Probably a question that has been asked before, but is it normal for my MY98 to sound A BIT ROUGH before the engine heats up fully.
It sounds a bit like a diesel, or like my old beemer did before the drive shaft was changed.
Mileage is just a whisker under 60,000.

Any comments would be appreciated.

norry.

 

Had a similar sound to what i think yours is sounding, this noise stopped when engine was warm. Told my local subaru dealer when in for routine service, they added something called "top end" or "high end" to the engine oil.

This stops the tappets from sticking due to deposit build-up over time. Noise completely gone, just have to ask for the "top end" or "high end" (they'll now what it is called) when doing services..

hope this helps...
stu

 

It is very probably piston slap - the piston to bore clearance is a little great when the piston is cold so it sounds like a diesel. Common problem on 98s.

 

Does it sound like this?

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alan.leslie/piston%20slap%20(cold).mp3

Ritchie.

 

mine does the same . but its fine after a couple of mins. i know a few people have this problem.

 

Thanks for your comments, glad it's nothing too serious.

norry.

 

are you sure it isn't the timing belt tensioner??
This can make a similar sound, but if you listen closely you can pick up roughly where the noise is comming from.

"If" it seems to eminate from the passenger side "rear" of the engine, it could well be piston slap.

"If" it seems to be comming from the front of the engine, it may well be the tensioner.

Just a couple of quick pointers may help clear any fears or at least guide you.

 

Same on my MY98 - It's definately piston slap, but only lasts about 2-3minutes from cold and goes away completely.... My cars covered 65,000 miles now and still going strong... Don't think it's anything to worry about.....

 

Yep, can confirm its the same with mine..
Give it 5 mins and its quiet.

 

Definately sounds like piston slap from what you've described. Mine does the same (MY97), completley goes away when warm.

 

Yep, my MY98 does exactly the same.