librarygal

I am sure happy that it is all going to mean improvement. I really do appreciate all the comments and advice...Pam:cool:

I forgot to say that my daughter told me she had been smelling rotten eggs for awhile before the light came on...is this the converter...it is too late to just do the sensor...the deed is done..

A call just now saying...they used a "scanner tool" to determine that the converter is worn internally...I have to trust that they are being truthful...I asked them to save the worn parts--I don't know why but my Dad always said to ask for them..just for ducks, what would I look for. You can tell I am a driver and not a mechanic...

Well, the little green monster ate 11.9 gallons for 209 miles. I figure that to be about 17.5 miles per gallon which isn't the best. Still, the work was done on it about during this tank so the next go around or two should tell the real story. I did just fill it with 89 octane tonight. We'll see if that makes a difference too. See ya in about 200 miles ya'll.

Dear Matt: Well, we are waiting to fill up the tank...have gone at this point 190 miles 3/4 of a tank. Spent $417 on a laundry list of stuff including new spark plugs a new trottle body 2 new radiator hoses (original ones still on at 129,000 miles kinda freaked out the mechanics) rebuilt the exhaust insulators inside (rattled like crazy) and flushed the power steering fluid. No codes came for sensors like the o2. it runs really well right now...I think especially because of the throttle not hesitating anymore but don't really know about the mileage yet...I was kinda shocked at $100 for changing the spark plugs alone...I guess you have to remove alot of things to get to them? Any way the parts were about $90 bucks and the labor was the rest...I'll let you know when the tank gets filled up...thanks for checking up...

Yeah, I can't believe the prices for what I thought were really easy things like spark plugs, hoses, cleaning things...but since I don't do those things and I can only hope they are being cool about it...I am going to just "put it out in the universe" and go for a road trip soon...probably have to go camping after this round of repairs...no hyatt in my future..:-\

yep, probably close to $250 buckazoids...ouch

Dear All: The little green monster is having these things done today: No codes were evident of a problem...but the spark plugs were horrible and they are being replaced. Also, they say the throttle body is really bad and needs cleaned...the tail pipe exhaust system is rattling and needs to be fixed (although they said this doesn't affect mileage) the power steering is really dark and needs to be flushed...and the radiator hoses are looking bad and they are changing them. They also suggest a higher octane gas like 89...and we should see some significant improvement...will let you know when we get her back and go through a tank or two...Thanks to everyone...this car has had alot of things fixed since we got her and I am hoping that with this, can go another few years:D

maybe THAT is IT!! I am pulling an invisible trailer!!

ha...

Matt, Would the check engine light be on if this were the case with the os sensor? It did pass smog in June...should have some answers on Friday with the mechanics...thanks again...

We live in Chico...it is around town driving for sure. We do have another subaru forester that get about 23-24 around town (manual trans)..it is a 2002 with 68K. So, I will see about the o2 sensor and etc. on Friday when I take it to the Subaru guys. btw, these two guys are really good. They used to work for the dealership here and now have their own shop. So, they should have some kind of idea when they run through the code thingy..Thanks for the reply. Pam

Dear Matt: Yep, I am doing it the correct way...thanks for checking up with me though...

In town driving...3 miles here 5 miles there..but very conservative about taking off too fast etc...hardly ever run the a/c ... I know, it's hard to believe that it is getting such poor mileage. We have a 2002 manual trans forester and it does 23 at least in the same situations...and really good on long trips. Will have the subaru guys check for codes on Friday...it did past smog in CA in July and no check engine light comes on ever...maybe just the high mileage...Ha! Rolling bricks they are...but they are my favorite.