Abylsmal Mileage problem

[Leicaman]

Please forgive a question from a non-technical, new Subaru enthusiast. Last Friday I purchased a 1997 Outback from our local Subaru dealer (no warranty). The head-gasket had blown at 207,000km and the engine was re-built by the dealer, as well as new front rotors & pads and the rad & tranny were checked flushed & new fluids.

The car is a dream to drive, and everything seems to work as it should... but other Outback owners of similar vintage cars tell me they get 25+ MPG. I'm getting 24L/100km, which is 11.8 miles to the Canuck Gallon and just under 10 miles to the US gallon.

Can anyone here please tell me where I might begin to look, for the problem? (There are no obvious signs of gas leaking.)

Many thanks.

[d1giPhux]

These cars don't get very good gas mileage.. mine seems to get around 20 MPG if I'm lucky.. maybe +-2 . They are not good on gas.. AWD does that. Here are some things you can check / consider:

- Tire Pressure
- Fuel Filter
- Spark Plugs / Wires
-PCV Valve
-Intake Filter
- Ignition Coil perhaps?


Etc.. check all the basic stuff to make sure its good and working.

These cars always run a little rich.. but smell your exhaust and see if its TOO rich or something along those lines. Also.. how are you gauging the amount of mileage you are getting?

Also, may want to try cleaning out your MAF sensor..

[Huffer]

Check your tire SIZE too.

[anothernord]

O2 sensor is what I would check if its running fine but terrible on gas. Engines usually like running rich more than lean.

[daleyswanson]

THATS why my milage is so bad! haha. my 02 sensor has been bad for a while now. along with my cat, and rear wheel bearings. i need a better job :unamused:

[impreza_GC8]

^ Did you not have a check engine light for all that stuff?

[daleyswanson]

oh i do. i've gotten good at ignoring it. there isn't one for the wheel bearing but everything else shows up. i'm toying with the idea of just pulling the bulb for now so i don't feel like my car is judging me

[Huffer]

^^ not a smart move. And FWIW, you won't get a CEL for a wheel bearing. Maybe blinker fluid though. ;)

[daleyswanson]

there is a special light for the wheel bearing. it says "REPLACE YOUR F*CKING WHEEL BEARING N00B!" and scrolls across the spedo.

[98outbackpdx]

the abs light can come on to on some of the older models. my bros 99 sus had the RF wheel bearing go out and it chewed up the abs sensor. wheel bearing fixed, abs not.

[98outbackpdx]

with the wheel bearing the abs light can come on on the older models. have had experience with a 99 sus and the rf wheel bearing went out and chewed up the abs sensor, come to think of it that would be the second RF WB that i have had to replace on a subaru the sus and a 07 impreza (after body/suspension work) not going back to that body shop.