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Old 11-11-2000, 07:14 PM   #1
rubbersidedown
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Member#: 2900
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Chicagoland, IL
Question poor gas mileage - any ideas?

Hello!

I'm new the the Suby scene after just purchasing a '97 Legacy GT sedan with 39,000 miles (automatic).

I really enjoy the car a lot, but I'm somewhat alarmed at how it seems to drink gas. With my wife driving (very conservative), we got 21mpg. I understand that 'less conservative' driving will put a dent in gas mileage, but it seems much worse than other (large V6's) cars I've owned.

So far, I've checked the air cleaner at it seemed fine. Next thing I plan to replace is the fuel filter.

Will resetting the ECU maybe help?

Thanks in advance -
RSD
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Old 11-11-2000, 07:47 PM   #2
spshultz
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Join Date: May 2000
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Anytown, USA
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2015 F150 3.5EB
2014 Jeep GC

Post

Check your spark-plugs also. At 30k miles the gap on mine was really large. Way beyond spec. and very worn.

Shawn
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Old 11-11-2000, 08:44 PM   #3
Matt
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Post

I just bought an RS last week and I've noticed that it really gets bad city MPG. But, once it's on the highway doing distance driving, its great. This seems strange since my former car was a 1995 Impreza L 1.8 with AWD. No how hard or gingerly I drove, gas mileage was pretty much the same. I think the RS just needs to break in, but your Legacy already has 39k on the clock so I don't think break-in is the problem. I'd check to see if a 30k service was completed, you could have clogged injectors, bad plugs, or a fuel filter. I'd check on the service stuff first, then go from there.

Congrats on the purchase too.

Matt
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Old 11-11-2000, 10:15 PM   #4
Lifino
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01 RS Black
I like to eat ants.

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Perhaps...

My girlfriend and I were talking earlier tonight and she was telling me about some lady who bought a car from the Police Auction... She said she was getting horrible mpg, took the car to the dealer... They found a third of the gas tank was full of Marijuana... But I doubt a gas tank can double as a bon&.

-Silas
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Old 11-12-2000, 05:19 AM   #5
rubbersidedown
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Thanks for the info, I'll check the plugs today. Anyone have a particular flavor? I prefer Bosch platinums...

Regarding injectors - I was thinking they could be part of the problem (we have that damn oxygenated gas here, too!) but don't know how to clean them. I don't think much of those 'one tank wonder' fuel additives, but don't know any other way.

Wow, pot in the tank. I would like to see someone light that stuff up. HA! They'd have to douse them with a full halon extinguisher!

Thanks again!
RSD
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Old 11-12-2000, 05:59 AM   #6
kpratte
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Most of Subie people seem to like the NGKs. I've used them previously on Integras and they were great. I've had problems on some cars with the Bosch platinums because they require increased power to jump the gap. Normal copper NGKs have been first rate.

For fuel injector cleaner, only two products I have seen recommended. Redline's SI-1 and the "Techron" stuff. Techron is patented and is the only thing the BMWs are recommended using. Most dealers will charge an arm and a leg for "fuel injector cleaning" when all they do is dump a thing of Techron in the tank. Read the bottle before putting in! I believe it says to put in on a 1/4 tank, fill it, then change the oil. They want the oil changed because of all the containments that you can losen up.

- Ken
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Old 11-12-2000, 07:21 AM   #7
Rich L
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I was getting bad gas milage when one of my wheel barings went bad. Listen for tire noise that sounds like if you have snow/mudder tires on... that is a sign.
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Old 11-12-2000, 07:24 AM   #8
Matt
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Cool

I'd have to agree. NGK seem to work the best. I've used Bosch and I haven't really felt any difference. Try the NGK and see what you think.
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Old 11-12-2000, 06:02 PM   #9
Scooby do
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Artic Silver

Angry

I usually get 19 - 22 no matter what kind of driving (Mobil or Shell 89 and 87 octane). I have a MY00 RS, 5- speed. I once even got 12mpg. I just figure since it all wheel drive it gets crappy mileage.
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Old 11-12-2000, 06:39 PM   #10
philrb
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Post

As with any poor gas mileage vehicle:
change your plugs. Check your sparkplug wires...pick a dark place, open hood with engine running, check for arcing.
Add a can of BG44K to the gas...or a double dose of Chevron Techron and do an "Italian tuneup"....keep it in second gear at 45 mph for 15 minutes. This really helps get valves etc. cleaned up.
Check your timing. Change the oil...it may have straight 30 wt. or 20w-50....both are to heavy for the cold months.
If that doesn't improve your mpg then change the O2 sensor.
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Old 11-12-2000, 06:43 PM   #11
vt00rs
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I almost always get around 24 mpg with my MY00 RS. And I don't drive that slow. My wife has a MY01 L and her O2 sensor went. Her gas mileage dropped significantly but it also triggered the check engine light. 21 mpg isn't that bad, but if the basics don't work I'd look into the emissions.
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Old 11-12-2000, 07:17 PM   #12
rubbersidedown
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Awesome info guys (and gals maybe?)

I'll be looking into all the good suggestions and hopefully find a few more mpg...

Can't wait for the first real snowfall to give the AWD a workout!

RSD
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Old 11-13-2000, 12:16 AM   #13
suby2nr
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2002 WRX
Black

Post

Alignment can effect mileage, a good 4 wheel alignment might help.
Tire presure also!
There is a label on your car when you oper the drivers door that recomends the factory tire presure, for the original equipment tires. The tires also have a max inflation presure for a max tire weight rating on the sidewall. Your original equipment tire may have a max presure of 35 or 32 at 1100 lbs max weight(just an example), and the present tires on your car have a max presure of 44 lbs at 1100 lbs, you`re tire presure may need to be adjusted accordingly. Check the tire side wall rating, you can inflate each tire up to its max presure, higher presure may help gas milage, but too high a presure can cause tires to wear in the center of the tread faster, as under inflation will cause wear on the outside tread and decrease gas mileage. Ride and handling are effected by adjusting tire presure also, higher presure may give a harder ride.

Hope this helps

ED@ISR
http://www.autocaresubaru.com
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