Difficult to start

[bertel]

My Legacy engine (2.2l) has recently begun to flood (with gas) when I try
to start it. The car has 105K miles, and I have performed all of its
maintenance since new, as prescribed by the dealer. This means that I
just performed the 105K mile scheduled maintenance (including new plugs).
The problem existed before this maintenance. Flooding may be a result the
another problem. The engine cranks but doesn't start, and then I can
easily smell gasoline. The only other clue I can offer is that it SEEMS to
happen more during hot days, and once it has been started within an hour or
two. The only unscheduled maintenace I performed in the life of this car
was to replace the crank shaft seal and the antiknock sensor (typical
Subaru engine!). I would appreciate any suggestions for things to look at
in solving this problem. Thank you!

 

[Edward Hayes]

There is a sensor that triggers the spark timing. On my 2.5L it's located
near one of the cam gears I think.

 

[bertel]

Thanks for the advice. As it turned out, I replaced two timing sensors:
the crank- and camshaft sensors. The Subaru dealer parts depart told me
that this sensor, like the anti-knock sensor, are common problems, and
that people usually replace both at the same time. These replacements
solved my starting problem.