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  #1  
Old 02-19-2004, 05:29 PM
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Engine Noise

Today I took my '97 into the dealer to have it checked out for an engine noise. Upon cold start-up, there is what sounds like a very loose valve tappet. while is is deminished somewhat with the warming of the engine, it never really goes away. I have about 200 more miles on my warranty (the car has 68K on the clock), and I wanted it check out before it expires.

The mechanic indicates that it is nothing to worry about (apparently there was a Subaru rep at the dealer today that also listened to the "noise" as well, and he concurred). It could be a valve tappet or "piston slap", but that I need not be concerned about it. That's "good to know", but I now have it in writing "BEFORE" my warranty expires in case there is a problem "down the road". The car, BTW, runs fine with no other problems. Perhaps I am just too picky about engine noises.

Anyone else experienced this kind of noise in the engine?
Thanks,
Harry
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  #2  
Old 02-19-2004, 08:40 PM
Ron Mummert Ron Mummert is offline
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Talking

Harry, the car has developed "auto-cross asthma", a common chronic symptom of cars subjected to cone inhalation in the springtime. Not much you can do except put her out to pasture & crank up Willie K. full blast on the CD to hide the noise.

Ron (Willie currently hiding my wheel bearing).
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  #3  
Old 02-20-2004, 03:26 AM
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I have the same problem. I looked into it a little further with my stethoscope (long flat head screw driver) and found that the idler pulley is making a lot of noise. being that that was the problem, I have yet to replace it.

I'm actually looking to fix it next weekend.
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  #4  
Old 02-20-2004, 05:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by rmjjensen
I have the same problem. I looked into it a little further with my stethoscope (long flat head screw driver) and found that the idler pulley is making a lot of noise. being that that was the problem, I have yet to replace it.

I'm actually looking to fix it next weekend.
Thanks, that gives me another place to check. I'll post and let you know. If you replace the pulley and it solves the problem, please post and let us know.
Thanks again, rmjjenson.

Ron, I think I put the exhaust on to avoid the noise and Willie K.

BTW, I assume you are coming to the autocrosses this season?

Harry
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  #5  
Old 02-20-2004, 05:57 AM
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Harry,
I agree that getting yourself a auto stethoscope (yeah, I use a big screwdriver too! -- you can get "fancy" ones at most parts places) and checking around the engine. You should be able to focus in on the source fairly quickly. The fact that it doesn't go away totally makes me wonder about it being a lifter, especially since I'm sure you've been religous about your oil changes. Just to cover all your bases, you might try adding a can of upper cylinder lube to the oil and see if that helps (if, indeed, you do have a lifter that is a little "sticky").
Are you sure your SVX isn't just asking for a little attention from you? You haven't been keeping it outside at night, have you -- especially with that new luxury garage you have now
-Bill
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  #6  
Old 02-20-2004, 06:29 AM
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Re: Engine Noise

Quote:
Originally posted by newsvx
Today I took my '97 into the dealer to have it checked out for an engine noise. Upon cold start-up, there is what sounds like a very loose valve tappet. while is is deminished somewhat with the warming of the engine, it never really goes away. I have about 200 more miles on my warranty (the car has 68K on the clock), and I wanted it check out before it expires.

The mechanic indicates that it is nothing to worry about (apparently there was a Subaru rep at the dealer today that also listened to the "noise" as well, and he concurred). It could be a valve tappet or "piston slap", but that I need not be concerned about it. That's "good to know", but I now have it in writing "BEFORE" my warranty expires in case there is a problem "down the road". The car, BTW, runs fine with no other problems. Perhaps I am just too picky about engine noises.

Anyone else experienced this kind of noise in the engine?
Thanks,
Harry

I'm really picky too man... Don't worry about it though... I've heard that Subaru's are known to have a little ticking sound... Nothing to worry about from what I've heard..
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  #7  
Old 02-20-2004, 07:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by SVXRide
Harry,
I agree that getting yourself a auto stethoscope (yeah, I use a big screwdriver too! -- you can get "fancy" ones at most parts places) and checking around the engine. You should be able to focus in on the source fairly quickly. The fact that it doesn't go away totally makes me wonder about it being a lifter, especially since I'm sure you've been religous about your oil changes. Just to cover all your bases, you might try adding a can of upper cylinder lube to the oil and see if that helps (if, indeed, you do have a lifter that is a little "sticky").
Are you sure your SVX isn't just asking for a little attention from you? You haven't been keeping it outside at night, have you -- especially with that new luxury garage you have now
-Bill
Bill,
I have in fact added some of the upper cylinder lub, and it "seemed" to help some. But not enough to not take it in.

And yep, I use Mobil 1 and change it and the filter every 3-4K miles - over-kill, I know, but good insurance.

Nope, the SVX stays in the garage (I now have it about where I want it but wishing it was larger already). And my wife gives me a hard time these days 'cause I drive the truck rather than the SVX. But now that my warranty is about to run out, I'll be driving it more. Hard to believe that not quite four years ago, the SVX only had 9K on the clock. Sure am glad I don't do the commute thing any more. BTW, I watch the traffic report for the DC area from here in "the country" and think about you guys (briefly) having to drive in the madness .
Harry
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  #8  
Old 02-20-2004, 01:28 PM
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Harry, My cold engine tapping has gone away this winter since using 1/2 qt MMO with every oil change over the summer. I think the oil flow is very low in the hyd valve lashers and is a good place for gunk build up. I think the MMO cleaned it out. I have also heard from others that MMO is no good. So I have to wait and see................

There have also been some posts about an engine noise that sounds similar to a bad conn rod bearing coming from a NOT-new T-belt tensioner. But no one has any direct experience on this yet from what I have seen. I will not know for sure until the next T-belt change.
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  #9  
Old 02-20-2004, 02:26 PM
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