engine seems not too powerful - Subaru Outback

Lokahi117 · 01-28-2013, 01:03 AM

Im seeing a lot of people here claiming that the car has pep and power but mine doesnt seem to. but then again I cant compare it since I know no one else who has one. but im struggling to go so seventy pulling a small trailer (700 lbs) small white factory built cargo trailer 5x8. and it just seems like there is no power.
i notice when i tap the gas the car drops rpm from 1000 to about 600 then goes up, almost like a hesitation. im curious what it could be.
also I used cheap plugs, auto lites for 3 bucks a piece, does it really make a difference. this is my first subaru and im loving it but Ive got a lot to learn.

**AWDFTW** · 01-28-2013, 08:43 AM

And you would be talking about what vehicle, engine, and transmission?

rasterman · 01-28-2013, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokahi117

Im seeing a lot of people here claiming that the car has pep and power but mine doesnt seem to. but then again I cant compare it since I know no one else who has one. but im struggling to go so seventy pulling a small trailer (700 lbs) small white factory built cargo trailer 5x8. and it just seems like there is no power.
i notice when i tap the gas the car drops rpm from 1000 to about 600 then goes up, almost like a hesitation. im curious what it could be.
also I used cheap plugs, auto lites for 3 bucks a piece, does it really make a difference. this is my first subaru and im loving it but Ive got a lot to learn.

I don't need to know which year or engine is in it to tell you the autolites are not quite right. Not completely awful either, but the best results for these cars come from properly gapped NGKs. Your choice whether you use the cheap copper version or the fancy platinums or super fancy iridiums. They are equivalent, but the pricier ones can be run a few extra years before replacement.

Subies are even more sensitive to spark wires- use the OEM.

Post more details and we can try to help.

grossgary · 01-28-2013, 09:02 AM

Use OEM NGK plugs and Subaru wires (or at least high quality wires).
Have the wires ever been replaced?
Any check engine light?

Not all Subaru engines are so sensitive, and you don't say which vehicle/engine you have, but if you're posting here that suggests a newer EJ engine, all of which do better on the OEM NGK plugs.

Peaty · 01-28-2013, 09:05 AM

Yes, I agree. OEM wires and NGK plugs. Fancy double or whatever electrodes work against you and typically make the car run worse. If you are doing it yourself and don't want to have to change them as frequently get Iridium plugs.

cardoc · 01-28-2013, 09:29 AM

The heat range of the OE plugs are a large factor as well. The ability for the plug to transfer the heat makes a large difference in the way it fires.

There may also be a sensor that is slow to react. But unless or until the MIL comes on with a code stored you would have to check each one independently.

Try a set of NGK plugs and change the PCV valve or clean it. Also, clean the throttle body and add a can of Sea Foam to a full tank of premium unleaded to clean the system of varnish and carbon.

ScoobyRu · 01-28-2013, 09:29 AM

NGK Double Platinum are the OEM plugs. $5.55 from Rock Auto.

cardoc · 01-28-2013, 09:32 AM

I just noticed you have two threads going.

Check your battery amperage output. Check the grounds. It may be the key to both issues.

Lokahi117 · 01-28-2013, 11:54 AM

I will check on that. and my details are (sorry for not posting earlier)
1997 subaru outback with a 96 outback 2.5l motor. and automatic transmission.
I did just take one of the heads completely apart and changed the intake manifold back to the 97 manifold as the 96 didnt have a spot for my evap canister and that made a check engine light. So while i checked the hook back up pretty closely, I have been wondering about my grounds, though they have never been removed from what I can tell.

SE95 · 01-28-2013, 12:04 PM

Are the OEM Subaru wires made by NGK as well? Would it be okay to use NGK wires when replacing them?

01-28-2013, 01:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
Lokahi117 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 12 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	engine seems not too powerful Im seeing a lot of people here claiming that the car has pep and power but mine doesnt seem to. but then again I cant compare it since I know no one else who has one. but im struggling to go so seventy pulling a small trailer (700 lbs) small white factory built cargo trailer 5x8. and it just seems like there is no power. i notice when i tap the gas the car drops rpm from 1000 to about 600 then goes up, almost like a hesitation. im curious what it could be. also I used cheap plugs, auto lites for 3 bucks a piece, does it really make a difference. this is my first subaru and im loving it but Ive got a lot to learn.

01-28-2013, 08:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,082 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	And you would be talking about what vehicle, engine, and transmission? __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 128,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

01-28-2013, 09:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
grossgary Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: WV Car: OBW H6 VDC, H6 OB Sed, XT6's Posts: 2,436 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Use OEM NGK plugs and Subaru wires (or at least high quality wires). Have the wires ever been replaced? Any check engine light? Not all Subaru engines are so sensitive, and you don't say which vehicle/engine you have, but if you're posting here that suggests a newer EJ engine, all of which do better on the OEM NGK plugs. __________________ H6 VDC OBW, H6 OB Sedan, 99 SUS, XT6's

01-28-2013, 09:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
Peaty Lord of ScoobyMods Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Car: 01' OB Wagon / 06' Tribeca / 10' Legacy 3.6R / 99 Mita MX-5 Posts: 1,131 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes, I agree. OEM wires and NGK plugs. Fancy double or whatever electrodes work against you and typically make the car run worse. If you are doing it yourself and don't want to have to change them as frequently get Iridium plugs. __________________ Cheers, Peaty www.ScoobyMods.com

01-28-2013, 12:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
SE95 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Car: 2004 Outback Wagon, 2.5, 4EAT, All weather package. Posts: 633 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Are the OEM Subaru wires made by NGK as well? Would it be okay to use NGK wires when replacing them? __________________ Mike F 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon - 124,000 miles, 2.5 H4 EJ251, 4EAT, DD 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - 192,000 miles, L26/L67 hybrid, 4T65E-HD with ZZP shift kit, GMPP front sway bar, GMPP front and rear STBs, lowered, 17inch Comp G wheels, SD headers, FWI, Autolite 104 plugs, custom DHP tune - Toy/money pit Love: it's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru

01-28-2013, 09:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,847 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The heat range of the OE plugs are a large factor as well. The ability for the plug to transfer the heat makes a large difference in the way it fires. There may also be a sensor that is slow to react. But unless or until the MIL comes on with a code stored you would have to check each one independently. Try a set of NGK plugs and change the PCV valve or clean it. Also, clean the throttle body and add a can of Sea Foam to a full tank of premium unleaded to clean the system of varnish and carbon.

01-28-2013, 09:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
ScoobyRu Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Alabama Car: 2006 Outback 2.5i Limited 5MT, 1984 Porsche 944 Posts: 209 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	NGK Double Platinum are the OEM plugs. $5.55 from Rock Auto.

01-28-2013, 09:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,847 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I just noticed you have two threads going. Check your battery amperage output. Check the grounds. It may be the key to both issues.

01-28-2013, 11:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lokahi117 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 12 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I will check on that. and my details are (sorry for not posting earlier) 1997 subaru outback with a 96 outback 2.5l motor. and automatic transmission. I did just take one of the heads completely apart and changed the intake manifold back to the 97 manifold as the 96 didnt have a spot for my evap canister and that made a check engine light. So while i checked the hook back up pretty closely, I have been wondering about my grounds, though they have never been removed from what I can tell.

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