Misfire/ Engine Bogging/ Fuel Delivery?

[c-mo(AWD)]

I searched for some answers, but didn't find any so...
I've got a '96 BG 2.2, MT
I replaced the clutch about a month back (which is how I found this place) and at the same time I was having some rough idle and bogging/misfire below 2500-3000 rpm. It started small, infrequent and randomly, but within a week I could barely pull into traffic with confidence- really rough, bogging/no power at low rpms.
I ran some injector cleaner and replaced the coil pack and wires a day or two later and like magic it disappeared. I had planned on doing the plugs too, but because it remedied itself (and the 15deg. temps./no garage) I held off.
Now it's been a month and it's back! Staring off small again, but it gets worst by the day. With my advanced (read: limited) automobile knowledge I figure it could be:

1: a bad coil pack that just shit the bed after a month
2: injectors
3: the coil sending unit mounted on the firewall
4: fuel filter
5: (your answer here)

Anybody run into this before?
Thanks in advance for any help...the forum is great!

[Wiscon_Mark]

The first step I would do is plugs & wires.

If it were the fuel filter, I would think you'd have more issues at the top of the tach.

[studum]

I had similar symptoms a short while ago. Turned out to be an intermittant fault in the O2 sensor which was not tripping the CEL. Replaced that and did a motor cleaning/treatment (that at dealer) and the car was totally different.

[Sarra]

I ran some injector cleaner and replaced the coil pack and wires a day or two later and like magic it disappeared.

Wait, you replaced the coilpack and the wires, but you didn't replace the sparkplugs? If your plugs are bad, they can fry a coilpack, or the wires, or both, in a month.

I'd suggest re-replacing the wires and replace the plugs, and if it still doesn't go away, do another coil pack. :(

Bad plugs, wires, and coilpack = Bogging

Bad plugs, good wires and coilpack = the coilpack will bump up voltage to compensate for the bad plugs, so it will run good for a while. Then, the voltage starts to fry the pack and wires, and then you're back to where you were before.

I wouldn't mess aroudn with the O2 sensor unless the plugs, wires, and pack get tested, and are proven to still be good.

[backpack09]

I had this problem with my wife's mazda. I ran a can of seafoam through the intake, and replaced the PCV valve and this completely solved the problem. I would give it a try if you haven't cleaned your intake in a while. It is cheap, easy, only down side is the car smokes like a mother for about 10 minutes.

[Wiscon_Mark]

only down side is the car smokes like a mother for about 10 minutes.

I dunno, it looks kinda cool :lol:

[sansMYSTi]

Start with the cheaper fixes - like plugs. Bad plugs were the root of my hesitation and poor mileage issues (though my problems did not affect idle and occured at higher rpms).

[c-mo(AWD)]

I had no idea that bad plugs could screw up the coil that bad...
So before we get the 2+ feet of snow they're talking about I changed the plugs tonight after work.
(Glad I have the 2.2 some days...took 15 minutes)
Took 'er out for a test drive and good as new! I'm still going to try to "exchange" the coil in case I did any damage to it, but hopefully it's fixed.
Horray for smooth-running Subie and lots of snow!