Everytime i start my MY02 2.5rs it takes about 3 cranks before the engine starts "Catching" where as other cars ive had just start, is this just my 2.5 engines foible or might my starter be poor? I just switched the battery to Diehard Gold (freebie :) any way to test the starter w/o bringin it to autozone for a check?

Inspect/clean all your grounds/cable ends....the Subaru grounds are notoriously suspect...

Turning the ignition to the "On" position for a full second or two to let the fuel system prime before hitting the starter wouldn't hurt.

I can let it sit for any length of time, usual starting for me is key in switch on, then clutch in (1-2 seconds for that before turn over), and as far as grounds, i did the mod with 3 leads, no difference really, new batt.. only thing i can think is starter is 2yrs old and had a bad batt for who knows how long, maybe its been damaged (over or under voltaged, checked with external tester and after an hour of sitting it was at 12.5V, or half on this batt meter for car batt) or the starter leads are poorly connected, but i cant find the starter leads... is it under the belt cover?

I don't think this is a 2.5-liter specific; I wouldn't call it a problem, but an annoyance. On a hot day, after sitting for like 4 or more hours, it takes my car about 3 seconds of cranking to start. I've cleaned the grounds, negative battery cable, and checked all related connections. On cool days it doesn't do it though. I'm thinking it's something that may protect the starter :confused: , but I'm not worried about it till my car won't start.

-Charles-

Same here. My 95 Golf would start if the key came within 6 in of the ignition. My Eclipse too. My TS takes 3 turns every time.

I wonder if it is bad. Maybe try the new Castrol Start Up oil? :wink: