Danger Will Robinson

NikFu S. · #1 09-09-2004, 08:18 PM

So there has been this clicking sound coming from the engine bay.
Today I started her up, and TICKTICKTICK it's a lot louder than it was before, and coming from dead center.
It literally sounds like a lawnmower is running in front of the car while driving.
I think something is about to explode, or my valves are dry, because there was a huge spot of oil under the X yesterday, but I determined it wasn't mine, though now I'm not so sure, even though there were more oil spots all over the parking lot today that were definitely someone elses.

Diagnosis? Keep checking oil? Throw in some Lucas? Something's gonna break? Stop driving?

NikFu S. · #2 09-09-2004, 08:34 PM

I kinda have to go back to work in 20 minutes and won't be able to access thisa site for a good 20 hours afterwards at least, with about 20 miles of driving, ironically enough.

I don't wanna break down...

NikFu S. · #3 09-09-2004, 08:47 PM

MNYPNNY · #4 09-09-2004, 08:58 PM

I have no answers for you.....
Penny ticks but only when she's been parked for several weeks and it goes away.

NikFu S. · #5 09-10-2004, 01:30 AM

I snuck into me ma's house.

When I left earlier she said it sounds like my valves need adjusting.
Valves adjust?
Is that difficult or expensive?

What could cause this need for adjustment?

gsodonis · #6 09-10-2004, 04:37 AM

The SVX's engine uses hydraulic 'lifters' that never need adjustment. However, they can get gummed up and not work properly (you know you have a stiking lifter if the noise goes away after the engine warms up) and a sometimes you can make it go away with a good additive like Marvel's Mystery Oil. I read an official Subaru procedure somewhere that if I can find, I'll post it.

Search this topic in the boards or check out this post for more info: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ticking+valves

Good luck

wawazat?? · #7 09-10-2004, 04:58 AM

It might also be the flexplate. A number of people have reported failures when they crack.

Todd

NikFu S. · #8 09-10-2004, 07:13 PM

I poured in some techron cleaning stuff and octane booster last night for the heck of it.
Need more info on this flexplate.
The noise does not go away, ever.
I've got some marvel and Lucas, I'll throw them in later.

NikFu S. · #9 09-10-2004, 07:23 PM

I just read those other threads, with no real conclusion, but I'm going to check the flexplate whatever that is, and get the oil changed again. I've got like 500 miles on my current oil and filter...

zavikan · #10 09-10-2004, 09:45 PM

When my flex plate failed, it just went gradually from an annoying heatshield sounding rattle, to this "cling clang clack BOOM BANG OH MY GOD THE WORLD IS ENDING" kind of sound. That still VAGUELY sounded like a heatshield. just 20 times louder (not exaggerating) then any heatshield could ever be. at this point only 1 of the 4 bolts holding one end of the flexplate on was still attached, and not well. not something to be described as a tap or tick.

NikFu S. · #11 09-10-2004, 10:02 PM

I would actually call this sound a knock, but tinny and tinky, if you catch me.
It just got out of the tranny shop a little over a month ago.
If the flexplate was bad or worn I'd think they would have replaced it.
I'm taking it back to be inspected.

UberRoo · #12 09-11-2004, 01:10 AM

A good mechanic can often diagnose any serious problem before it strikes. The downside is that a bad mechanic can mis-diagnose any problem whether it's likely to strike or not. An unethical mechanic can do anything.

But, keeping the good ones in mind, if it's a sticky lifter, it'll come from one side or the other. If it sound centralized, it could be the flex plate or something related to the main bearings. If it sounds ambient but semi-centralized, it could be a rod knock or piston slap. These things can all be bad, or even very bad. They rarely go away, and sometimes get worse pretty quickly. It may also be as ridiculous as a dent in the oil pan rubbing against a rod cap.

A sticky lifter can usually be diagnosed with a stethoscope, and confirmed by removing a valve cover. (This may require pulling the engine on an SVX - I don't know if it does.) A rod knock can frequently be diagnosed by a mechanic with an experience ear and a stethoscope, as can piston slap. Careful turning of the crank by hand can usually isolate one cylinder as the culprit.

Unfortunately, these sorts of tests can be inconclusive, but very often they are definitive. Using a mechanic's stethoscope, or even a piece of hose stuck in your ear to isolate the sound is not hard to do. It may find an obvious problem. ...or it may not - but it's all that can be done without tearing things apart.

Brian · #13 09-11-2004, 11:41 AM

STOP DRIVING IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!! Have it towed to your mechanic!

Check out this thread (my current situation!):

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...threadid=21076

It's entitled "Help! Good mechanic in San Jose?"

It could be that your oil pump has gone, and no oil is getting where it needs to go. Not that I know for sure if that is the root of my predicament.

UberRoo · #14 09-11-2004, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian
STOP DRIVING IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!
It could be that your oil pump has gone, and no oil is getting where it needs to go. Not that I know for sure if that is the root of my predicament.

This would trigger the oil light.

I do agree that your symptoms could be dire, but some engines develop strange sounds over time without consequence. Some of us with good ears are sensitive and alarmed by the slightest sound whether normal or not, while others among us are completely oblivious to anything that doesn't directly affect the vehicle's ability to transport us.

Solid clunking noises are usually indicators of imminent catastrophic failure. Ticking noises are sometimes normal - ask anyone with an EA82 motor.

I've heard of engines with the most horrible rattles (from sticky lifters) that have gone for hundreds of thousands of miles with no problems aside from mediocre fuel economy and performance. Upon inspection, the lifters, rockers, valves, etc. were all in good shape. This would quickly kill some engines, but certainly not most.

NikFu S. · #15 09-11-2004, 09:44 PM

It stopped ticking.

Started 'er up this morning about 1:30pm, and she was purrin like a tiger.

Even so I poured the Marvel into the gas and oil. Can't hurt.

The funny part was, when I left me ma's place last night her exact words were "It's not going to fix itself."

I'm going to assume for now I had avery sticky valve and the cleaner and booster I poured in the night prior cleared it up.

Just between you and me, there was the slightest gas smell, as if my fuel weren't all being burned, and obviously performance was down, but now it's roaring again, though I am easy on the pedal. I'm not taking this as if nothing is wrong.

Thanks for the help though, I is a little more smarter than I was a couple days ago.