mikeamondo Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 1995 legacy 2.2 automatic, awd, 160,000, all stock.... I own 4 2.2 legos... All get around 22 mpg average. A few weeks back my son noticed he was dumping more gas in more often than normal. Had him check the gas mileage over a full tank.... 13.7 mpg. Also, it seems to be lacking its previous get up and go.... Sluggish, but not horrible. I have had the cat converter suggested.... What other likely culprits are good starting points? No engine light, by the way.... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 (edited) Fuel pressure could be a culprit, how long has it been since the fuel filters been replaced? Is acting like its flooded when you first start it? Could be a leaky injector o-ring. The cattilitic converter could be, that can be checked with a simple vaccume gauge, or with a temp gun. Edited May 13, 2013 by mikaleda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Do you have a check engine light warning on your instrument panel?? If so, a code reader will tell you what needs to be corrected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 They mentioned that there was no check engine light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 They mentioned that there was no check engine light. oops, missed that in original write up. When was the last time a basic tune up was done?..............like changing the spark plugs and plug wires? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeamondo Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 It's likely been a couple years since he last tune up. It starts just fine and does not act flooded.... The power sluggishness is most notable when heading up steep hills. The fuel filters may be quite old.... But would that cause the milage issue? Can a standard muffler shop like midas check the cat? Fuel filter(s)..... Inside the tank or on the frame rail?.... Are there 2? Looks like tune up and filters is going to have to be first to rule it out and maybe a cat test.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeamondo Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 What brand plugs and wires for subies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 ngk plugs and subaru wires is the usual recomendation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 (edited) Fuel filter should be under the hood on the drivers side, it looks like a black canister with two hoses on top. It wouldn't hurt to change it, if its clogged enough it could cause your problem. Try looking up "how to test cattilitic converter on YouTube, there are a few videos in it I personally like Eric the car guys videos, but I don't think he shows how to test one with a vaccume gauge. Edited May 13, 2013 by mikaleda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 It's likely been a couple years since he last tune up. It starts just fine and does not act flooded.... The power sluggishness is most notable when heading up steep hills. The fuel filters may be quite old.... But would that cause the milage issue? Can a standard muffler shop like midas check the cat? Fuel filter(s)..... Inside the tank or on the frame rail?.... Are there 2? Looks like tune up and filters is going to have to be first to rule it out and maybe a cat test.... Fuel filter is under the hood, not aware that there may be another one. Don't recommend going to Midas Muffler. Their solution is always to sell you the most they can, at the highest price, even if you don't need it. So, of course Midas will tell you that you need a new cat............as well as an entire new muffler system. For what it is worth......I had a blocked cat on a car. A piece of the cat material broke loose inside the cat, and partially blocked the exhaust gas flow through the system. The result was that the engine would not rev much above 2,000 rpm. Suggest you add a can of Techron fuel injector cleaner. Don't waste your money on cheap injector cleaner, as they don't work well. Change your air filter, if it has been in the car more then 2 years. A very dirty air filter can cause the problems you are having. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 maybe the Engine Temp Sensor (not gauge sender) is keeping the ECU in 'choke' mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivans imports Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 air leaks on intake boot also cleaning the injector screens may help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaz345 Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 maybe the Engine Temp Sensor (not gauge sender) is keeping the ECU in 'choke' mode. If that were the case I'd suspect that the exhaust would smell very rich even after the car is well warmed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Probably a bad front O2 sensor, though it wouldn't hurt to start with new plugs wires and filters if they haven't been changed in a few years. Also pick up a can of MAF sensor cleaner and clean the MAF element. That will certainly cause power issues. Another biggy on the EJs is the knock sensor, if the housing is cracked it needs to be replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted May 15, 2013 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Does the engine temp gauge get up to the 1/2 point when the car is warmed up? Car could be due for a full tuneup, proper plugs, wires, air filter fuel filter, pcv valve. How does the car run otherwise Also another thing to look at is a stuck brake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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