Subaru Repair: 2000 2.5 rs impreza hot start, crank angle sensor, fuel injector service

Question
I have recently purchased a 2000 impreza 2.5 rs that has 43,000 miles.   It drives and starts perfectly except for an intermittent failure to start.  The engine cranks but does not catch.  I also smell a faint fuel odor.  The problem seems to be more consistent after driving for about 10 minutes.   The dealer has agreed to repairs and has replaced the crank angle sensor, the ignition switch, and performed a fuel injector service. None of which has seemed to eradicate the condition.   I got a check engine light, but they said that was from the gas cap.  I just want to hear from another expert so I am better informed when speaking with the dealer.

Answer
The check engine light ,fuel smell and loose gas cap can all be related.If the cap is faulty,or loose you will set a check engine light as the evaporative emissions system wont be able to hold pressure.Also you may get a fuel odor.As far as the intermittent no start, that is a little tougher to advise you on.But since you are not the original owner its hard to know its entire service history and strange things can happen that may confound the most competent of technicians..What i have seen a couple of times is a timing belt off one tooth causing your exact symptom.And an explanation as to why it would be intermittent is sometimes over or under advanced timing combined with certain conditions such as heat,& humidity can create problems.AS the timing belt possibly being one tooth off wouldn't be intermittent it would be constant but conditions that counteract with this may come and go.So i guess i would inquire about that next.I hope that helps

Justin
All Wheel Drive Auto