2001 Forester sluggish

[cloud dreamer]

I'm wondering if someone can shed some light on a problem I'm having
with my '01 Forester. I had it into the dealer a couple weeks ago but
they said the computer didn't find a problem. On most mornings, it
hesitates when I go to move out of the driveway. I have the accelerator
depressed but it takes a few seconds to catch and move. Now, I've
noticed a couple times on the highway that it has the same hesitation.
I'll be moving at 110 and try to accelerate and it takes a noticable few
moments before it catches. Today, I was driving at a constant speed on
the highway and could feel the car lurching forward (without even
looking for the extra acceleration). I also hear what I'm pretty sure is
the valves clinking from time to time (when it's working hard) - it's
not very loud.

Any idea what it might be? (Timing?) The highway sluggishness has only
been noticable a couple times, but the sluggish cold starts have been
going on for a couple months.

Thanks!

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[Edward Hayes]

110 kph I presume. How long since fuel filter changed? Try a bottle of
Techron Fuel system cleaner.

 

[cloud dreamer]

110 kph I presume. How long since fuel filter changed? Try a bottle of
Techron Fuel system cleaner.

LOL. Yes, kilometres.

The fuel filter was changed at 96,000 km service check last fall. I'm
now around 116,000 km. I had considered some fuel system cleaner. I'll
definitely try that. Thx!

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