle, the most common problem is a fault with the idling circuit. One of the main cause would be clogged primary circuit or a fault with the anti-dieseling solenoid or its power supply.

Try this simple procedure. Remove the solenoid and use compressed air to blow into the carb hole. It could clear minor clogging of the circuit. Back off the fuel mixture adjust screw slightly before blowing out the circuit.

Hope I have the correct versioon of carb.

Before attempting the above, check the throttle plate first. Pull and push the throttle spindle to check for excessive clearance. Ifit moves too much, the throttle plate is unstable which would not allow the idle to be constant. Carb has to be replaced to rectify.