Just got the wagon back from daughter, with a list of things needing "fixed". Axle shaft replacement, maybe a rear bearing going, one of the rear rotors looks like the caliper is sticking some, (insert rest of list here

 

But the fuel milage is down, and the idle runs higher than it used to when I was driving it. Some of the down milage might be the "winter gas" from Binghamton NY. But I have never changed the fuel filter. SO where is it?

 

The Haynes manual says engine bay, and sure enough there is one there on the car. But the online parts diagrams show it like it is in the rear fender well?

 

Diagram attached.

 

Are there two?

Open hood.

 

Stand by LF wheel.

 

Look just inside engine compartment by strut tower.

 

You'll see it ther infront of you and the lines running over to the intake.

 

About the easiest fuel filter there is to change!

I got that one, just wanted to make sure there was not another farther upsteam to the tank and pump.

I got that one, just wanted to make sure there was not another farther upsteam to the tank and pump.

 

Nope, that is the only filter that I have ever changed.

How many miles?

 

Auto or manual?

 

Replace the PCV valve just because.

 

What kind of drop are we talking about?

 

How old are the plugs. I lost 4mpg due to very tired plugs.

95 2.2 swap, autotrans. Engine supposedly has 130,000 or so. I had just put plugs and subaruwires on it. Replaced the PCV valve.

 

I was getting a steady 22-23 mpg before she took it to Binghamton. Complained of only getting 18-19 mpg.

 

I did notice that it idles high, 1500 or so for some time after start-up. To the point of wanting to pull out when stopped for a light. The idle will eventually settle back into the 750 rpm range.

That would do it, the isle air control valve may be sticking. I had that and it killed my gas mileage.