[tojo1968]

About 3 months ago, I noticed my Forester doesn't accelerate and pull like it used to. There is a slight incline in the road on my way to work and it actually loses MPH with it floored going up it. Pulls good to 3-4k RPM then wheezes out after 4500 RPM. Even the exhaust tone is quieter. (I have a Magnaflow) Cleaned the MAF sensor, changed the pre cat O2, reset the EMC, cleaned the throttle body, and ran both Seafoam and Techron in the gas tank. Doesn't use any oil/coolant. No CEL or stored codes. MPG hasn't changed. Idles and runs very smooth. Anyone ever run into this? Is it possible the AVLS is not kicking in?

 

[schan1269]

Go to an exhaust shop and have them do a temp test on the cat. Could be clogged up.

 

[tojo1968]

Go to an exhaust shop and have them do a temp test on the cat. Could be clogged up.

I have a probe and infrared pyrometer, is this something I can do? Funny you mention the cat as about the same time I noticed this drop in oomph, I got a rattle from the cat area that intensified the colder the outside temp got and quieter the warmer it was. I shrugged it off as a heat shield.

 

[schan1269]

You can do it yourself...easier for an exhaust shop. They shouldn't charge you to do it...as they will want to sell a cat.

Not sure if the year of yours qualifies with the "however long it is" warranty on the cat as the 09+ do.

How many miles anyway? And it "could" just be the heat shield...it could also be the cat falling apart...

 

[tojo1968]

How many miles anyway? And it "could" just be the heat shield...it could also be the cat falling apart...

109k
I will have to call some exhaust shops about doing the temp test. I'm hoping that's all it is. I have MIG welder and skills to replace it myself if need being.

 

[schan1269]

109k
I will have to call some exhaust shops about doing the temp test. I'm hoping that's all it is. I have MIG welder and skills to replace it myself if need being.

Lucky you. Where I live...it is illegal to work on your exhaust "at home" involving the cat.

I can't even buy a complete Borla(or similar) and have it delivered to my house. If you have anything "non-stock"(my county has pictures....)...there must be a receipt showing a "county authorized shop" did the work.

Unless...of course...you can prove the changes you made are only cat-back.

 

[tojo1968]

Lucky you. Where I live...it is illegal to work on your exhaust "at home" involving the cat.

I can't even buy a complete Borla(or similar) and have it delivered to my house. If you have anything "non-stock"(my county has pictures....)...there must be a receipt showing a "county authorized shop" did the work.

Unless...of course...you can prove the changes you made are only cat-back.

Holy cow! When did Russia buy Indiana?? LOL FL is pretty lenient. We don't even have smog testing. I can buy a new Bosal headers with cat as a whole unit for about $320 from Rock Auto. I'm going that route if the cat's bad.