Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU1998LEGACY OUTBACK SPORT AWD F4-2.2L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTTUNE-UP AND ENGINE PERFORMANCE CHECKSCOMPRESSION CHECKTESTING AND INSPECTION
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Sport AWD F4-2.2L SOHC
Compression Check: Testing and Inspection
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Sport AWD F4-2.2L SOHCSECTION Testing and Inspection
1) After warming-up the engine, turn ignition switch to OFF.
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs.
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
5) Fully open throttle valve.
6) Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance and operation.
7) Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark plug hole.
CAUTION: When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
8) Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is steady.
9) Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (200 - 300 rpm and fully open throttle):
Standard: 1,079 - 1,275 kPa (156 - 185 psi)
Limit: 883 kPa (128 psi)
Difference between cylinders: 196 kPa (28 psi), or less
2) Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
3) Remove all the spark plugs.
4) Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.
5) Fully open throttle valve.
6) Check the starter motor for satisfactory performance and operation.
7) Hold the compression gauge tight against the spark plug hole.
CAUTION: When using a screw-in type compression gauge, the screw (put into cylinder head spark plug hole) should be less than 18 mm (0.71 in) long.
8) Crank the engine by means of the starter motor, and read the maximum value on the gauge when the pointer is steady.
9) Perform at least two measurements per cylinder, and make sure that the values are correct.
Compression (200 - 300 rpm and fully open throttle):
Standard: 1,079 - 1,275 kPa (156 - 185 psi)
Limit: 883 kPa (128 psi)
Difference between cylinders: 196 kPa (28 psi), or less
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.