1998 Outback wont start

[Stumpfoot]

I have a 1998 outback with the 2.3 and automatic trans. 201,000 miles. I just did the head gasket about 7,000 miles ago. Today my son was driving it home and it died while he was going about 30 miles an hour. He was on our dirt road which has bad washboard. At first I thought maybe something shook loose, but I cant find anything. He said when it died he didn't hear any strange noises, it just went quiet. I'm certain I can hear the fuel pump power up and the car turns over, it just wont start. I'm at a loss where to start diagnosing this thing. If you all could point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated.

[klausc]

Have you checked for spark? A loose coil wire? Check the wires at the alternator. The washboard shook something loose.

[plain OM]

2.3?


Did you check to see if the timing belt might have broken?

[98obster]

if it's a fried coil pack, that sucks. but need to verify spark and fuel

[Stumpfoot]

Thanks for the replies. I have done a visual on it and can find nothing loose or off. I pulled a P0303 code for the #3 cylinder misfire but I doubt that's whats keeping it from starting. When I did the head gasket I put a new belt on but I didn't change the Belt tensioner as money was tight at the time. I am wondering if it has failed and allowed the belt to jump. Whats the best way to check for spark and is their a way to check the timing with out pulling the front of the motor apart?

[wilsonhp]

Still could be a failed fuel pump. Check for actual fuel pressure/delivery, say at the filter, not just the sound of it running. When mine failed, I could still hear a whirring sound from the fuel pump, but nothing was being delivered.

[Stumpfoot]

Whats the best way to check for fuel pressure?

[dryvby]

Car alarm immobilizer?

[Stumpfoot]

Yeah, I already tried resetting the alarm, but no dice.

[wilsonhp]

Originally Posted by Stumpfoot

Whats the best way to check for fuel pressure?

Remove the "output" hose from the fuel filter, and hold a rag or open jar in front of the filter outlet pipe. Have someone crank the engine for a second or two and see if anything comes pumping out of the filter.

Obviously use the necessary precautions as you will be pumping raw gasoline into the rag/jar.

You should know in a matter of seconds if you have fuel delivery.