1996 Legacy GT / Air flow meter problem

[prr1957]

I have a 96' Legacy Gt Wgn with 110,000 miles that I have owned since new. Last week while driving on the interstate at about 65 mph I noticed what felt like a single miss then a few hundred yards later another single miss, about half mile later it became more persistant until finally I didn't think I could keep the car running. Pulled over onto the berm and the car stopped running. Was able to restart car but engine was very erratic. Had car towed to local independent Subaru garage.
After backing off tow truck at the garage was able to start engine and parked car until Monday morning when car could be checked out. Note: after parking car strong gasoline order was evident. Heard from garage later in week. Mechanic indicated that car was running fine. Did find a code entered in computer showing EGR code. He thinks it could possibly be the air flow meter but does not like replacing unless problem is evident. Leaves me up in the air, replace air flow meter or drive again to see if it happens again. Mechanic has driven the several times over the past week with problems showing up.

PLEASE GIVE OPINIONS!

P.S.
Have had the #3 and #4 valves replaced in the past 5000 miles account check engine light indicating #3 cylinder missing. Seems to have corrected that problem.

[sha_zapple]

IF I were you Id start to be wary about the headgasket. Subaru had a problem with 2.5L engines and their headgaskets going on them after a few years. If you see coolant leaking on the ground this is a sure indication of this. Im not trying to scare you or anything though. (i dont even remember if the 96 had a 2.5!)

[prr1957]

Thanks for the reply. I think you hit the nail on the head. About three months ago I found a puddle of what looked like oil but with something else mixed in with it. Checked the oil, it was down about a quart. Replaced the oil and everything seemed to be ok until the latest incident with loosing power.
I hate to think about replacing head gasket but at least now I know what I'm dealing with. Again, thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to pass this suggestion onto the mechanic.

[sha_zapple]

Im not sure if the 96 model year is included, but it might be covered under warranty (I know some 97-99 Subarus that have gotten it done under warranty, or recall, or something like that) Id contact Subaru of America, just to check.